Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Located in the state of Massachusetts, Melrose is a medium-sized city with a population of 28,054 inhabitants. With a population density of 5,990 people per square mile, Melrose is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (83% White). Given that fact, Melrose could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Melrose entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 37 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Melrose, Massachusetts could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Melrose and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Melrose to Massachusetts and the national average.
Melrose, MA receives 89 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #3 in Massachusetts and #67 in the USA. Clearly, Melrose is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Melrose also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Melrose ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A). Unfortunately for Melrose, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).
If you're considering living in Melrose, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Melrose provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Melrose shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 59 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Melrose schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Melrose an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Melrose has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Melrose is actually affordable. The median home price for Melrose homes is $599,600, which is 75.8% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Melrose, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 8.3% higher than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Melrose | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 37min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 56.9% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.2% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 23.2% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.7% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.8% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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