Melrose 89 Exceptional
Melrose Livability #3 ranked city in Massachusetts#121 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Melrose

PROS
  • Amenities 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 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 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

What's it like Living in Melrose?

Melrose is a mid-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 29,146 people. Melrose has a population density of 6,224 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Melrose residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. An important consideration when living in Melrose is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 37 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Melrose is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Massachusetts, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Melrose and in the areas around Melrose is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Melrose has received a livability score of 90 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 99th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Melrose would be considered a very livable city! Melrose has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Melrose has received high marks for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Melrose does not rank well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Melrose has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Melrose has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 101 crimes per 100,000 residents, Melrose has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Melrose, the average school test scores reached an impressive 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Melrose an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Melrose can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Melrose real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Melrose. The median home price for Melrose homes is $1,099,234, which is 76.1% 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 6.3, which is 6.8% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Melrose

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      Melrose transportation information

      Statistic Melrose Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute37min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work56.9%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.2%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit23.2%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.7%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home10.8%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Melrose, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.