Melrose,MA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Melrose, MA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Melrose, MA
Melrose, Massachusetts, is a charming city located just seven miles north of Boston, known for its strong community vibe and beautiful residential areas. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat close to the city, Melrose has a neighborhood that fits the bill. With a mix of historic homes, vibrant commercial streets, and green spaces, exploring the best neighborhoods in Melrose reveals a welcoming and diverse city with something for everyone. For those curious about the layout, a Melrose neighborhoods map is a handy tool to get your bearings and plan your visit or move.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
The neighborhoods in Melrose boast a diverse population, blending longtime residents with newcomers attracted by the city’s suburban charm and proximity to Boston. The community is largely family-oriented, with excellent public schools and community programs that draw many young families. You'll also find a growing number of professionals and retirees who appreciate the quiet, walkable neighborhoods like Melrose Highlands and Wyoming Hill. The city prides itself on inclusivity and a strong sense of civic engagement, which shows in neighborhood events and local initiatives.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Melrose’s neighborhoods each offer a unique lifestyle. For instance, the Melrose Center area is a lively hub with quaint shops, cozy cafes like The Urban Café, and restaurants such as Leaf on the Tree, perfect for food lovers. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Cedar Park provide a quieter, more residential feel with leafy streets and well-maintained parks. For those who appreciate outdoor activities, the nearby Melrose Common is a favorite gathering spot for picnics and local events. The city’s variety ensures that whether you seek a bustling social scene or a peaceful retreat, Melrose has you covered.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
When it comes to housing, Melrose offers a range of options from charming single-family homes and historic colonials to modern condos and apartments. Neighborhoods such as the Grove Street area feature beautiful Victorian-style houses, while areas near the commuter rail stations offer convenient, affordable condos appealing to commuters. The real estate market in Melrose tends to be competitive, reflecting its popularity and excellent quality of life. Checking a Melrose neighborhoods map can help prospective buyers identify areas that best match their budget and lifestyle preferences.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Each Melrose neighborhood carries its own personality shaped by history, architecture, and residents. For example, the Melrose Highlands neighborhood is known for its cozy, tight-knit community feel and historic charm, with landmarks like the Melrose Highlands Fire Station adding character. Meanwhile, the neighborhood around Franklin Street is vibrant and diverse, with a mix of shops and eateries that reflect the city’s evolving culture. These neighborhoods blend tradition with modern living, making Melrose a city that honors its roots while embracing new growth.
Melrose Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Hood | 38.3 | 41.5% | $691,663 | $155,692 | 4.5 |
| East Side | 44 | 33.7% | $720,912 | $153,875 | 4.9 |
| Oak Grove-Pine Banks | 40.4 | 31.8% | $626,400 | $128,352 | 5.1 |
| Wyoming | 41.1 | 28.6% | $606,380 | $115,364 | 5.2 |
| Cedar Park | 45.7 | 29.1% | $627,743 | $127,307 | 5.2 |
| Melrose Highlands | 44.3 | 30.1% | $705,000 | $145,169 | 5.4 |
| Downtown | 46.3 | 23.1% | $720,082 | $131,626 | 5.8 |
Melrose neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Melrose—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Melrose, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Melrose
| Crime |
Reported |
Melrose /100k |
MA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | 0.0 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | 13.4 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 26 | 87.3 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 30 | 101 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | 40.3 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 100 | 335.8 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 16 | 53.7 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 128 | 430 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 158 | 530 | 1,427 | 2,119 |