Melrose Highlands, Melrose,MA

Melrose Highlands, situated in the northwest part of Melrose, MA, offers a charming blend of suburban comfort and vibrant community life that makes it a wonderful place to call home. This neighborhood is known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful tree-lined streets, ideal for families and individuals looking for a peaceful yet engaging environment. One of the standout features of Melrose Highlands is its convenient access to the Melrose Highlands Station, a commuter rail stop that connects residents to Boston’s downtown area in just about 20 minutes, making it a perfect spot for those who work in the city but prefer the tranquility of suburban living.

For those moving to Melrose Highlands, there’s plenty to enjoy right in the neighborhood and nearby. The area boasts several well-maintained parks and recreational spaces, including the serene Ell Pond and the expansive Pine Banks Park, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The local dining scene is inviting, with cozy cafes and family-friendly restaurants sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, providing great options for casual meals or weekend brunches. Additionally, the community hosts seasonal events and farmers’ markets, creating a strong sense of community and giving newcomers a chance to quickly feel at home.

Despite its calm, residential vibe, Melrose Highlands is just a short drive or train ride from Downtown Melrose, where residents can explore additional shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The downtown area features charming boutiques, local theaters, and a variety of eateries, perfect for weekend outings or evening entertainment. For families, the neighborhood is served by well-regarded public schools, adding to its appeal for those relocating with children. All in all, Melrose Highlands combines the best of suburban living with easy access to urban conveniences, making it a fantastic choice for anyone moving to the Melrose area.

In Melrose Highlands, 30% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 30% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Melrose Highlands demographic details provide a clearer picture of what life is like in the neighborhood, offering insight into its character, community, and overall lifestyle. With a population of 5,020, the number of residents who reside in Melrose Highlands is about average in size compared to other Melrose neighborhoods, striking a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. It’s large enough to offer plenty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant local scene, yet small enough to maintain a welcoming community feel and a more relaxed pace of life.

Melrose Highlands has a population density of 4,833, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Melrose neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 44, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Melrose Highlands crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In Melrose Highlands, home prices come in around $705,000, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in Melrose Highlands can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $2,220, rental rates in Melrose Highlands are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

School ratings in Melrose Highlands combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Melrose Highlands can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.