Historic homes, a bustling Main Street and highly rated schools north of Boston
Less than 10 miles north of Boston, Melrose is a small city with a suburban feel, known for its nearby hospital, parks, ponds and a thriving local business community on Main Street. “Melrose is a very walkable community with a lot of open space and fast access to Boston by both car and train,” says Lauren Grymek, chief of staff to the office of Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis. The city has a long history, with buildings and businesses that date back over a century. MelroseWakefield Hospital has operated for over 100 years and is the site of the world’s first laser surgery. The hospital is a major employer in an area where healthcare, finance and professional and technical services are the most popular fields. Residential homes are distinguished by their historic Victorian and colonial-inspired architecture. Families who live here benefit from access to the highly rated Melrose School District. The Melrose Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1918 and is the oldest all-volunteer orchestra in the nation. The city's nearby golf courses, parks and conservation areas make it popular among those who work in Boston but prefer a quiet life next to nature.
Fully restored Queen Anne Victorian houses can cost around $2.1 million here in Melrose.
The old stone tunnel is a hidden gem in Melrose.
1/2
Historic shopping districts, big-box retailers and outlet malls
Main Street in Melrose comprises classic red brick buildings with a selection of modern shops and restaurants. “It's rumored that Main Street Melrose was the model for Main Street at Disney World. You won't want to miss locally famous Turner's Fish Market or our very own locally owned, Buckalew's General Store offering specialty gifts, liquor and local craft beer,” says Bill Butler, Realtor with Leading Edge Realty. Locally owned businesses are the norm around here, and Melrose’s downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, with decorative lampposts and Christmas lights on every tree during the holidays. “We’ve got a variety of restaurants and small businesses, specialty stores and pop-up shops during the holiday season,” Grymek says. “In the last year, Melrose just opened its first brewery.” Downtown restaurants include pastry shops, sushi restaurants, Mexican cantinas and classic American diners. Shaw’s is just 2 miles up the road and the Redstone Shopping Center is located in nearby Stoneham. Redstone is an open-air shopping complex with major retailers like Target and Marshalls.
Molly's Bookstore in Melrose has a great selection of books across various genres.
Sit at the bar next to the lobstar tank at Turner's Seafood Grill & Market in Melrose.
1/2
Fairs, festivals and community events in Melrose
The Melrose Chamber of Commerce sponsors several highly anticipated events throughout the year. The Summer Stroll is held each July in downtown Melrose. Main and Essex Streets are shut down to allow pedestrians to wander and discover the unique shops and eateries making up the town’s original shopping district. The annual Victorian Fair is a one-day festival in September that celebrates Melrose’s Victorian homes and history with live music and carnival rides. “Home for the Holidays is a city favorite especially for those with little kiddos,” Butler says. The weekend begins with a tree lighting at City Hall, followed by a parade down Main Street and a visit from Santa Claus. Also on the National Register of Historic Places is the Beebe Estate, which dates to around 1828 and was restored in the mid-1990s. “The Beebe Estate is a historical gem of Melrose, once owned by the Beebe family, and currently is one of the city's arts and events centers. Local artists show their work here on Saturdays, but it's also open to the public for private rentals,” Butler says. “Don't miss the Biergartens on the front lawn in the Summer and Fall open to the public as well!”
Turn-of-the-century homes with Victorian and colonial architecture
Neighborhoods are known for their Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets. Many homes were built before the 1940s and have historic elements and classic charm. “A former Summertime getaway for Bostonians during the turn of the century, Melrose is laden with exquisite Victorian architecture prevalent in those times,” Butler says. Though Melrose is less than 5 square miles in total area, the city has many residential communities, as well as hundreds of condo units and townhouses. The median price for a single-family home in Melrose is about $860,000, which is higher than in most surrounding areas except for Winchester. Condos and townhouses often range in value between $250,000 and $600,000, but there are a few million-dollar townhouse options.
Rows of Cape Cod homes greet neighborhoods in Melrose.
Large Queen Ann architecture is frequently seen in Melrose.
1/2
Melrose's greenbelt of natural areas, golf courses, parks and ponds
Melrose is home to a figurative greenbelt of golf courses, conservation land, parks, trails and ponds. This is because almost a third of the area has undeveloped land, leading to a natural, quiet atmosphere for residents who like getting out of Boston. Middlesex Fells Reservation has over 100 miles of mixed-use trails for all skill levels, and Ell Pond has a boat launch, fishing access, and several parks with sports courts, a community pool and the Melrose Dog Park. Golfers can check out Bellevue Golf Club, Mount Hood Golf Course or Cedar Glen Golf Course to the north. Several small neighborhood parks scattered throughout residential areas have playgrounds, benches and sports courts. Pine Banks Park is filled with hundreds of towering pines and cedars, a one-acre pond and an incredible variety of wildlife. There are also multiple athletic fields, a playground and a dog park.
Mount Hood Golf is a great way to spend the day in Melrose.
Relax on the Bone shape benches while Fideo plays at the Melrose Dog Park.
1/2
Highly Rated Melrose Public School District programs and nearby universities
For families looking to live in Melrose, it’s important to note the area’s highly rated schools and academic programs. Melrose Public Schools is graded an overall A-minus on Niche. The district has five elementary schools, four featuring A and A-minus ratings; Hoover Elementary has a B-plus. There's also the recently built Melrose Veterans’ Memorial Middle School and Melrose High School, which are both rated an A-minus. The high school has an impressive music program and offers exchange options and five world language courses. Melrose is also only a few miles from Tufts University, Harvard and Northeastern University.
Lincoln Elementary School is one of the 5 elementary schools in Melrose.
Melrose Middle School is neighbor to the High School on Lynn Fells Parkway.
1/2
Commuter buses, rail lines and highways to downtown Boston
Those who work in Boston can take the T Orange Line to reach downtown within around 20 minutes, depending on delays. Drivers have fast access to Interstate 93 and Route 1 and can reach the city in about the same amount of time. However, Route 1 has tolls, and both options can become congested by traffic. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority operates the city’s public transit options. There are also three fixed bus routes: 131, 132 and 137. The Council on Aging operates a curb-to-curb minibus service for Melrose residents aged 60 and over.
Environmental factors and crime
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, in 2023, Melrose’s violent crime and property crime rates were well below the state and national medians. Because of its ponds and waterways in undeveloped natural areas, several places in Melrose can experience flooding or water overflow during times of heavy rain. Winds off nearby Massachusetts Bay can cause damage to homes and trees in extreme cases.
Donald is committed to making every real estate transaction, whether buying or selling, a stress-free and enjoyable experience. He is a full-time, responsive agent that will keep you informed every step of the way. Whether you are buying or selling a home or just curious about the local market, I would love to offer my support and services. I am committed to understanding your needs, respecting your values, and exceeding your expectations! Born in Boston and Residing in Melrose, Donald is known for his deep knowledge of the local market, he combines expertise with a personalized approach, ensuring each client's unique needs are met. His Commitment to exceptional service, strong negotiation skills, and attention to detail have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the real estate industry. Whether working with first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, Donald's dedication and integrity ensure a smooth and successful transaction every time.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
