$934,565Average Value$498Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Written By
Shelby Sullivan
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maria DiPierro,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Melrose, MA sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Melrose, MA over the last 12 months is $875,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in one of Greenwoods FINEST NEIGHBORHOODS, this one's a HIDDEN GEM! Lovingly cared for featuring a FIRST FLOOR PRIMARY BEDROOM. Open concept family room, flowing into the kitchen, offers CATHEDRAL CEILINGS; a stunning 2 STORY- floor to ceiling, brick WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE and exterior access, just a step down to a private yard/patio. Truly the heart of this home! Kitchen, w/an abundance
Circa 1885 landmark "Painted Lady" beautifully preserved and updated for modern living. This home radiates character, with incredible woodwork, stained glass and parquet flooring. Details and charm abound! The main level offers an updated kitchen, spacious double parlors (one with a fireplace), along the front porch and a stunning dining room with a wood ceiling and French Doors leading to a rear
Opportunity awaits in sought-after Melrose! This classic two-family home features two bedrooms on the first floor and a second unit with three bedrooms, a small office, and two additional third-floor rooms. The home offers the space, layout, and flexibility today’s buyers are looking for—whether as an investment property or a place to build long-term value. High ceilings, large windows, and the
Located in one of Greenwoods FINEST NEIGHBORHOODS, this one's a HIDDEN GEM! Lovingly cared for featuring a FIRST FLOOR PRIMARY BEDROOM. Open concept family room, flowing into the kitchen, offers CATHEDRAL CEILINGS; a stunning 2 STORY- floor to ceiling, brick WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE and exterior access, just a step down to a private yard/patio. Truly the heart of this home! Kitchen, w/an abundance
Circa 1885 landmark "Painted Lady" beautifully preserved and updated for modern living. This home radiates character, with incredible woodwork, stained glass and parquet flooring. Details and charm abound! The main level offers an updated kitchen, spacious double parlors (one with a fireplace), along the front porch and a stunning dining room with a wood ceiling and French Doors leading to a rear
Be one of the first to own at Ell Pond Condominiums! Don’t miss your chance this one level 2 bed, 2.5 bath condominium in this beautifully renovated complex—completely gutted and rebuilt from the inside out! This thoughtfully designed unit offers a bright and open floor plan that seamlessly blends the living room, dining area, and state-of-the-art kitchen. The kitchen features quartz countertops,
Be one of the first to own at Ell Pond Condominiums! Don’t miss your chance to own one of just two townhouse-style condominiums in this beautifully renovated complex—completely gutted and rebuilt from the inside out! This thoughtfully designed unit offers a bright and open floor plan that seamlessly blends the living room, dining area, and state-of-the-art kitchen. The kitchen features quartz
Welcome to 7 West St — a beautifully updated home that combines modern upgrades, outdoor space, and a prime Melrose location. Set on an expansive 0.32-acre lot, this property offers a level of privacy and yard space that’s hard to find, giving you room to relax, garden, entertain, or simply enjoy the outdoors.Inside, the home has been thoughtfully refreshed with new flooring, updated paint, and a
Experience walkable downtown Melrose living at The Essex, with dining, shopping, and commuter access just steps away. This well-maintained 1-bedroom condo offers a smart and comfortable layout in a professionally renovated building updated in 2008. Interior features include hardwood floors throughout, stone countertops, designer lighting, central air, and a fully tiled bath with tub. Positioned
Discover this stunning to be built new-construction home featuring 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Boston skyline. Set on an expansive ~15,000 sq. ft. double lot, the plans offer exceptional space, privacy, and beauty. Thoughtfully placed windows throughout the home capture incredible skyline vistas and fill the interior with natural light. The generous side
Stephanie and Dina GroupBarrett Sotheby's International Realty
Opportunity awaits in sought-after Melrose! This classic two-family home features two bedrooms on the first floor and a second unit with three bedrooms, a small office, and two additional third-floor rooms. The home offers the space, layout, and flexibility today’s buyers are looking for—whether as an investment property or a place to build long-term value. High ceilings, large windows, and the
Melrose Redevelopment Potential! Close to downtown! Zoning states a Special Permit is needed to tear down and rebuild a mixed use building. (Variance not required unless developer chooses that path) A zoning analysis and parking layout shows you can fit 10-12 parking spots. Current FAR (2.0) allows up to 11,500sf building. Zoning also states a possibly bigger building (FAR 3.5/up to 20,000sf) and
Full survey and wetland delineation available! Live your dream and imagine the potential! 1 Mill Rd is a 3 1/2 acre parcel that is looking for its next owner to give it new life. Located in a private area that feels more like New Hampshire than Melrose this property could be the cornerstone of a single grand estate or do your own due diligence on alternate uses.
This two-family home is in excellent condition, just a short distance to commuter rail, park, public schools, shopping and more ... First floor unit five rooms, updated kitchen with in-unit washer/dryer, large dining area/room, livingroom and two bedrooms, currently leased through 8/31/26 at $2,600 per month ... Separate entrance second/third floor unit, currently leased at $2,700/mo through
Situated at 51 Albion St U:C9 in the distinguished city of Melrose, Massachusetts, United States, this condominium presents an enduring opportunity for refined urban living. Freshly painted and new USB outlets. This residence offers a well-conceived space, designed for those who appreciate efficiency combined with comfort in an established community setting. Encompassing 533 square feet of
Welcome to Towne Estates in Melrose, MA! Our well-maintained community offers one- and two-bedroom apartments all including a full-size kitchen with refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal and additional storage. Heat, hot water, and gas for cooking are all included in your rent. Take advantage of the onsite laundry facilities. clubhouse, basketball court, playground, and bike storage.
A highly anticipated addition to the vibrant Melrose community. This newly constructed 2 bed, 2 bath luxury unit offers an unparalleled living experience with stunning architectural design, spacious floor plan, and premium finishes. Located in a prime Melrose location, The Ella is just steps away from an array of local shops, trendy restaurants, fitness centers, and Whole Foods, making it a hub
Sunny, Deleaded, 2 Bedroom Available now. Updated Kitchen with Dishwasher, Disposal and Microwave .Updated Bath as well !!. Hardwood Floors Throughout. Heat, Hot Water, Parking, and Storage Included. Laundry in the Building. Walk to Shops, Restaurants and Everything Melrose has to Offer. Steps to the Commuter Rail !! Sorry No Pets unless applicable by law. 1 Assigned parking spot. Municipal lot
Conveniently located just minutes from Boston. Emerson Arms offers two-bedroom apartments styled with care. Our floor plans feature modern design, shaker cabinets, stone countertops, ceramic tile and stainless-steel appliances. Each apartment includes its own storage unit, and each building has its own laundry room. Call or email to schedule your tour today. Virtual appointments are available.
Beautiful two-level townhouse-style unit featuring hardwood floors throughout, three bedrooms, one bathroom, a bright eat-in kitchen, a spacious living room, a formal dining room, a private deck, a private patio/yard, and a dedicated two-car driveway. The basement offers ample storage and convenient washer/dryer hookups, with even more storage available in the attic. With your own two-car
Office hours are by appointment only. Contact our leasing team today. The beauty of nature, the excitement of the city - all within close proximity. At The Washingtons, we've designed every space to meet your needs. Head outside to our rooftop deck, fire-pits, grilling stations, and courtyards or head on in to one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers or to our resident lounge for billiards and
Sunny five room apartment in a very quiet 1890's Victorian home on the East Side of Melrose. Includes large bright living room, two bedrooms, 1 which can be used for private office for those that work remotely and another small room that can be used for storage, white cabinet kitchen, large full bathroom. Two car on site parking is provided with one car in garage and a second space tandem in
Really cool apartment with unique layout and tons of space. Fresh paint, shining hardwood floors, many closets and storage nooks, extra large dining area, and off street parking included! Both bedroom has HUGE closets. On a tree lined street in Melrose with easy access to the commuter rail and a vibrant town center + the Middlesex Fells and 93 are close by. Heat and hot water is included. Coin op
This newly renovated, beautiful, and spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom apartment is located very close to downtown Melrose and the commuter rail. The home features hardwood floors throughout, a mudroom, a recently updated kitchen with a kitchen island and modern appliances. Additional highlights include two large bedrooms, recently updated bathrooms, two-car parking, and an amazing private
Fast & Easy online application, approval, and leasing.One and two-bedroom apartments Downtown Melrose locationAdjacent to the commuter rail train for a quick 15-min ride into North Station. Washer and dryer in every apartmentCovered parking availablePet friendly Open concept floor-plans with high ceilingsWalk-in closets, master baths and study rooms
Prime downtown living steps from the commuter rail. This 418 sq ft studio puts you in the heart of Melrose's vibrant core. Updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. One parking spot included. Restaurants, shops, and the YMCA are all within a block. The Wyoming Commuter Rail Stop sits just one block away, connecting you instantly to the region. Ideal for
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