$937,068Average Value$494Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes 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
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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 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Melrose, MA over the last 12 months is $885,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this charming, sun-drenched corner unit within the meticulously managed Melrose Towers. This updated condo features two bedrooms and two renovated full bathrooms, with luxury vinyl flooring and fresh paint throughout. The kitchen is equipped with new stainless-steel appliances, garbage disposal, quartz countertops, cherry cabinetry, complemented by a separate eat-in area.
This beautifully updated single family home blends modern comfort with classic charm. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and a dedicated home office, it offers the flexibility today’s lifestyle demands—perfect for remote work or creative space. The bright, open living area showcases elegant finishes, including hardwood floors, detailed ceiling moldings, and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen
Nothing to do but move in! Completely rehabbed colonial in the Mt Hood Golf area featuring 3 beds and 2 baths. Open concept 1st floor featuring new kitchen with quartz counters, oversized island with waterfall edging, wine fridge and stainless appliances. New solid oak hardwood flooring throughout. 1st floor laundry. Fresh paint throughout. Shiplap entertainment center with Wi-Fi TV and electric
Welcome home to this charming, sun-drenched corner unit within the meticulously managed Melrose Towers. This updated condo features two bedrooms and two renovated full bathrooms, with luxury vinyl flooring and fresh paint throughout. The kitchen is equipped with new stainless-steel appliances, garbage disposal, quartz countertops, cherry cabinetry, complemented by a separate eat-in area.
This beautifully updated single family home blends modern comfort with classic charm. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and a dedicated home office, it offers the flexibility today’s lifestyle demands—perfect for remote work or creative space. The bright, open living area showcases elegant finishes, including hardwood floors, detailed ceiling moldings, and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen
Nothing to do but move in! Completely rehabbed colonial in the Mt Hood Golf area featuring 3 beds and 2 baths. Open concept 1st floor featuring new kitchen with quartz counters, oversized island with waterfall edging, wine fridge and stainless appliances. New solid oak hardwood flooring throughout. 1st floor laundry. Fresh paint throughout. Shiplap entertainment center with Wi-Fi TV and electric
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 this exceptional 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home nestled in the highly sought-after Bellevue neighborhood, where timeless charm meets modern comfort. Set on a desirable corner lot, this renovated colonial offers an inviting front porch perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout enhanced by elegant crown molding & abundant
Welcome to Melrose Towers! This spacious corner-unit offers an open and inviting layout featuring a large living and dining area that lead to a private balcony — perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The convenient galley kitchen includes a charming breakfast nook overlooking the greens of Franklin Field. The unit features two generously sized bedrooms, both with walk-in closets, including a
The DiPietro and Bekkenhuis GroupLAER Realty Partners
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
In the core of Russell Park, spectacular Queen Anne Victorian on corner lot offers fully restored 5 BR/2.5Bth. Hilltop setting, 4000 sf, .26 acre lot, ADU expansion possibility. 4-min walk to Wyoming Hill commuter line, 15-min. walk to Oak Grove T-station. 3-levels of magnificent living space w/8-ft.ceilings, French doors, sliding pocket doors, new windows, oversize deck. Impressive living rm.
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
Welcome to 16 Sanford Street, a well-maintained unit that was renovated and converted to condominiums in 2016. This two-bedroom, one-bathroom home offers a single-floor living space. The generously sized kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a utility closet, laundry in the pantry, original tin ceiling and modern industrial lighting fixtures. The living room
Andrea BonaccorsoColdwell Banker Realty - Cambridge
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
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! 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 laundry on site. Tons of charm
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.
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
Location, location location! Melrose Manor is less than a mile from Main Street Melrose where there are great local restaurants and stores. Even closer is the commuter rail, where getting into Boston takes around 20 minutes. The building itself is quiet, with three floors of spacious apartments ranging from studios to two bedrooms. Assigned parking is available in our maintained parking lot less
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
1 Bedroom1 BathroomParking: No Parking.Utilities: Heat and Hot Water Included. Laundry: Coin-op in Building.Availability: Now!Cozy apartment located in Melrose. This is steps to Melrose Center and right next to the Commuter Rail at Wyoming Hill Station. This is a third floor unit and gets lots of natural light. Features Include: Hard wood floors through out, good
Property Id: 2410693Not de-leaded. No smoking. Rent by owner. Limit of 1 cat. No dog. Rent is $3100/month. Give deposit of $3100 when signing the lease and first month of $3100 before move-in. Available now.Unit is freshly painted. Consists of 2 floors of the house with 3 bedrooms with 1 bath, kitchen, living room, dining room, front porch, back porch, and 2 assigned
1 Bedroom1 BathroomParking: No Parking.Utilities: Heat and Hot Water Included. Laundry: Coin-op in Building.Availability: NOW!Cozy apartment located in Melrose. This is steps to Melrose Center and right next to the Commuter Rail at Wyoming Hill Station. This is a first floor unit and gets lots of natural light. Features Include: Hard wood floors through out, good
Property Id: 11627023 bedrooms, Living room, dining room, Kitchen, Laundry Room, Central air. Close to public transportation, MBTA bus within a block, shopping, restaurants, Whole Foods, Dunk-in Donuts, Public schools, tennis courts, parks, El Pond . First and last months rent, Renters Insurance is required, 2 onsite parking spaces. Laundry room with hook ups.Please PLEASE DO NOT
LOCATION IS KEY! Located a four minute walk to the commuter rail and seven minutes to Main St with tons of shops and restaurants this well maintained home has a lot to offer. Door to door to N.Station in 20 mins, five minutes to I-93! Efficient heating system. Recently renovated kitchen with granite countertops, dishwasher, disposal and ceiling fan, one covered parking spot included, large
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