Section Image

Downtown Melrose

Downtown Melrose

$794,130 Average Value
$212 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale
Among the many homes in Downtown Melrose, the main street is filled with shops.
Among the many homes in Downtown Melrose, the main street is filled with shops.

The busy downtown core of Melrose

Less than 10 miles from Boston's core, the Downtown Melrose community is a busy little area. Melrose sets itself apart by replacing national chains and towering skyscrapers with local businesses and a mix of multi-unit and single-family houses. Much of the excitement of downtown can be found on Main Street, with dozens of restaurants and local boutiques, many of which have undergone changes since the city stopped being a dry community in 2009. Just a short walk from the main stretch, residents can find a number of green spaces, as well as several routes to get to Boston. “It really is the nucleus of the city,” says Lauren Grymek, the Chief of Staff of Melrose City Hall and 12-year Melrose resident. “There is always something going on, and as soon as you hit Main Street, you are just a short walk from all sorts of local shops and restaurants.”

Buy fresh cuts of fish from Turner's Seafood Grill & Market in Melrose.
Buy fresh cuts of fish from Turner's Seafood Grill & Market in Melrose.

Established seafood and Italian options along Main Street

Turner’s Seafood, one of the older downtown spots, just celebrated 30 years of fresh fish and daily specials. Turner’s also provides wholesale fish to restaurants and residents. For Italian dishes, patrons can head to Giacomo's, just a block away, which serves large portions and offers plenty of wine and cocktail options. “You can always bounce around from place to place on Main Street and find something you’ll like,” Grymek says. She also notes that Melrose's first brewery, Hannah's Brewing Co., opened in 2024, an interesting achievement for a formerly dry town. Nearby grocery options include Shaw's and Whole Foods. Residents can also stop by the Melrose Farmers’ Market every Thursday afternoon in Cedar Park.

Fish are bitting at Ell Pond in Downtown Melrose.
Fish are bitting at Ell Pond in Downtown Melrose.

Relaxing and excitement on either side of Ell Pond

Ell Pond is a serene area where residents can be seen watching the swans when they visit seasonally. On the other side, an area known as The Knoll offers a skatepark, a public pool and multiple sports fields. The Knoll is also home to a dog park and a veterans memorial. Less than a mile from downtown, locals can find the Middlesex Fells Reservation, which is home to over 2,200 acres of trails, picnic areas and waterfront access. Stone Zoo, in addition to its animal exhibits, hosts several events including the twinkling Zoo Lights in the winter and adults-only nights where friends can meet up for beer and cocktails.

Turner’s Seafood Grill & Market in Downtown Melrose is a popular place for fresh seafood.
Turner’s Seafood Grill & Market in Downtown Melrose is a popular place for fresh seafood.

Walkable streets and two commuter rail stations

The transportation options in Downtown Melrose have been a big part of the community’s growth over the years. Interstate 93 is less than 4 miles west of the neighborhood, streamlining the 10-mile commute into Boston. Public transportation is also readily available at two commuter rail stations, the Melrose/Cedar Park and Wyoming Hill stations. “People walk around for more than just getting to work, with people walking to local shops and students walking to school as there are no school buses in the city,” Grymek says. MelroseWakefield Hospital is less than a mile from the community, and Boston Logan International Airport is 11 miles away.

Older multifamily and single-family Melrose housing options

Closer to the center of Downtown Melrose, residents can find several mid-20th century apartments and condos alongside older homes that have been split into multi-unit properties. Along the edges of downtown, single-family homes begin popping up, with smaller Cape Cod and larger New Englander-inspired residences from the late 1800s and early 1900s making up much of the area. “There is a very interesting fabric of homes in Melrose,” Grymek says. “You have older Victorian homes from the 1900s, close to 70 unit apartments built within the last 5 years; it all depends on the market and who keeps coming to the city.” Prices for condos and multi-unit homes can range between $350,000 and $700,000, and single-family homes can cost from $600,000 to $1.2 Million.

Colonial homes that are well maintained are found in Downtown Melrose.
Colonial homes that are well maintained are found in Downtown Melrose.
Historical homes dating back many years are a staple of the houses in Downtown Melrose.
Historical homes dating back many years are a staple of the houses in Downtown Melrose.
1/2

Extracurricular options in Melrose public schools

Students can begin at Lincoln Elementary School, which receives an A-minus rating on Niche. Students can then continue to Melrose Middle School, which also earns an A-minus rating. Students can then head to the A-minus-rated Melrose High School. The school is well known for its extracurriculars, including an award-winning band and a competitive robotics team.

The Lincoln Elementary School is a public affiliated K-5 school located in Melrose, MA.
The Lincoln Elementary School is a public affiliated K-5 school located in Melrose, MA.
Melrose Middle School is located in Melrose, MA.
Melrose Middle School is located in Melrose, MA.
1/2

Holiday festivals and community fairs along Main Street

Home for the Holidays is a popular winter event in Downtown Melrose. During this three-day event, the whole city is transformed into a holiday extravaganza with carolers, specials at various shops along Main Street and visits with Santa. Also along Main Street, locals can attend the Victorian Fair in September, which has been going on for over 43 years and includes carnival rides, food vendors and showcases from numerous Melrose businesses and organizations to celebrate the city.

The judges are very thorough at the Annual Dog Halloween Costume Contest.
The judges are very thorough at the Annual Dog Halloween Costume Contest.
Locals of Downtown Melrose enjoy shopping for fresh produce at the Melrose Farmers’ Market.
Locals of Downtown Melrose enjoy shopping for fresh produce at the Melrose Farmers’ Market.
1/2
Braxton Puentes
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Amanda Beattie
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Scott Wiggins
Video By
Scott Wiggins

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to ZhiChao Chen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

18 min drive

Train

Melrose/Cedar Park

Bus

Grove St & Walnut St

Bus

Main St & Essex St

Bus

Main St & Lebanon St

Bus

Main St & E Emerson St

Bus

Grove St & Main St

Bus

Main St & W Foster St - Melrose Sq

Bus

Grove St Opp Linwood Ave

Downtown Melrose Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$378,000
Median Sale Price
$241,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$375,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-56%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$212

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
457
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,813
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,791
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,062
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
703
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1:30 - 2:30pm

    8 Crystal St Unit 3, Melrose, MA 02176

    $799,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 930 Sq Ft
    • 8 Crystal St
    • Unit 3

    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

    John Bulman Brad Hutchinson Real Estate

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1:30 - 2:30pm

    8 Crystal St Unit 2, Melrose, MA 02176

    $739,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 955 Sq Ft
    • 8 Crystal St
    • Unit 2

    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

    John Bulman Brad Hutchinson Real Estate

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to ZhiChao Chen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,331
Median Age
43
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$101,529
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$126,967

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.3%
College Graduates
62.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
32.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

93 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

35 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Downtown Melrose neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Melrose
ZhiChao Chen
Space Realty
Section Image