$895,243Average Value$273Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Established Melrose suburb close to Boston boasts a well-rounded lifestyle
The Melrose Highlands train station is central to the neighborhood, bisecting the Massachusetts hamlet in Melrose, 10 miles north of the heart of Boston. “Melrose is the only suburb of Boston with three different train stops within its borders,” says Realtor Donald Cranley of Century 21 Northeast, who grew up in the city. “So, it’s a good hub for transportation, but no highways run through Melrose, unlike other surrounding towns.” As Melrose’s northernmost and oldest neighborhood, Melrose Highlands has garnered a reputation for its established Victorian housing and lush setting close to parks and recreation, but residents mostly seek out the neighborhood for its proximity to Boston — commuters can take the Haverhill train line from the Melrose Highlands station into Boston in 20 minutes. “Melrose Highlands is close enough to Boston without actually being in the city,” Cranley says, adding that the hamlet’s walkability also allows connectivity to Downtown Melrose. Along with access to highly rated schools and a buzzy events calendar, Melrose Highlands offers a suburban haven that adds to its desirability. “The walkability, transportation, proximity to the outdoors, and to Boston and all of its events — it all adds to the community,” Cranley says.
Ornate Victorian homes common among a wide range of architecture styles
Shaded by a canopy of trees as established as the homes that line them, Melrose Highlands’ residential streets open to rows of stately single-family houses that range in architectural styles. While the neighborhood is known for its ornate Victorian homes, the housing market also includes charming bungalows, Cape Cods, colonial-style cottages and Richardsonian or Queen Anne styles. These can range in size from one bedroom to five bedrooms and are often framed by heavily used sidewalks, neatly landscaped front lawns and an occasional driveway, though street parking is common. Prices for real estate typically range from $600,000 to $1.7 million. Condos and townhouses are also available, costing between $235,000 and $665,000.
This magnificently crafted Victorian home in Melrose Highlands takes center stage, showcasing its intricate details and timeless charm that captivates all who pass by.
Bungelow homes in Melrose Highlands are the perfect blend of comfort and charm.
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Flanked by recreation, including Ell Pond and Middlesex Fells Reservation
Pocket parks, such as Warren Street Park, scattered around the residential neighborhood offer a corner of green space. Playgrounds and athletic fields attached to the local schools are also hotspots for recreation among kids. South of the neighborhood, Memorial Knoll and Melrose Dog Park provide outdoor spaces along Ell Pond. Locals take the lake trail with their canine companions, skaters hone their skills at the nearby Melrose Rotary Skate Park and recreationists enjoy the adjacent Crystal Street and Lyons Tennis Courts. One of the biggest recreational attractions of the greater Melrose area is its proximity to Middlesex Fells Reservation. “The reservation expands to Stoneham, Melrose and Winchester, so it’s a popular spot for year-round recreation,” Cranley says. The 2,575-acre natural area flanks the eastern part of the town, featuring bounteous hiking and biking trails, paddle boat launches into Spot Pond and a wide range of additional recreational opportunities.
The beauty of Ell Pond captivates the residents of the Melrose Highland area.
Go for a long hike with your dog at the Middlesex Fells Reservation near Melrose Highlands.
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Shopping and dining in Downtown Melrose, convenient options nearby seeing redevelopment
Most people head into Downtown Melrose for shopping and dining. “The Downtown District has a ton of thriving eateries, retail stores, wine stores and more,” Cranley says, adding that the area’s high walkability allows for easy access on foot. “Melrose is the size where you can walk to any other place in Melrose.” Melrose Highlands’ network of residential streets is framed by a few commercial thoroughfares, where locals can find a smattering of businesses and restaurants. At the Towers Plaza Shopping Center off Main Street, residents can get groceries at Whole Foods Market, pick up prescriptions at CVS and stop in for a bite at Liberty Bell, a mainstay since 1976 that serves classic American dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Cranely says that while current options close to home remain slim, the neighborhood plans to make an effort toward revitalization. “The shopping plazas in the Highlands are actually undergoing redevelopment,” Cranley says. “They’re building apartments with retail on the first floor, and several buildings are planned for the Highlands on Franklin Street.” Additional plans within the greater Melrose area have gotten positive reactions from residents, Cranley adds. “When I grew up, Melrose was still a dry town,” he notes. “They recently opened a brewery and a couple of wine shops, so they’re gradually catching up with the times.”
Smile and say hello to the rainbow giraffe that greets you outside Lilah Rose Toys near Melrose Highland.
La Qchara in Melrose Highlands has an eye-catching cafe area for customers to enjoy.
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Top-rated Melrose schools in the public and private sector
Melrose Highlands’ students may attend top-rated centrally located schools, including Roosevelt Elementary School, which earns an A from Niche. Melrose Middle School and Melrose High School are situated next to each other, and both receive A-minus grades. Serving just under 1,000 students, Melrose High School boasts a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 and ranks highly in the quality of both teachers and athletics. Private faith-based and Montessori schools are also options, including Greater Boston Academy and St. Joseph School, which both earn A-plus overall grades.
Roosevelt Elementary School in Melrose has an overall grade of A- on Niche.
Melrose High School is a highly rated school in the Melrose area.
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Victorian Fair is an annual Melrose tradition
While the community boasts a bustling social calendar for locals year-round, Cranley says the Victorian Fair is one of the area’s largest events. Every September, Main Street in the downtown district is closed off as vendors and carnival rides set up along the street. Live music surrounds festivalgoers as they enjoy food tents and various booths showcasing art, exhibits and more. Hosted by the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, the event is a celebration of the community’s past and nods to its Victorian-era homes.
Melrose Highlands train station, proximity to highways and the airport
Commuters benefit from the neighborhood’s central train station, and while no highways run through Melrose Highlands, locals are close to Interstate 93 to the west and U.S. Route 1 to the west. Both major thoroughfares connect drivers to Boston within 30 minutes in typical conditions. Boston Logan International Airport is located about 10 miles from Melrose Highlands.
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
Donald Cranley,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Melrose Dog Park
Dog Park
Spot Pond
Memorial Knoll
Dunton Park
Warren Street Park
Franklin Field
Ell Pond
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
20 min drive
Train
Melrose Highlands
Bus
Warren St & Melrose St
Bus
Walton Pk & Orris St
Bus
Franklin St & Greenwood St
Bus
Franklin St & Ashland St
Bus
Franklin St & Botolph St
Bus
Franklin St & Pratt St
Bus
Walton Pk & South Ave
Melrose Highlands Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Melrose Highlands, Melrose sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Melrose Highlands, Melrose over the last 12 months is $279,500, down 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy modern comfort in this well-maintained condo featuring an updated kitchen with ample space for cooking, stylish cabinetry, and a breakfast bar that opens to a bright and airy living and dining area. Custom built-in shelving adds charm and functionality, while sliders lead out to a private back deck—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The unit offers two comfortable bedrooms both with
Location, Location, Location! Welcome Home to this charming 8 room 4 bedroom 2 bath home on a corner lot across from Roosevelt public grade school and close to commuter rail station going to Boston. First floor has eat in cabinet kitchen, dining room and fireplaced living room as well as a full Bath ang large laundry room with washer and dryer to be left as gifts.2nd floor has 4 good sized
This 800 sq. ft. property located at 36 W Highland Ave features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The unit is on the first floor of a two family and includes parking. The living room provides ample space for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. A full bathroom is with tub and shower. Each bedroom offers sufficient space for personal belongings and comfortable living. Amenities
Enjoy modern comfort in this well-maintained condo featuring an updated kitchen with ample space for cooking, stylish cabinetry, and a breakfast bar that opens to a bright and airy living and dining area. Custom built-in shelving adds charm and functionality, while sliders lead out to a private back deck—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The unit offers two comfortable bedrooms both with
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Donald Cranley,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,466
Median Age
46
Population under 18
21.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$102,517
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$137,841
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
62%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.5%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
54/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
33/ 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.
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.
