Melrose is a small community with big lots in Southwest Oregon
Melrose is a rural community west of the South Umpqua River and 7 miles from downtown Roseburg, the nearest city in Oregon. “Melrose is a desirable area. It’s popular because it has rural properties with lots of acreage,” says Emily Volk, a Realtor with Karen Volk Realty, who has been selling homes in the area for over two decades. “A lot of people who move here want a home with a little space around it, at least 5 to 10 acres.” It’s an area where the only store in town is closed by 9 p.m., and people find entertainment at the one movie theater that’s 4 miles away, and a bowling alley that’s 8 miles away. The neighborhood has a well-regarded namesake school—Melrose Elementary—which attracts families, according to Neil Hummel, Broker/Owner of Neil Co. Real Estate who grew up in the Roseburg area. He says since the area is so open, there’s little to no traffic. “You can get anywhere in about ten minutes,” Hummel says.
Farmhouses with lots of acreage at $550,000
Potential homebuyers will find Contemporary-style farmhouses ranging from $550,000 to $650,000. Homes have lots of acreage between them and no sidewalks, so it’s a long journey to reach neighbors. Properties are also typically surrounded by tall red maples and purple plum trees. While the wilderness offers natural scenic views and fresh air, it also causes a moderate risk of forest fires in Melrose. The Oregon State Fire Marshall advises contractors to build homes farther away from the forests and suggests homeowners use metal roofs, which aren’t receptive to embers.
Fuel up at Melrose Country Store
Melrose Country Store is the quick convenience store option in the neighborhood, and it also has a gas station. Berry Patch on Old Melrose Road has locally grown items such as fresh flowers and hand-picked produce. There are many supermarket options nearby in Roseburg, such as Walmart, Grocery Outlet and Sherm’s Thunderbird Market. Pete's Drive-In is a small, colorful eatery that sells American dishes like burgers, fries, fried fish and large soft-serve ice cream. Pete’s offers only outdoor seating and limited parking, but it’s open every day except Sunday. For a sit-down experience, Brix Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a cocktail, beer and wine menu.
Recreational spots in Melrose
River Forks Park is a large green space with two playgrounds and a pavilion area. It also has a boat ramp to access the South Umpqua River. People also fish and kayak here during the warmer months. Singleton Park has many walking and biking trails and a disc golf course. Instead of a playground, there’s an old train for playing and climbing. The private Roseburg Country Club has 9- and 18-hole courses and membership events, while the Roseburg Municipal Golf Course is a public course.
School pathways run from Melrose Elementary to high school
Kids can attend Melrose Elementary School, which earns a B-plus on Niche, before moving onto John C. Fremont Middle School, which receives a B-minus and has a well-regarded band program. Students may advance to the B-rated Roseburg High School, which has its own greenhouse and has plant sales in May. Melrose Christian School is the nearest private school and teaches middle through high school grade levels. For a full K-12 private experience, children can attend Geneva Academy.
Wineries, local entertainment and annual festivals nearby
Much of the land near Melrose is dedicated to wineries and tasting rooms, which include Melrose Vineyards, Delfino and Oran Mor Artisan Mead. People also spend their free time at Roseburg Cinemas, the local theater, or TenDown Bowling and Entertainment, a bowling alley that also has an arcade. Downtown Roseburg hosts annual events such as Graffiti Weekend, an annual car show in July, Music On The Half Shell, a six-week summer concert series and Umpqua Valley Summer Arts Festival, which includes over 100 art vendors, a food court and live music at the end of June. The Douglas County Fair is also a popular event that occurs in August and offers fairgoers carnival rides and snacks such as fried Oreos and popcorn.
Melrose Road is the way to go
People use Melrose Road, the main road in town, to get around and reach work in downtown Roseburg. There is no public transport available in Melrose. While Roseburg Regional Airport is closest, people travel three hours to Portland International Airport for most flights.
