Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Melrose, MA
Thinking about moving to Melrose, MA? With a population around 29,400, Melrose offers a suburban feel just minutes from Boston, plus top-rated schools and a median home price of $715,000. Residents enjoy low crime rates (violent crime just 74 per 100K people), short commutes averaging 31.5 minutes, and a strong community with high educational attainment—over 61% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, excellent public transport access, and four-season climate make Melrose a standout choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Melrose, MA
Demographics - Melrose, MA
Melrose, MA is a vibrant suburban community of about 29,400 residents, characterized by a high population density and a median age of 41.2 years. The city has a predominantly White population, with a blend of Asian, Black, and other backgrounds, and over 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and diverse cultural makeup contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
29,400
Density:
6,340 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.4%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
6.4%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Melrose, MA?
Living in Melrose comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $715,000 and typical monthly rents around $2,100. Utilities and healthcare costs are above national averages, and the overall cost of living index sits at 144.0, making Melrose best suited for those seeking amenities and proximity to Boston. State income tax rates range from 5% to 9%, and daily expenses like groceries and transportation are also somewhat elevated.
Median House Value:
$715,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,525
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,960
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
144.0
Grocery:
117.0
Housing:
178.0
Utilities:
114.0
Transportation:
109.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Melrose, MA a safe place to live?
Melrose is considered a safe city, with a low violent crime rate of 74 incidents per 100,000 people and favorable odds of 1 in 1,350 for experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also lower than many urban areas, with a rate of 623 per 100,000. These statistics make Melrose an appealing choice for families and individuals looking for a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
74
Property Crimes Per 100k:
623
Crime Index:
697
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,350
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 160
Weather
What is the weather like in Melrose, MA year-round?
Melrose experiences all four seasons, with cold winters (lows around 20°F) and warm summers (highs up to 83°F). The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. This seasonal variety offers residents opportunities for a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Melrose benefit from a strong local economy, with a median household income of $120,900 and a low poverty rate of 4%. The area is well-educated—over 61% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree—and unemployment remains low at 3.3%. Commute times average about 31.5 minutes, and nearly 17% of residents use public transportation for work.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$120,900
Family Income:
$144,500
Per Capita Income:
$55,100
Income Male:
$65,100
Income Female:
$50,700
Poverty Rate:
4.0%
Non English Speakers:
10.6%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
17.2%
Commute Time:
31.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
61.7%
Education
How are the schools in Melrose, MA?
Melrose boasts highly regarded public and private schools, such as Melrose High School and St. Mary of the Annunciation School, offering low student-to-teacher ratios and a range of educational opportunities. The city is also conveniently located near top colleges like Tufts University and Suffolk University, both within 10 miles. High educational attainment among residents reflects the city’s commitment to lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Melrose High School
Street:
360 Lynn Fells Parkway
Phone:
781-979-2200
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Hoover Elementary School
Street:
37 Glendower Rd
Phone:
781-979-2180
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary of the Annunciation School
Street:
4 Myrtle St
Phone:
781-665-5037
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Tufts University
City:
Medford
State:
MA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
Suffolk University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
7,100
Healthcare
Melrose offers excellent healthcare access, anchored by MelroseWakefield Hospital and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people. Nearly all residents have health insurance coverage, and the healthcare index is notably strong at 80.2. This robust infrastructure ensures quality medical care and peace of mind for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MelroseWakefield Hospital
Address:
585 Lebanon St, Melrose, MA 02176
Phone:
(781) 979-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.0%
Health Care Index:
80.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Melrose, MA?
The Melrose housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $715,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,100. Approximately two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a healthy 7.2% one-year appreciation rate. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate stable demand and a favorable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$715,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Melrose residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the closest major office located in Boston. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and title services, and information is available both in-person and online. The DMV provides essential support for all transportation and licensing needs in the area.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.