Is Melrose Safe, Pros and cons of living in Melrose

Melrose, Massachusetts, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded place to call home. Nestled just north of Boston, this charming city provides a peaceful residential environment while remaining conveniently close to the cultural and economic hub of the larger metropolitan area. Its well-established neighborhoods, community-focused atmosphere, and access to amenities contribute to its appeal.

The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the development of the Greater Boston region, evolving from its early settlement in 1628 to its incorporation as a city in 1900. This rich past is evident in its architecture and community spirit. Melrose has cultivated a reputation as a desirable place to live, balancing its historical roots with modern conveniences and a forward-looking approach to community development.

Is it Safe to Live in Melrose?

Melrose is widely considered a very safe place to live, boasting crime rates significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The city’s overall crime rate is approximately 75% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This impressive safety record is supported by exceptionally low rates of violent crime, with incidents at 72% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes and Niche). Property crimes also see a substantial reduction, being 75.6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

These statistics translate to a low probability of becoming a victim of crime in Melrose, with an estimated 1 in 189 chance (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). All analyzed neighborhoods in Melrose have received high safety grades, with 100% classified as safe (A or B) (as reported by DoorProfit). This comprehensive safety profile makes Melrose an appealing choice for individuals and families prioritizing a secure living environment.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

The cost of living in Melrose is notably higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant contributing factor. Overall living costs in Melrose are approximately 36% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses alone are about 84% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

The median listing price for homes in Melrose hovers around $774,900 (as reported by Realtor.com and Movoto). More recently, the median sale price of a home in Melrose was $883,000 in March 2026, marking a 10.4% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median home value is estimated at $748,392 (as reported by Livability.com).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Melrose’s rental market also reflects its higher cost of living. The average rent in Melrose is approximately $2,417 per month (as reported by Zillow), which is about 20.85% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). Other reports indicate an average rent of $2,658 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $2,658 per month and two-bedroom apartments around $3,211 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

The median rental price is reported as $2.8K per month (as reported by Realtor.com). To comfortably afford rent in Melrose, an annual salary of around $106,320 is suggested, based on the guideline of not exceeding 30% of monthly income for rent (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Melrose’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, reflecting its status as a well-established suburban community within the Greater Boston area. While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the city benefits from its proximity to Boston, which hosts a vast array of industries and companies. The presence of local businesses and services also contributes significantly to the employment landscape.

The city government itself is an employer, with an average annual salary for its employees around $84,172 (as reported by City Of Melrose, Massachusetts). This indicates a stable local government sector that provides employment opportunities within the community.

Employment and Salaries

The employment rate in Melrose is robust, currently standing at 96.77% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This high employment rate suggests a healthy job market for residents. The average annual salary in Melrose is approximately $59,051, or about $28.39 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Another source indicates the average salary for jobs in Melrose to be $78,978 per year, or $38 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Salaries typically range between $39,202 and $77,878 annually, with top-paying jobs including Software Engineer and Registered Nurse (as reported by ZipRecruiter and ERI SalaryExpert).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Melrose has remained relatively stable, with a reported rate of 4.2% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). This figure is consistent with broader trends in Massachusetts, where the unemployment rate was 4.7% in April 2015 (as reported by Patch). The state’s unemployment rate has historically stayed lower than the national average (as reported by YCharts and Patch).

The employment rate of 96.77% indicates that the vast majority of the working-age population in Melrose is employed. Neighborhoods within Melrose generally exhibit low unemployment rates, with many areas falling into the 0-5% range (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Seasons

Melrose experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average daily high temperatures above 72°F from June to September, and July being the hottest month with highs around 81°F (as reported by Weatherspark). Winters are cold and snowy, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F from December to March, and January being the coldest month with lows around 22°F (as reported by Weatherspark).

The temperature typically varies between 21°F and 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Weatherspark). Spring and autumn offer milder, though sometimes unpredictable, weather conditions.

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

Annual precipitation in Melrose averages around 49 inches, with snowfall averaging 53 inches (as reported by Plantmaps). October typically sees the most rainfall, with about 3.9 inches, while January receives the least, around 2.1 inches (as reported by Weatherspark). The wet season generally lasts from November to August, with June experiencing the most days with precipitation (as reported by Weatherspark).

The city experiences seasonal variations in cloud cover, with September being the clearest month and May being the cloudiest (as reported by Weatherspark). The average annual temperature range is from 18°F to 83°F (as reported by Plantmaps).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Melrose Public Schools have received strong ratings, contributing to the city’s appeal for families. The district earned an overall grade of A from Niche, with specific commendations for academics, teachers, college prep, and administration (as reported by Patch). Niche ranked Melrose as the 53rd best school district out of 219 in Massachusetts (as reported by Patch).

Public schools in Melrose demonstrate strong performance, with an average math proficiency score of 60% and a reading proficiency score of 63%, both exceeding the Massachusetts state averages (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s graduation rate is high, at 97% (as reported by Public School Review).

Population and Demographics

As of 2024, Melrose has a population of approximately 29,700 to 30,000 residents (as reported by Data USA, Data Commons, and Plantmaps). The population is relatively stable, with a slight annual growth rate (as reported by Melrose Population 2026). The median age in Melrose is around 43.6 years (as reported by Data Commons and Melrose Population 2026).

The racial composition of Melrose is predominantly White, making up about 77% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 11% (as reported by Melrose Demographics and Statistics and Melrose Population 2026). Approximately 17.6% of residents were born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Melrose

Pros

Melrose offers a high level of safety, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages (as reported by AreaVibes and DoorProfit). The city boasts excellent public schools, consistently ranking among the top in Massachusetts (as reported by Patch and Public School Review). Its proximity to Boston provides convenient access to employment opportunities, cultural attractions, and a major metropolitan hub.

Residents can enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to green spaces and community events, while still being a short commute from the city. The median household income is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a strong economic base (as reported by Census Reporter).

Cons

The primary drawback of living in Melrose is its high cost of living, particularly concerning housing expenses, which are substantially above the national average (as reported by Payscale and Zillow). Renting in Melrose is also expensive, requiring a considerable portion of one’s income.

While generally safe, some property crimes do occur, and like any urban-adjacent area, vigilance is always advised. The average commute time is also noted to be 32 minutes, which can be a factor for those working in Boston (as reported by Livability.com).