🏡

Melrose

22 min to Boston
"Victorian village charm with Orange Line proximity and city convenience"
Median Price
$825,000
$490/sqft
School Rating
8/10
Great
Appreciation
4.5%
per year
Commute
22 min
to downtown

Financing Considerations

Properties in Melrose typically may qualify for high-balance conforming loans, though jumbo financing might be needed depending on exact property price.

Learn about loan thresholds, property condition impact, flood/wind insurance, and how vintage homes (common in many MA towns) affect mortgage approval.

The Vibe

Charming Victorian village with walkable downtown, strong community identity, and excellent transit access. Family-friendly without being stuffy.

What It's Really Like

Melrose has that rare combination—Victorian charm, walkable downtown, strong schools, and you're 22 minutes to Boston. It's what Somerville was before everyone discovered it.

Best For

  • Commuter rail commuters who value character
  • Families wanting walkable downtown
  • Victorian home enthusiasts
  • Those seeking value near Boston

Avoid If

  • You need top-tier schools (they're good but not elite)
  • You want modern new construction
  • You prefer suburbs over small-city feel

🌟Highlights

🚆Commuter rail gets you downtown in 22 minutes
🏛️Beautiful Victorian homes throughout
🛍️Walkable downtown with local businesses
📈Strong appreciation potential (4.5% annually)

Insider Tips

  • 💡West Side near Ell Pond is most desirable
  • 💡Downtown has surprising restaurant scene
  • 💡Victorian Architecture District is stunning

Demographics

Population
28,100
Median Age
41
Median Income
$129,000

Economic Profile

Remote Work
20.6%
work from home
Professional Workers
63.3%
knowledge economy
Broadband Access
93.0%
digital infrastructure
Median Commute
37 min
to work
Rental Cost Burden
44.5%
pay >30% on rent
Homeownership
65.8%
owner-occupied
Poverty Rate
4.0%
below poverty line
Unemployment
3.9%
of labor force
Median Home Value
$732K
Census estimate
Data source: Census ACS 2022 5-year

Religious Community

Places of Worship
11
Churches
10
Synagogues
1
🌟 Multi-faith community with diverse religious traditions(Diversity Score: 28/100)
Historical Context: Oldest establishment dates to 18485 established before 1900
Data Source: MassGIS 2025 (Updated 2025-02-03)

Housing Stock Age

Median Year Built
1938
87 years old
Pre-1940 Construction
3.9%
Lower risk
Post-2000 Construction
18.4%
Modern housing stock
Est. Annual Insurance
$3,500
Based on housing age

High Insurance Risk

Melrose has a high concentration of pre-1940 homes (3.9%). Insurance premiums may be significantly higher ($2,800-$4,000+/year) and some carriers may decline coverage. Budget for potential remediation costs (knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, lead paint).

Insurance Cost Calculator

Estimate your annual homeowners insurance premium

$412,500$825,000$1,650,000

Leave blank to use town median (1938)

Annual Premium
$3,500
$292/month
vs. State Average
+74%
MA avg: $2,008/year
Risk Category
VERY HIGH
Based on home age

30-Year Mortgage Impact

$105,000

Total insurance cost over 30-year mortgage (equivalent to 0.4% of home value)

Age Penalty

This home costs $1,889 more per year to insure than a newly built home. Over 30 years, that's $56,670 in additional insurance costs.

Ways to Lower Your Premium

  • Bundle home + auto insurance with same carrier (10-25% discount)
  • Increase deductible from $500 to $2,500 (save 15-30%)
  • Install monitored security system (5-20% discount)
  • Update electrical panel and remove knob-and-tube wiring
  • Replace roof with impact-resistant materials (save 5-15%)
  • Upgrade plumbing to PEX or copper
  • Complete full home inspection and address major issues
  • Consider MAPFRE or Chubb for historic home coverage
  • Shop quotes from 5-6 carriers (rates vary significantly)
  • Ask about claims-free discount (5-year history)

* Estimates based on Massachusetts state averages and typical underwriting criteria. Actual premiums vary by carrier, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, and credit score. For accurate quotes, contact a licensed insurance agent.

Construction Era Distribution

2020+
100 units
2010-2019
6.6%
850 units
2000-2009
10.9%
1,400 units
1990-1999
12.9%
1,650 units
1980-1989
14.5%
1,850 units
1970-1979
16.4%
2,100 units
1960-1969
17.2%
2,200 units
1950-1959
15.2%
1,950 units
1940-1949
9.4%
1,200 units
Pre-1940
500 units
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