Welcome to Melrose
When you are ready to leave the noise and congestion of Boston behind — but not too far behind — Melrose may be the perfect fit. Just seven miles from Boston, this suburb delivers everything you need in just 4.8 square miles. This small-but-mighty city is well-known for its incredible food scene, vibrant artsy culture, and quaint downtown area. It also borders the Fells, a natural enclave perfect for weekend walks. Melrose is a commuter’s dream offering three commuter rail stops and borders the Orange Line T Stop at Oak Grove in Malden.
You’ll find a fantastic selection of homes in Melrose, including older historic properties packed with character and charm. Many houses are located in urban locales ideal for those who wish to escape Boston but aren’t ready to embrace suburban life.
What to Love
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Fun, hipster vibe
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Welcoming
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Great community events like the Melrose Porchfest and Farmer’s Market
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Quaint downtown packed with coffee shops, boutiques, gift shops and top-tier restaurants
Local Lifestyle
There is a fantastic vibe in Melrose. It’s known as an artsy community with a lot of personality. Many people living in Melrose commute to Boston for work, so they spend their evenings and weekends exploring everything Melrose offers. There is a huge foodie scene here, and you’ll find the area’s restaurants are full of customers all day long. Weekends are largely reserved for shopping downtown’s upscale boutiques or spending time in the nearby Fells. It’s a friendly community where getting to know your neighbors is easy. After all, there is a reason Melrose is routinely named one of the best places to live in the country.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Leaving Boston doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on fine dining. Melrose delivers an incredible selection of culinary options. Seafood lovers will want to check out Turner's Seafood Grill & Market on Main Street, a family-owned restaurant with an oyster bar and fish market. Wood and Fire is also nearby and serves authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in a cozy environment that’s a great place to meet friends. If you love sushi, you’ll want to check out Sushi Corner or Ocean Sushi. These local favorites offer an excellent takeout menu when you want to spend a cozy night at home.
Visit La Qchara in north Melrose for a fantastic selection of Latin dishes with can’t-miss plantains, or grab a cup of coffee at Jitters Cafe Inc. This coffee shop is located on Main Street across from Pine Banks Park and serves delicious sandwiches and gelato. If you are in the shopping mood, don’t miss Pepperberry Florist and Gift Shop on Main St and browse their gorgeous floral arrangements and gifts or Buckalews, offering gourmet foods, beer and wine, homemade chocolates and more!
Things to Do
The events calendar in Melrose is always packed with great activities. Start with a trip to the Melrose Farmers’ Market at Bowden Park, where you can pick up locally-grown produce and amazing homemade treats. Once you’ve stocked up on food, take your picnic to Melrose Common. The park is a great place to enjoy Mother Nature and enjoy the fabulous playground.
The Melrose community loves to host spectacular events throughout the year. Join the festive celebrations during Home for the Holidays, a holiday-themed event in early December with live performances and tons of local vendors, or take part in the Victorian Fair and its 200 vendor booths, dancing, live music, and big raffle giveaways. If you love the arts, you’ll want to clear your calendar for Melrose Porchfest. This festival happens in late summer and celebrates local artists. Free music, comedy acts, dancing, and spoken poetry performances occur on Melrose porches, in backyards, and even driveways. It’s an incredible event that fosters the city's unique, artistic vibe.
