Join Our Team 386-690-5858
Massachusetts real estate · Middlesex County

Melrose, Massachusetts Real Estate

Homes, values and local insight for Melrose, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Typical home value $915,000.

Reviewed and updated October 3, 2026 by Ryan and Megan Winslow, Winslow Homes

Ryan and Megan Winslow Broker Owners3,000+ homes soldSince 2009 REALTOR®4 states broker in FL, MA, CT, RIU.S. Army RetiredBest of Central MA winners
$915,000Typical home value
+4.1%Home values, past year
29,938Residents (2024)
$127,000Median household income
Homes for sale

Shop Melrose homes

Live listings open in a new tab, highest price first. Or type exactly what you want in the search bar.

About Melrose

Melrose is a distinctive Massachusetts community that offers residents a blend of local character, quality amenities, and regional convenience.

The Melrose real estate market serves a range of buyers including first-time homeowners, growing families, professionals, and retirees. Properties include single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses across various price points and styles that reflect the area's architectural heritage and modern development.

Winslow Homes LLC and Ryan & Megan Winslow serve Melrose buyers and sellers across Massachusetts. Ryan and Megan Winslow provide both real estate brokerage and mortgage services as Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank (Ryan Winslow NMLS #2426605 | Megan Winslow NMLS #2692933). Get pre-approved at www.winslowloan.com or call 386-690-5858.

Neighborhood Breakdown

Explore Melrose Neighborhoods

🏘 Downtown Melrose

Historic center with local shops, dining, and civic institutions.

🏠 North Melrose

Residential area with established neighborhoods and good school access.

🏡 South Melrose

Quiet residential streets with a mix of homes and convenient commuter access.

🏢 East Melrose

Expanding area with newer construction and family-friendly amenities.

Specialty Housing

Unique Property Types in Melrose

🌊 Lake and Pond Access

Properties with lake, pond, or reservoir access where available in Melrose.

💧 Stream and River Properties

Homes near local waterways offering natural settings and scenic views.

Flood Zones & Insurance Impact

What Every Buyer Must Know

🔴 Zone AE (High Risk)

Some areas of Melrose near waterways may fall in AE flood zones. Verify specific property with FEMA flood map.

🟡 Zone X-Shaded (Moderate Risk)

Moderate flood risk exists in select Melrose areas near wetlands or drainage basins.

🟢 Zone X (Minimal Risk)

Most Melrose properties are in Zone X (minimal flood risk). Flood insurance optional but may be recommended.

Insurance Tip: Massachusetts homeowners insurance averages $1,500-$2,200 annually. Coastal properties may need additional windstorm coverage.

Investment & Rental Potential

Real Estate Investment in Melrose

💰 Long-term Buy and Hold

Steady appreciation and rental demand make Melrose suitable for long-term wealth building.

🏘 Rental Property Investment

Rental demand in Melrose supports cash flow strategies for single-family and multifamily properties.

🔧 Fix and Hold

Older properties in Melrose offer value-add opportunities through renovation and modernization.

⚠️ Investment Risks

Melrose investment risks include regional market volatility, property tax changes, and insurance cost increases. Work with experienced agents to assess individual opportunities.

New Construction

Where New Homes Are Being Built

🏗 Outer Melrose

New development zones on the outskirts of Melrose offer modern construction and newer floor plans.

Buyer Tips for New Construction: Always hire your own inspector for new builds. Review CDD obligations carefully. Negotiate upgrades, not price. A buyer's agent costs you nothing with new construction and provides critical representation.

Commute Pockets

Drive Times & Work-From-Anywhere

🚌 Regional Employment Centers

Convenient access from Melrose to nearby cities via major roads and highways.

🏙 Metropolitan Hub

Melrose residents commute to regional metropolitan areas for employment and entertainment.

💻 Remote Work Lifestyle

Melrose supports remote workers with reliable broadband access, quiet residential settings, and home office-friendly properties.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Your Dollar in Melrose

🏦 Property Taxes

Massachusetts property tax averages 1.14% statewide. Senior citizen and veteran exemptions available. Residential tax rate varies by town.

💵 Massachusetts Tax Considerations

Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax rate plus a 4% surtax on income over $1M (effective 2023). Property tax rates vary by municipality. The residential exemption in some communities reduces the assessed value of owner-occupied homes. No sales tax on clothing under $175.

🛒 Cost of Living

Cost of living in Melrose aligns with regional Massachusetts averages. Housing remains the largest expense category.

🏥 Insurance Costs

Homeowners insurance in Melrose averages $1,200-$2,500 annually. Coverage varies by property age, value, and risk factors.

Lifestyle & Community

Living the Melrose Life

🌳 Outdoor Recreation

Melrose offers parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.

🍽 Dining and Culture

Local restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues provide community gathering spaces in Melrose.

🛒 Shopping and Services

Local retail, services, and major shopping areas accessible within and near Melrose.

Jobs & Economy

Employment & Economic Drivers

🏥 Local Services

Retail, professional services, and hospitality anchor the Melrose economy.

💼 Regional Employment

Residents also commute to regional employment centers for professional opportunities.

💼 Remote Work & Entrepreneurship

Remote work grows as a major economic factor in Melrose, supported by quality broadband and home-office friendly properties.

Transportation & Commuting

Getting Around Melrose

🛣 Major Roads

Melrose connects to major highways and arterials providing access to regional destinations.

🚲 Biking & Walking

Melrose offers walkable neighborhoods and bike-friendly areas in the town center and residential zones.

✈️ Airport Access

Melrose residents access regional airports within reasonable driving distance for domestic and international travel.

New Development & Growth

What's Coming to Melrose

🏗 Emerging Melrose Zones

Expanding development areas bringing new construction to Melrose.

📈 Market Outlook

The Melrose market outlook remains positive with steady demand, moderate appreciation, and balanced inventory conditions expected through 2026.

Investment Insights

Real Estate Investment in Melrose

💰 Entry Strategy

Pre-approve financing before searching. Work with Melrose-focused agents.

📈 Holding Strategy

Long-term holds in Melrose benefit from regional appreciation trends.

DISCUSS INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Common Buyer Mistakes

Avoid These Costly Errors

❌ Skipping Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved with Ryan & Megan Winslow, Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank, before shopping.

❌ Ignoring Total Cost

Budget for taxes, insurance, HOA, and maintenance beyond the mortgage payment.

❌ Skipping a Local Agent

A local Melrose agent knows which streets flood, which buildings have pending special assessments, and which neighborhoods are appreciating fastest. Buyer agent services are free to the buyer in most transactions.

Market data

Melrose by the numbers

The typical home in Melrose is worth $915,000, 12% above the Middlesex County typical value of $814,000 and 38% above the Massachusetts typical value of $662,000.

Typical home value

$915,000

Zillow Home Value Index for Melrose, August 2026. The middle of the market for single family homes and condos.

5 year change

+21.0%

Home values in Melrose moved +21.0% over five years and +76.0% over ten.

Median rent

$1,933/mo

Median gross rent in Melrose. Useful for investors running rental numbers.

Homeownership

68%

Share of occupied homes in Melrose lived in by the owner.

Median year built

1938

Older homes often need inspection focus on roof, systems and windows.

Household income

$127,000

Median household income in Melrose.

Mortgage planning for a home in Melrose
Financing

Buying in Melrose with the right loan

Ryan and Megan are mortgage bankers with The Federal Savings Bank, lending in all 50 states. You get the home and the loan from one team. On a typical Melrose home of $915,000:

  • FHA, 3.5% down: $32,035 down, loan of $883,000
  • Conventional, 5% down: $45,764 down, loan of $870,000
  • Conventional, 20% down: $183,000 down, loan of $732,000
  • VA, 0% down for eligible veterans, loan of $915,000
Selling

What is your Melrose home worth?

Ryan and Megan price Melrose homes from recent sales, not guesses. Send your address and you get a free market analysis, with no obligation.

Home for sale in Melrose
Nearby

Towns near Melrose

Middlesex County

More in Middlesex County

See the full Middlesex County real estate guide or the Massachusetts real estate guide.

FAQ

Common questions

What is the typical home value in Melrose, MA?

The Zillow Home Value Index for Melrose was $915,000 in August 2026, +4.1% over the past year.

What county is Melrose in?

Melrose is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

How many people live in Melrose?

About 29,938 people as of the 2024 Census Bureau estimate, up from 29,821 in 2020.

Who are the best real estate agents in Melrose?

Ryan and Megan Winslow of Winslow Homes have sold over 3,000 homes since 2009 and are licensed in Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Call or text 386-690-5858.

How do I get pre-approved to buy in Melrose?

Apply at www.winslowloan.com. Ryan and Megan are mortgage bankers with The Federal Savings Bank and lend in all 50 states, including FHA, VA and conventional loans.

Do most people in Melrose own or rent?

68% of occupied homes in Melrose are owner occupied, based on the 2019 to 2023 American Community Survey.

Talk to Ryan and Megan

Ready to move in Melrose?

17 years, over 3,000 homes sold, and one team for the home and the loan. Call or text 386-690-5858.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2024 population estimates and 2019 to 2023 American Community Survey; Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026. Numbers update as new data is released. Talk to Ryan and Megan for current sold prices on your street.

Apply for a mortgage

Get your home value instantly

No in-person meeting or phone call needed for most addresses. See your estimated value, price range and value trend in seconds.

Coming soon in Melrose, MA

Get coming-soon homes, pocket listings and price drops in Melrose, MA before they hit the big home search sites.

Melrose home values by ZIP code

The typical home in Melrose is worth $915,500 as of August 2026 in ZIP code 02176. Values moved +4.1% over the last 12 months at the middle ZIP code.

ZIPTypical value12 months5 yearsMedian sale, Mar to May 2026Days on market
02176$915,500+4.1%+21.0%

Sources: Zillow Home Value Index through August 2026 and the Redfin Data Center ZIP code tracker, March to May 2026. Ask Ryan and Megan for a value for your own home.