Get to know Melrose
With its quaint downtown, tree-lined streets and many small businesses, the family-friendly community of Melrose is consistently recognized as one of the top places to live in Massachusetts. The close-knit suburb has great public schools, tranquil natural areas and modern recreational facilities. Residents will find local events year-round, from the annual Melrose Arts Festival to the weekly farmers' market. In addition, the 2,200-acre Middlesex Fells Reservation is mere blocks from downtown, providing ample opportunities for hiking and boating.
Melrose, now and then
Founded in 1628, Melrose was first known as Ponde Fielde, thanks to its many ponds and streams. It soon blossomed into a vibrant community, and today, many of the first citizens' houses still stand. Now, the area is known for its many stately Victorian homes. In fact, more than 40% of the houses in Melrose were built before 1900. In 1988, the downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
