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Melrose, MA

Frequently asked questions

Melrose, MA

Melrose is a city located in the Greater Boston metropolitan area in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. Its population as of the 2020 census was 29,817. It is a suburb located approximately seven miles north of Boston. It is situated in the center of the triangle created by Interstates 93, 95, and U.S. Route 1. The land that comprises Melrose was first settled in 1628 and was once part of Charlestown and then Malden. It became the Town of Melrose in 1850 and then the City of Melrose in 1900.

Melrose was originally called "Ponde Fielde" for its abundance of ponds and streams or "Mystic Side" because of its location in a valley north of the Mystic River. The area was first explored by Richard and Ralph Sprague in 1628 and became part of Charlestown in 1633 along with a large area of land encompassing most of the surrounding communities.

In 1649, the neighborhood of Charlestown known as Malden was incorporated as a separate town; the new town of Malden included most of present-day Melrose (then called North Malden) within its borders. North Malden largely remained a lightly populated farming community. By 1845, the Boston and Maine Railroad had built three stops (now the commuter rail stations of Wyoming Hill, Melrose/Cedar Park, and Melrose Highlands). Boston workers in search of a country atmosphere moved to the area and began commuting to work. The population of North Malden began growing, and in 1850 North Malden split from Malden proper and was incorporated as the town of Melrose. The town then annexed the highlands from neighboring Stoneham in 1853, creating the city's current borders. The name "Melrose" comes from the burgh of Melrose, Scotland. It was a reference to the Eildon hills of Melrose, Scotland, which the new town resembled. The name was suggested and advocated for by William Bogle, a Scotland native and longtime resident of North Malden.

The population of Melrose continued to grow throughout the second half of the nineteenth century. Farmland was increasingly partitioned into smaller parcels for residences and businesses. The fire department and the town's school district were founded, and the town hall was built in 1873. In 1899, the City of Melrose became the 33rd incorporated city in Massachusetts. Levi S. Gould became the city's first mayor on January 1, 1900. Melrose reached a peak in a population of 33,180 residents in 1970, before beginning a slow decline continuing through 2010. On April 1, 1982, Downtown Melrose was added to the National Register of Historic Places; the public library was similarly added to the register in 1988.

Melrose is located at 42°27′33″N 71°3′44″W (42.459045, −71.062339). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12 km2), of which 4.7 square miles (12 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2), or 1.26%, is water. The city's largest body of water is Ell Pond, situated near the center of the city, while other major bodies are Swains Pond and Towners Pond, located on the east side near Mount Hood Golf Club.

Melrose is approximately 7 miles (11 km) north of Boston, Massachusetts. It borders four cities and towns: Malden, Saugus, Stoneham, and Wakefield. Major geographic features include Ell Pond, Swains Pond, Sewall Woods, Mount Hood, Boston Rock, Pine Banks Park, and the eastern reaches of the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

The writer Elizabeth George Speare, who was born in Melrose, wrote of her hometown: "Melrose was an ideal place in which to have grown up, close to fields and woods where we hiked and picnicked, and near to Boston where we frequently had family treats of theaters and concerts.

There are many healthcare facilities located in Melrose. MelroseWakefield Hospital, a 234-bed non-profit hospital, was home to the world's first cochlear implant and laser surgery and it was among the first hospitals in the country to offer same-day surgery. In addition to the hospital, there are many pediatricians, specialists, dentists, and dermatologists. Also, the city's Milano Senior Center provides social, recreational, health, and educational programs for Melrose's senior citizens.

Melrose places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. MelroseWakefield Hospital is a community care network that includes a breast health center, a cardiovascular center with a full-service cardiac catheterization lab, and an operating room where we lead the way in advanced robotic surgery. Joy Healthy Life offers team fitness boot camps, summer wellness camps for kids, yoga classes, sports team training, walk-to-run programs, trail running, and others. For a holistic approach, visit Central Street Yoga for various yoga classes designed to improve flexibility and reduce stress. The Melrose Family YMCA is a hub for community fitness, offering everything from swimming lessons to wellness programs. Essential Therapies Day Spa provides a range of relaxing treatments, including massages and facials, perfect for unwinding. For those interested in natural health, Mystic Valley Elder Services offers programs such as tai chi and nutrition workshops for seniors. The Melrose Boot Camp is ideal for those looking for a high-intensity workout in an outdoor setting.

Top Sites in Melrose, MA are Boda Borg Boston, Middlesex Fells Reservation, and Stone Zoo.

Population: 29,155 (2022). ZIP Code: 02176. Area: 12.35 km². Area code: 339/781. Elevation: 133 ft (41 m).

FAQs

What towns border Melrose, MA?

The City of Melrose is bordered by the Towns of Stoneham, Wakefield, and Saugus, and by the Cities of Malden, Medford, and Revere. The City is approximately seven miles north of Boston with a geographical area of 4.76 square miles. Melrose features a historic downtown and a wide range of local and regional open space and recreation options, cultural activities, community events, educational opportunities, and community amenities. It is home to many industries including small retail businesses, restaurants, personal care services, professional services, and more.

Is Melrose, MA a good area?

Melrose is a suburb of Boston with a population of 29,477. Melrose is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Melrose offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Melrose, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. The public schools in Melrose are highly rated.

What is Melrose, MA famous for?

Melrose is proud of its excellent schools, and its cultural facilities, including the 100-year-old Melrose Symphony Orchestra, Melrose Massachusetts Television, the very active local cable channel, and its Victorian downtown area which is supported by a Chamber of Commerce and dates back to 1900. Another vital component of the quality of life in Melrose is its varied open space and recreation facilities. Ell Pond is a large natural feature in Melrose’s center, trees line Melrose streets, and parks and open spaces are dispersed through and around the city. Melrose is the true implementation of the notion of a garden city with a commercial/institutional downtown surrounded by housing of varied densities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Melrose

Niche

Boda Borg Boston 

Middlesex Fells Reservation 

Stone Zoo

MelroseWakefield Hospital

Joy Healthy Life

Central Street Yoga

Melrose Family YMCA

Essential Therapies Day Spa

Mystic Valley Elder Services

Melrose Boot Camp

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