Melrose is located approximately seven miles north of Boston and is situated in the center of Interstates 93, 95, and U.S. Route 1. Both the MBTA Commuter Rail and the Orange Line -Oak Grove Station have stops in Melrose. A trip to Boston takes just 20 minutes which also means easy access to Logan International Airport.

The Melrose School district runs several schools including five neighborhood elementary schools in convenient locations around the city. Melrose also has a private elementary school, St. Mary's, run by one of the city's Catholic churches of the same name. There is also Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School (MVMMS), and Melrose High School whose music program is among the top 100 music programs in the country.

Melrose boasts countless examples of well-maintained, original Victorian architecture, with approximately 40% of the homes built before 1900. Something that sets Melrose apart from other cities is the feeling of community. One thing that citizens enjoy is the safe and friendly neighborhoods near parks and playgrounds. Just north of the downtown area lies scenic Ell Pond. Some favorite community spots include Melrose Common, Pine Banks Park, and Mount Hood Memorial Park, as well as golfing facilities at Mount Hood and Bellevue.