Boone, NC vs Melrose, MA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Boone
71.1
#1016 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $28,242). Boone leads in average commute (13.8 min vs 37.1 min). Boone leads in cost of living index (109 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boone, NC | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.1 (#1016) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 19,811 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $491,253 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $28,242 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 13.8 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 49 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 2.5 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 109 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+6.0 | D+39.5 |
C-
71.1 Score
Boone, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$491,253
Population
19,811
Crime
Low
Walk Score
49
Southeast
View Boone, NC →
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →