Linden, NJ 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.
Linden
67.6
#1401 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 7.2). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $86,801). Linden leads in cost of living index (125 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Linden, NJ | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.6 (#1401) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 43,950 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $553,705 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $86,801 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 31.4 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 63 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+24.2 | D+39.5 |
D+
67.6 Score
Linden, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$553,705
Population
43,950
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
63
Northeast
View Linden, NJ →
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 →