Your complete guide to Melrose Manors Fort Lauderdale — home prices, schools, HOA information, crime stats, commute times, and what it’s really like to live here.
Melrose Manors is located in central Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, positioned between Federal Highway (US-1) to the east and I-95 to the west, approximately 4 miles northwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale. This established residential neighborhood sits north of Sunrise Boulevard and south of Commercial Boulevard, offering convenient access to Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and the New River waterfront. The community features tree-lined streets with a mix of single-family ranch-style homes and updated properties, creating a suburban feel within the broader Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area. Melrose Manors provides residents with easy connectivity to Las Olas Boulevard's dining and entertainment district while maintaining a quieter residential atmosphere away from the coastal tourist areas.
Updated daily from the Broward County MLS — active listings, new pendings, and recent solds in Melrose Manors Fort Lauderdale.
Current median home prices in Melrose Manors range from $485,000 to $675,000, with most single-family properties selling between $550,000-$625,000 according to recent Redfin market data and Realtor.com listings. Over the past 12 months, approximately 45 homes have sold in the neighborhood, with a median sale price of $567,000 and average days on market of 32 days. The price per square foot averages $285-$385, reflecting the area's mature housing stock and desirable location within Broward County. Most properties are single-family ranch-style homes built between 1960-1980, many featuring recent renovations and updates. Rental yields average 4.8-5.2% for investment properties, with typical rental rates ranging $2,200-$3,100 monthly according to MLS data from the Broward County Property Appraiser.
The highest-rated school serving Melrose Manors is Riverland Elementary School with a B+ rating from GreatSchools, located just 1.2 miles from the neighborhood center. Students also attend Northeast High School, which maintains a B rating and offers various advanced placement courses and career programs. Broward County Public Schools serves the area, with additional options including North Andrews Gardens Elementary (B rating) and several well-regarded charter schools within a 3-mile radius. Private education options include Calvary Christian Academy (A- rating) and Pine Crest School, both offering college preparatory programs. The neighborhood's proximity to Nova Southeastern University and Florida Atlantic University also provides educational opportunities for families with college-age students.
The commute from Melrose Manors to downtown Fort Lauderdale averages 18-25 minutes via Federal Highway (US-1) or Interstate 95, with residents enjoying direct access to major transportation corridors throughout Broward County. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is accessible within 15-20 minutes via I-595 or US-1, while Port Everglades requires approximately 22-28 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The neighborhood offers good connectivity to the Brightline high-speed rail station downtown, enabling rapid transit to Miami and West Palm Beach. Broward County Transit provides bus service along Federal Highway and Commercial Boulevard, though most residents rely on personal vehicles. Bikeability remains limited due to busy arterial roads, though the area connects to Fort Lauderdale's expanding bike lane network.
Melrose Manors maintains crime rates approximately 22% below the Fort Lauderdale city average, with particularly strong performance in property crime prevention according to AreaVibes safety data. The neighborhood experiences lower incidents of burglary and theft compared to coastal Fort Lauderdale areas, benefiting from active neighborhood watch programs and regular Broward County Sheriff's Office patrols. Violent crime remains well below state and national averages, with most incidents classified as minor property disputes or traffic-related issues. The area's residential character and established community presence contribute to overall safety, though residents should maintain standard urban precautions near major roadways like Federal Highway and I-95. Broward County Sheriff's Office provides primary law enforcement services, with response times averaging 8-12 minutes for emergency calls.
The median household income in Melrose Manors is approximately $78,500, making housing costs represent about 35-42% of typical household budgets according to Data USA demographic information. Property taxes average $8,500-$12,000 annually based on assessed values from the Broward County Property Appraiser, while utilities typically cost $180-$240 monthly including electricity, water, and waste management. The overall cost of living index sits about 8-12% above the Florida state average but remains more affordable than coastal Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods or Miami-Dade communities. Groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs align closely with Broward County averages, while dining and entertainment expenses benefit from the area's proximity to diverse options along Federal Highway and Commercial Boulevard without premium tourist pricing.
What's the Neighborhood Feel Like in Melrose Manors?
Melrose Manors offers a suburban, family-oriented atmosphere with tree-lined streets, established single-family homes, and a diverse demographic mix including young families, working professionals, and retirees according to recent Census Reporter data. The neighborhood maintains a quiet residential character while providing convenient access to urban amenities and employment centers throughout Broward County.
While Melrose Manors doesn't offer direct waterfront access, residents can reach the New River and Intracoastal Waterway within 10-15 minutes, with public boat ramps available at Colee Hammock Park and several nearby marinas offering boat slips and services for recreational boating enthusiasts.
The neighborhood provides easy access to Festival Flea Market Mall and numerous shopping plazas along Federal Highway, while dining options include local favorites like Zona Fresca and Tap 42, with Las Olas Boulevard's upscale restaurant district just 15 minutes away.
Holiday Park offers tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails within 2 miles, while Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Fort Lauderdale Beach provide outdoor recreation opportunities within 20 minutes of the neighborhood.
Medical services are readily available through Broward Health Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic Florida, both located within 15 minutes, along with numerous urgent care facilities and medical specialists along the Federal Highway corridor.
Cultural attractions include the Broward Center for the Performing Arts downtown and the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, both easily accessible for residents seeking entertainment and cultural enrichment opportunities.
Melrose Manors represents one of Fort Lauderdale's best values for families and professionals seeking affordable suburban living with urban convenience through excellent access to I-95, Federal Highway, and Broward County employment centers. The neighborhood's combination of below-average crime rates, quality schools, and reasonable housing costs creates an attractive package for residents prioritizing value and safety over waterfront amenities. While the area requires car-dependent living and features older housing stock, the strong community character, diverse nearby amenities, and strategic location make Melrose Manors an excellent choice for those wanting to experience Fort Lauderdale living without premium coastal pricing. Whether you're considering your first home purchase or relocating within South Florida, Melrose Manors offers the perfect balance of affordability, safety, and convenience in the heart of Broward County.
If Melrose Manors isn’t quite the right fit, these Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods are worth exploring.
Authoritative resources for Melrose Manors home buyers, residents, and researchers.
