Overall score
Melrose Park
46.8/100
Pasadena
54.8/100
Pasadena for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Melrose Park
46.8/100
Pasadena
54.8/100
Crime rate
Melrose Park
78.3 / 1k
Pasadena
57.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Melrose Park
148
Pasadena
174
Population
Melrose Park
2,319
Pasadena
3,073
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Melrose Park | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.8/100 | 54.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 34.0/100 | 28.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 78.3 / 1k | 57.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 16 |
| Walkability | 53.5/100 | 68.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 148 | 174 |
| Planning activity | 43 | 26 |
| Population | 2,319 | 3,073 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Melrose Park is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby, while Pasadena is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
On the data, Melrose Park is stronger for housing affordability; Pasadena answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Choose Melrose Park if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Pasadena for investors.