Massachusetts / County

Moving to Shirley Center, MA

Thinking of making a move to Shirley Center, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shirley Center, MA

Considering a move to Shirley Center, MA? This welcoming community of 1,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $408,000 and average rents near $1,480. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Shirley Center's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Shirley Center, MA

Shirley Center has a population of 1,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 3% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,800
Density
125 per sq mi
Median Age
43.2
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.2%
Black
2.5%
Asian
2.2%
Others
6.1%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Shirley Center, MA?

The cost of living in Shirley Center is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 120.3. Median home values are around $408,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,480. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$408,000
Gross Rent
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
120.3
Grocery
111.0
Housing
128.5
Utilities
114.2
Transportation
121.6
Health Care
113.2
Miscellaneous
108.5

Crime

Is Shirley Center, MA a safe place to live?

Shirley Center is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 88 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 133. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
88
Property Crimes Per 100k
750
Crime Index
838
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,140
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 133

Weather

What is the weather like in Shirley Center, MA year-round?

Shirley Center experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
59°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
37°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
39°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $90,550 and a low poverty rate of 5.9%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$90,550
Family Income
$99,600
Per Capita Income
$38,900
Income Male
$50,000
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Non English Speakers
6.5%
Rent
$1,480
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
Public Transport Usage
2.3%
Commute Time
31.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.5%
Bachelors or More
40.8%

Education

How are the schools in Shirley Center, MA?

Shirley Center offers quality education options, with public schools like Lura A. White Elementary School and Shirley Middle School (Ayer Shirley Regional) known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lura A. White Elementary School
Street
34 Lancaster Rd
Phone
978-772-8600
Students
320
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5
Name
Shirley Middle School (Ayer Shirley Regional)
Street
63 Harvard Rd
Phone
978-772-8600
Students
280
Student Teacher Ratio
13.0

Private Schools

Name
Applewild School
Street
120 Prospect St, Fitchburg
Phone
978-342-6053
Students
200

Colleges

Name
Mount Wachusett Community College
City
Gardner
State
MA
Distance
19 miles
Students
4,100
Name
Fitchburg State University
City
Fitchburg
State
MA
Distance
13 miles
Students
6,700

Healthcare

Shirley Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Nashoba Valley Medical Center and HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 97.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
Address
200 Groton Rd, Ayer, MA 01432
Phone
(978) 784-9250
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital
Address
60 Hospital Rd, Leominster, MA 01453
Phone
(978) 466-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
97.1%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Shirley Center, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $408,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 76%. The market has seen a 6.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Shirley Center offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$408,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate
76.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.3%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Shirley Center handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Quincy. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
25 Newport Ave Extension, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
1-857-368-8000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Shirley Center, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Shirley Center, review the core fields on this page: population 1,800, median home value $408,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,480, commute time 31.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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