Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shirley, MA
Considering a move to Shirley, MA? This close-knit town of 7,700 offers a small-town feel with affordable living—median home prices run around $415,000 and average rents are about $1,540. Residents enjoy low crime, a strong sense of community, and easy access to nature. Shirley features good public schools, a commute time averaging 29 minutes, and a classic New England climate with four distinct seasons. Explore housing, schools, and local amenities to see if Shirley is your next home.
Demographics - Shirley, MA
Demographics - Shirley, MA
Shirley, MA is a small town of 7,700 residents, with a median age of 41 and a population that is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups. The community has a balanced gender ratio and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a welcoming, diverse atmosphere.
Population:
7,700
Density:
350 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.1%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
6.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shirley, MA?
The cost of living in Shirley is moderately high, with a cost of living index of 119.2, driven largely by housing prices—median home values are about $415,000 and average monthly rent is $1,540. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are slightly above the national average, making careful budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$415,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.2
Grocery:
110.0
Housing:
125.0
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
106.5
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Shirley, MA a safe place to live?
Shirley has a relatively low crime rate, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 550 and property crime at 1 in 90, which helps foster a feeling of safety in the community. Both violent and property crime rates are below many urban areas, making Shirley an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
182
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,115
Crime Index:
1,297
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 550
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Shirley, MA year-round?
Shirley experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 17°F and warm summers reaching highs around 83°F. The area receives about 46.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine approximately 54% of the year, offering a classic New England climate ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income in Shirley is $87,900, with a poverty rate of 6.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.6%, reflecting a stable local economy. Most neighbors are well-educated—over 93% have at least a high school diploma—and the average commute is about 29 minutes, making it a practical location for working families.
Median Income:
$42,500
Household Income:
$87,900
Family Income:
$97,000
Per Capita Income:
$35,700
Income Male:
$51,200
Income Female:
$43,800
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
5.1%
Commute Time:
29.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
27.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shirley, MA?
Shirley offers quality educational opportunities through its public schools, such as Lura A. White Elementary and Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private school options and are within easy reach of higher education institutions like Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College.
Public Schools
Name:
Lura A. White Elementary School
Street:
34 Lancaster Rd
Phone:
978-772-8600
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School
Street:
1 Hospital Rd, Ayer
Phone:
978-772-8600
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
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:
15 miles
Students:
4,200
Name:
Fitchburg State University
City:
Fitchburg
State:
MA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
6,800
Healthcare
Residents of Shirley benefit from easy access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Nashoba Valley Medical Center and UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital nearby. The area has a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.1% and a strong physician-to-population ratio, ensuring comprehensive care for the community.
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:
UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital
Address:
60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453
Phone:
(978) 466-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shirley, MA?
Shirley's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $415,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 73.5%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, and rental options remain available with an average two-bedroom rent at $1,540, making it suitable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$415,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,540
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Shirley residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Clinton. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with convenient online resources for scheduling and information.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
200 Sterling St, Clinton, MA 01510
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
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.