Massachusetts / Middlesex County

Moving to Shirley, MA

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

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Shirley and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Shirley before you move.

Moving Help for Your Shirley, MA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Shirley move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Shirley, MA Piano Movers Shirley, MA Cheap Movers Shirley, MA Small Movers Shirley, MA Apartment Movers Shirley, MA Long Distance Movers Shirley, MA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shirley, MA

Considering a move to Shirley, MA? This welcoming community of 7,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $410,000 and average rents near $1,620. Commute times average 37 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Shirley's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Shirley, MA

Shirley has a population of 7,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 9% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
7,700
Density
390 per sq mi
Median Age
34.8
Gender Ratio
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
74.0%
Black
8.5%
Asian
7.0%
Others
10.5%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Shirley is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 121.0. Median home values are around $410,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,620. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$410,000
Gross Rent
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
121.0
Grocery
116.0
Housing
124.5
Utilities
112.0
Transportation
117.5
Health Care
110.8
Miscellaneous
108.5

Crime

Is Shirley, MA a safe place to live?

Shirley is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 88. 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
170
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,140
Crime Index
1,310
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 88

Weather

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

Shirley experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
37°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $92,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 37 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$58,000
Household Income
$92,500
Family Income
$104,000
Per Capita Income
$39,500
Income Male
$56,000
Income Female
$47,500
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Non English Speakers
12.4%
Rent
$1,620
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
4.6%
Commute Time
36.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.0%
Bachelors or More
32.5%

Education

How are the schools in Shirley, MA?

Shirley offers quality education options, with public schools like Ayer Shirley Regional High School and Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Mount Wachusett Community College and University of Massachusetts Lowell. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Ayer Shirley Regional High School
Street
141 Washington St
Phone
978-772-1300
Students
630
Student Teacher Ratio
12.9
Name
Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School
Street
141 Washington St
Phone
978-772-1300
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Anthony School
Street
54 Oxbow Rd
Phone
978-772-2662
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Mount Wachusett Community College
City
Gardner
State
MA
Distance
22 miles
Students
4,300
Name
University of Massachusetts Lowell
City
Lowell
State
MA
Distance
18 miles
Students
18,000

Healthcare

Shirley residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Emerson Hospital and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Emerson Hospital
Address
133 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742
Phone
(978) 369-1400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center
Address
8 Prospect St, Nashua, NH 03060
Phone
(603) 577-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Shirley, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $410,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.4%. Shirley offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Shirley 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
(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, 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, review the core fields on this page: population 7,700, median home value $410,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,620, commute time 36.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

Ready to Move to Shirley, MA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes