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.

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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 $415,000 and average rents near $1,540. Commute times average 29 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'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 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 85% White, 6% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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 higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 119.2. Median home values are around $415,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,540. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 182 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 90. 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
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 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 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $87,900 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 education options, with public schools like Lura A. White Elementary 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 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
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

Shirley residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Nashoba Valley Medical Center and UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 96.1% 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
UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital
Address
60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453
Phone
(978) 466-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $415,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 74%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.7%. Shirley offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Shirley handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Clinton. 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
200 Sterling St, Clinton, MA 01510
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, 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 $415,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,540, commute time 29.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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