$570,175Average Value$293Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Peaceful country living in Shirley
Shirley is a small town in Middlesex County that's bordered by the Squannacook and the Nashua rivers. Located about 45 miles west of Boston, the community offers expansive recreational green spaces, secluded homes and a highly-rated public school system shared with the neighboring town of Ayer. “We are a small community, and the town has a rural setting with lots of open spaces and a series of conservation trails,” says Bryan Sawyer, Shirley's town administrator. “But at the same time, it’s still close to larger cities.”
Shirley provides its residents with a small village feel with easy access to many resources near and far.
There's a constant for garden up-keep in Shirley as the weather warms up every year.
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A variety of home options in the woods
Narrow country roads connect the town, and houses are often tucked away in dense woodlands. The median home price is approximately $500,000, which is higher than the national median of around $400,000. Featuring a mix of Cape Cods, ranch-style homes, split-levels and traditional farmhouses, single-family properties built from the late 1800s to the late 1900s usually sell from about $350,000 to $650,000. Newer Colonial Revivals from the 1990s to the present day go between $700,000 and $1.2 million. Townhouses list from just under $300,000 to $570,000. Lot sizes vary from several thousand square feet to over five acres, and many have porches, decks, sheds and access to the woods.
A selection of Farmhouses in Shirley have been converted into Condos that provide a rustic feel.
Smaller Cape Cod-style and Cottage-like homes are set back and surrounded by an abundance of trees and grass in Shirley.
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Hiking and water recreation along the Squannacook River
Shirley’s trail network spans across 2,000 acres of town-owned conservation land, and residents can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking or cross-country skiing. People can also go fishing along the banks of the Squannacook River, or go paddling on the Nashua River. “There are trails along the Squannacook River and Farandnear Reservation, and Benjamin Hill Park complex is made up of a pool, a playground and sledding areas,” Sawyer says.
Benjamin Hill Park provides Shirley residents with a pool, playground, pavilion, a sledding hill, and plenty of green space.
Shirley residents enjoy stopping and taking a break at Benjamin Hill Park while on a bike ride around town.
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Ayer Shirley Regional School District serves Shirley students
The town is served by Ayer Shirley Regional School District, which has an overall B-minus grade from Niche and a student-teacher ratio of 11-to-1. Page Hilltop Elementary gets a B-plus rating. Lura A. White Elementary and Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School both have a B-plus. Ayer Shirley Regional High School rates a B and partners with Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University to offer dual-enrollment courses. Special programs include an EMT basic training course and internship opportunities.
Ayer Shirley Regional High School is a public high school in Ayer.
Page Hilltop School welcomes the Ayer community.
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Highways and commuter rail near town
Massachusetts Route 2A passes through town, and Interstate 190 is just west of the community. There is an MBTA commuter rail station in town, and the Fitchburg Line lets commuters access Boston directly. Logan International Airport and downtown Boston are both about 45 miles east via Massachusetts Route 2. Emerson Hospital is about 20 miles east in Concord.
Shopping and dining options in Leominster
Main Street has several restaurants and a convenience store. Housed in a historic building built in 1740, Bull Run Restaurant is in the center of town, hosting concerts and private events while serving classic American fare. “We have a few great restaurants in town, but there is limited shopping,” Sawyer says. “There are several towns nearby, like Littleton and Groton, that offer a more extensive selection of stores.” Residents also go to the neighboring city of Leominster for big-box and grocery stores such as Target, Hannaford and Market Basket. Leominster is less than 10 miles west and offers a wide range of shopping and dining options.
The Bull Run Restaurant is the go-to choice for the majority of Shirley locals.
Find your place at the bar and enjoy a delicious stuffed haddock while you hang with other Shirley residents at the Bull Run Restaurant.
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Community events in Shirley
The town hosts several community events throughout the year, including seasonal yard sales and summer concerts. Celebrating the town’s spirit, the annual ShirleyFest in June features live entertainment and vendor booths.
Written By
Christina Xu
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Kyle Cook
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Shirley, MA sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Shirley, MA over the last 12 months is $475,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to The Village at Shirley Station—Shirley's premier new construction community offering 48 two and three-bedroom thoughtfully designed townhomes, each with a full basement, energy-efficient construction, and much more! You’ll love the tranquil neighborhood setting of this new community, which is just seconds from the MBTA commuter rail with service to Boston and Benjamin Hill Park, which
Welcome to The Village at Shirley Station—Shirley's premier new construction community offering 48 two and three-bedroom thoughtfully designed townhomes, each with a full basement, energy-efficient construction, and much more! You’ll love the tranquil neighborhood setting of this new community, which is just seconds from the MBTA commuter rail with service to Boston and Benjamin Hill Park, which
Welcome to The Village at Shirley Station—Shirley's premier new construction community offering 48 two and three-bedroom thoughtfully designed townhomes, each with a full basement, energy-efficient construction, and much more! You’ll love the tranquil neighborhood setting of this new community, which is just seconds from the MBTA commuter rail with service to Boston and Benjamin Hill Park, which
Welcome to The Village at Shirley Station—Shirley's premier new construction community offering 48 two and three-bedroom thoughtfully designed townhomes, each with a full basement, energy-efficient construction, and much more! You’ll love the tranquil neighborhood setting of this new community, which is just seconds from the MBTA commuter rail with service to Boston and Benjamin Hill Park, which
Welcome to The Village at Shirley Station—Shirley's premier new construction community offering 48 two and three-bedroom thoughtfully designed townhomes, each with a full basement, energy-efficient construction, and much more! You’ll love the tranquil neighborhood setting of this new community, which is just seconds from the MBTA commuter rail with service to Boston and Benjamin Hill Park, which
Welcome to The Village at Shirley Station—Shirley's premier new construction community offering 48 two and three-bedroom thoughtfully designed townhomes, each with a full basement, energy-efficient construction, and much more! You’ll love the tranquil neighborhood setting of this new community, which is just seconds from the MBTA commuter rail with service to Boston and Benjamin Hill Park, which
Nature lovers dream! Improved nearly 5-acre lot. 4-bedroom septic design, utilities on site, well installed and house site cleared. Nothing to do but bring your plans and start building. This lot offers river frontage on the Squannacook River. Seller has already created a path to the river for you. Enjoy hiking your own lot, fishing on your own frontage or even throwing in a kayak.
The Knox Real Estate TeamWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home Services
Sunlight pours through oversized windows, highlighting the gleaming HW floors & updated finishes throughout this charming Antique home. The kitchen features white cabinetry, ss appliance, & an open feel that flows naturally into the main living spaces. A sun-filled dining area wrapped in windows creates the perfect setting for morning coffee, everyday dining, or gathering w/ family & friends. The
Blood Team Realty GroupKeller Williams Realty - Merrimack
Stunning energy efficient colonial on an almost 5-acre wooded lot abutting Squannacook River. Still time to customize this 2,660sf home. Spacious first floor includes Kitchen with 8x3.6' island that leads into your living room. Sliders will guide you right out to your 10x16 deck overlooking the private backyard. The first floor is finished out with a formal dining room, study and pantry with pass
The Knox Real Estate TeamWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home Services
Remarkable opportunity. Remaining lots of 20-year-old subdivision for sale. Part of Apple Orchard Estates in Shirley. 48 lots on 30 acres had been approved and are being sold as one package with 13 acre Parcel "K" which is approved for an additional 100+ sewer connections (possible apartment building). Buyer will obtain new permits because wetlands have migrated since original approvals. Seller
Step back in time with this exquisite antique home, built in 1797 in the heart of historic Shirley Center. This beautifully maintained residence has been lovingly preserved, showcasing its original detail and charm. As you enter, you'll be greeted by stunning period details, including original woodwork, wide-plank flooring, and inviting living spaces that exude warmth and history. The spacious
The Knox Real Estate TeamWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home Services
Welcome to Acorn Park Condominiums! This beautifully updated end-unit townhouse offers an exceptional blend of indoor-outdoor living and commuter convenience. The main level features a formal dining area, a bright living room anchored by a cozy brick fireplace, and an upgraded kitchen equipped with modern cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, plus a convenient first-floor bedroom and full
Welcome to this stunning like new custom home, beautifully sited on over 3.36 landscaped acres. Offering 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, this exceptional property blends luxury, comfort, and modern design. The open-concept main level is perfect for everyday living and entertaining, centered around a spectacular chef's kitchen featuring Viking appliances, custom finishes, and expansive gathering spaces.
Welcome to Acorn Path Townhouses! Commuter's dream... park free at the nearby train station that takes you right into Boston. Quiet, friendly neighborhood on a peaceful tree-lined street. Completely renovated open concept kitchen with tons of storage, white farmhouse sink, stainless appliances, hardwood floors. 1.5 updated bathrooms with great storage. Great living room with beautiful French
Birchwood Hills is a professionally managed for-rent townhome community nestled into 120 acres of spectacular scenery in historic Shirley, MA. Abutting 250+ acres of abutting conservation land, you can enjoy walking trails, picnics, and watching the sun set over the hills. Secluded and tucked away, but close to it all, easily get wherever you need to go. The MBTA Commuter Rail, Fitchburg Line
Property Id: 2726785 Welcome to your new home at 49-53 Fredonian in Shirley, MA! This cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo is perfect for a single individual or couple. With amenities like wall heating, baseboard heating, and washer/dryer hookups, this unit offers convenience and comfort. Rent includes water and sewage, making your life easier. Pets are not allowed and smoking is prohibited.
WELCOME HOME TO THE QUIET AND SERENITY THAT IS SHIRLEY. QUAINT NEW ENGLAND TOWN WITH HISTORIC CENTER YET IT'S OWN "T" STOP AND DUNKIN'S TOO! LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE FROM THE COMMUTER RAIL (FITCHBURG LINE), ACROSS FROM THE BENJAMIN HILL REC AREA IS THIS SPACIOUS ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT LOCATED IN A FOUR UNIT BUILDING. LARGE LIVING AND DINING AREA AS WELL AS A SPACIOUS BEDROOM WILL SURE TO
Property Id: 2770607 Available August 15, 2026 Open House: Saturday, August 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Welcome to 162 Ayer Rd, Unit F, a freshly painted 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse-style condo in the desirable Acorn Park community in Shirley. This well-maintained home features an updated kitchen with newer stainless steel appliances, a dedicated dining area, and a
Presented for lease, this residential property at 30 Groton Road U:0 in Shirley, MA, constructed in 1989, offers 1800 square feet of meticulously designed living space. This single family residence provides a refined living experience within a substantial 40075 square foot lot, ideal for those seeking both comfort and privacy. The residence features four well-proportioned bedrooms, providing
Dive into tranquility with this charming studio or 1-bedroom year-round ranch, perfectly nestled on a peaceful private cove of Lake Shirley in Lunenburg. Offering over 200 feet of direct waterfront, this cozy home invites you to enjoy all four seasons—kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, boating, or ice skating—right from your private beach and dock. Located on a long, private dirt road,
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