$564,356Average Value$289Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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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 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Shirley, MA over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 11% 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
This large 4 bedroom home is ready for your vision. Bring your tools and your ideas to transform this home into your dream home! The 1st-floor layout features an open kitchen/dining area, a massive living room with direct access to the back deck and screened porch, a large bedroom and a half bathroom which is large enough to accommodate a full bathroom. The 2nd-floor features 3 bedrooms, 2 full
Benjamin HauseKeller Williams Realty North Central
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
Enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and convenience in this charming condex, situated on an almost 4-acre wooded lot. Offering a peaceful country setting, yet located just 10 minutes from Routes 2 and 495, this home provides easy access to commuting, shopping, and local amenities.Featuring three finished levels of living space, the home includes 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, with spacious rooms
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
This historical Federal-style antique home filled with timeless New England character is located across from the Town Common in the Shirley Center Historic District. Featuring wide-plank floors, original woodwork, multiple fireplaces & beautifully preserved period details throughout. Sun-filled living spaces offer warmth and flexibility with options for a home office, guest space, or creative use
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
Experience refined living in this brand-new home offering privacy, space, and elegance. The open-concept layout is perfect for entertaining, featuring a chef’s kitchen with Viking appliances and high-end finishes throughout. The primary suite provides a peaceful retreat with a spa-inspired bath and walk-in closet, while four additional bedrooms offer ample space for family or guests. The walk-out
Builders and cash buyers! You can’t beat this location!! Quintessential New England fixer-upper in Shirley Village. Sought after neighborhood in close proximity to Commuter Rail, food, town center, shops, buses, and more. You’ll love the property borders naturally sculpted by lush, established trees. Build your dream home or fix it up! Newer furnace, new water heater. Investors, contractors -
Well-maintained second floor 1 bedroom apartment ideally located just minutes from the Shirley commuter station. This bright and comfortable unit offers a functional layout with good living area and a private bedroom.The heat is included in the rent, adding great value and predictable monthly expense costs. Convenient on-site laundry is avaialble in the building. These affordable apartments are
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
Discover refined living at 75 Chapel St U:B in Shirley, MA. This attractive residential property, built in 1930, offers 900 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, presenting an exceptional leasing opportunity for those seeking comfort and style. The kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring sleek stainless steel appliances and elegant stone counters that provide both beauty and functionality.
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
Impeccably maintained Colonial in desirable Apple Orchard Estates! This home offers an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings in the family room and primary suite, creating a bright, airy feel throughout. The granite kitchen features a center island, ample cabinetry, and excellent flow for everyday living and entertaining. French doors open to a fireplaced family room, while composite decking
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