Shirley, MA Homes for Rent

/35
Starting at $2,769 Plus Fees
- 2 Beds
4 Brook Ave, Shirley, MA 01464

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

Birchwood Hills

4 Brook Ave, Shirley, MA 01464
Explore Shirley
/19
$1,950 Plus Fees
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- Condo for Rent
49-53 Fredonian Unit 1, Shirley, MA 01464

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.

49-53 Fredonian Unit 1, Shirley, MA 01464
/13
$1,800 Per Month
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 800 Sq Ft
- Apartment for Rent
96 Benjamin Rd Unit 7, Shirley, MA 01464

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

Kevin Forsyth Kevin Forsyth

96 Benjamin Rd Unit 7, Shirley, MA 01464

Massachusetts Middlesex County

Why Live in Shirley

Shirley, a small town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is nestled between the Squannacook and Nashua rivers, approximately 45 miles west of Boston. Known for its rural charm, Shirley features expansive green spaces, conservation trails, and a variety of home styles, including Cape Cods, ranch-style homes, split-levels, traditional farmhouses, and newer Colonial Revivals. Homes are often secluded in dense woodlands, with lot sizes ranging from several thousand square feet to over five acres. The town's trail network spans 2,000 acres, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Residents can also enjoy fishing and paddling along the local rivers. Shirley is part of the Ayer Shirley Regional School District, which includes highly-rated schools like Page Hilltop Elementary, Lura A. White Elementary, and Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School. The town is accessible via Massachusetts Route 2A and Interstate 190, with an MBTA commuter rail station providing direct access to Boston. Local dining options include the historic Bull Run Restaurant, while nearby Leominster, less than 10 miles away, offers extensive shopping and dining features. Community events such as ShirleyFest and seasonal yard sales foster a close-knit atmosphere.

Learn more about living in Shirley

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Shirley, MA?

The median rent for a home in Shirley, MA is $1,900 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.

How much do you need to make to afford rent in Shirley, MA?

To comfortably afford the median rent in Shirley, MA, a household needs to earn roughly $76,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,900 per month in Shirley, MA, renters typically need to show $5,700 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.

Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Shirley, MA?

In Shirley, MA, the price-to-rent ratio is 20.5, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

What neighborhoods in Shirley, MA are best for renting a home?

The best neighborhood for renting in Shirley, MA depends on your priorities: commute, walkability, budget, and lifestyle all play a role. Popular areas for renting a home include South Fitchburg, Southside, Cleghorn and West Fitchburg, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Trends in Shirley, MA

There are currently 3 homes available for rent in Shirley, MA. The median rent is $1,900 per month, with single-family homes renting at $2,300, townhouses at $2,200 and condos at $1,600.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent 3	Median Rent $1,900
Median Single Family Home Rent $2,300	Median Townhouse Rent $2,200
Median Condo Rent $1,600

How to Rent a Home

Rentals in Shirley

Homes for Rent by Bedrooms in Shirley

Rentals by Price in Shirley

More About Living in Shirley

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