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Shirley, MA Homes for Rent

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  • 71 Chapel St Unit 2, Shirley, MA 01464
    71 Chapel St Unit 2, Shirley, MA 01464
    71 Chapel St Unit 2, Shirley, MA 01464
    /12

    $1,500 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 700 Sq Ft
    • Apartment for Rent

    71 Chapel St Unit 2, Shirley, MA 01464

    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

    Pat Bagni-Latimer MA Real Estate Center

    71 Chapel St Unit 2, Shirley, MA 01464
  • 4 Brook Ave, Shirley, MA 01464
    4 Brook Ave, Shirley, MA 01464
    4 Brook Ave, Shirley, MA 01464
    /35

    Starting at $3,361

    Total Monthly Price

    • 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

    (978) 878-7648

    4 Brook Ave, Shirley, MA 01464
  • 72 Patterson Rd Unit 74, Shirley, MA 01464
    72 Patterson Rd Unit 74, Shirley, MA 01464
    72 Patterson Rd Unit 74, Shirley, MA 01464
    /25

    $2,200 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,500 Sq Ft
    • Apartment for Rent

    72 Patterson Rd Unit 74, Shirley, MA 01464

    Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath Shirley rental. Completely renovated from top to bottom, this home offers modern style, comfort, and convenience. The spacious eat-in kitchen features brand-new cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. The first floor also includes a bright and open living room and a convenient half bath. Upstairs, you’ll find two generous-sized

    Emily Chapdelaine Coldwell Banker Realty - Westford

    72 Patterson Rd Unit 74, Shirley, MA 01464
  • 30 Groton Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
    30 Groton Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
    30 Groton Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
    /25

    $3,300 Per Month

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,800 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    30 Groton Rd, Shirley, MA 01464

    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

    Pat Bagni-Latimer MA Real Estate Center

    30 Groton Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
  • 16 Windsor Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
    16 Windsor Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
    16 Windsor Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
    /29

    $4,500 Per Month

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,763 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    16 Windsor Rd, Shirley, MA 01464

    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

    Cayla Reddington Keller Williams Realty

    16 Windsor Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
Massachusetts Middlesex County Shirley

Homes for Rent in Shirley, MA

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 $2,750 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of May 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 $110,000 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 $2,750 per month in Shirley, MA, renters typically need to show $8,250 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 14.2, 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, West Fitchburg and Southwest Nashua, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Home Trends in Shirley, MA

There are currently 5 homes available for rent in Shirley, MA. The median rent is $2,750 per month, with single-family homes renting at $2,900, townhouses at $2,200 and condos at $1,550.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
5
Median Rent
$2,750
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,900
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,200
Median Condo Rent
$1,550
How to Rent a Home

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