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Shirley, MA Homes for Rent

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    Starting at $3,018

    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

    4 Brook Ave, Shirley, MA 01464
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    $2,100 Plus Fees

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 900 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    10 Rodman Ave Unit 10, Shirley, MA 01464

    Property Id: 2435219Welcome to 10 Rodman Ave., a well-maintained side-by-side duplex offering the privacy and feel of a single-family home. This two-level unit features its own private basement, providing ample storage and additional functional space.The second floor is home to an exceptionally spacious bedroom complete with generous closet space. On the main level, you'll find an

    10 Rodman Ave Unit 10, Shirley, MA 01464
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    $1,475 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
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    $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
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    $1,950 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 700 Sq Ft
    • Apartment for Rent

    49-53 Fredonian Unit 1, Shirley, MA 01464

    Discover an inviting residential lease opportunity at 49-53 Fredonian U:1 in Shirley, MA. This 700 square foot property, situated on the first floor, presents a meticulously maintained living space ready for immediate occupancy. The residence encompasses two thoughtfully appointed bedrooms, offering comfortable and private retreats. The singular full bathroom is designed for modern convenience,

    Norman Poggio Skylimit Real Estate LLC

    49-53 Fredonian Unit 1, Shirley, MA 01464
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    $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
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    $2,500 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 800 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    201 Fire Road 16, Lunenburg, MA 01462

    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,

    JoAnne Hamberg Real Estate Exchange

    201 Fire Road 16, Lunenburg, MA 01462

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.

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 $2,100 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of July 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 $84,000 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 $2,100 per month in Shirley, MA, renters typically need to show $6,300 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 18.3, 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 Southside, Cleghorn and West Fitchburg, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
7
Median Rent
$2,100
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,625
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,200
Median Condo Rent
$1,550
How to Rent a Home