Boston metro, MA relocation guide
Moving to Shirley, MA
$449,900Median listing price
MiddlesexArea
Commuter-friendlyCommute profile
About Shirley
Shirley is a small, affordable town on the Nashua River in northwestern Middlesex County, home to the Massachusetts Correctional Institution–Shirley and a mix of neighborhoods, historic village pockets and rural edges. Housing is among the most affordable in the metro: older colonials and capes, mill-era homes near the center, and mobile-home communities.
Home prices in Shirley
The median listing price in Shirley is $449,900.
Top places in Shirley
- Shirley town center — historic village with the War Memorial Building.
- Nashua River and the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge — paddling and birding.
- Fredonian Park — town park with fields and playground.
- Bull Run Restaurant — landmark dining in town.
- The commuter-rail village around Shirley station.
- Nearby Fort Devens (Ayer) — employment and recreation.
Commuting from Shirley
- Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line at Shirley (in-town station).
- Typical trip to North Station: approximately 60–70 minutes.
- Approximate drive to downtown Boston: ~55–70 minutes via Route 2/Route 128 (longer at rush hour).
Schools in Shirley
Public schools: Ayer-Shirley Regional School District. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Shirley FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Shirley, MA?
The median listing price in Shirley is $449,900. Median listing price · Realtor.com · September 24, 2026 - How is the commute from Shirley, MA?
Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line at Shirley (in-town station). - Which school district serves Shirley, MA?
Shirley is served by Ayer-Shirley Regional School District. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.