Shirley balances small-town ease with enviable access to nature and transit. Set in northwest Middlesex County, it features leafy streets, classic New England architecture, and a friendly village center. Commuters appreciate direct service to Boston on the MBTA Fitchburg Line, and Route 2 keeps trips to Fitchburg and points east straightforward. Town services, permits, and an active community calendar are all easy to navigate through the Town of Shirley.
Outdoor lovers find plenty to explore. The Nashua River meanders past town, and nearby Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge offers serene paddling, birding, and trails amid restored floodplain habitat. Closer to home, Benjamin Hill Recreation Area draws families with a seasonal pool, playgrounds, and year-round sledding. The Trustees’ Farandnear preserve adds miles of woodland paths, boardwalks, and quiet picnic spots perfect for weekend rambles.
Families are served by the Ayer Shirley Regional School District, which includes Lura A. White Elementary in town and Ayer Shirley Regional High School, known for close-knit classrooms and spirited athletics. Everyday conveniences are minutes away in neighboring Ayer, while local traditions—concerts on the common, youth sports, and town-wide celebrations—keep the calendar lively without sacrificing the relaxed pace residents love.
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