Seeking the ideal New England town that offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere and a close-knit community? Perhaps you should consider moving to Ayer. Ayer is a charming city in northern Massachusetts, located about 15 miles south of the New Hampshire border.
Living in Ayer MA, offers a mix of small-town charm and convenience. Residents enjoy safe neighborhoods, good schools, and easy access to commuter rail service into Boston. The town boasts a walkable downtown area, diverse housing options, and a strong sense of community.
Ayer is known for its diversity, safe neighborhoods, and great schools. The town’s history dates back to 1655 with the founding of the town of Groton, which included Ayer and other nearby communities.
It went through several name changes, including South Groton and Groton Junction, before it was formally incorporated as the town of Ayer in 1667, after Dr. James Cook Ayer, a wealthy patent medicine businessman who lived in Lowell.
Today, Ayer MA is a good place to live for anyone seeking a small-town atmosphere and a high quality of life. For those who need help deciding if this is the right community, here is everything you need to know about living in Ayer MA.
Where Is Ayer, MA?
Ayer MA is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the Nashoba Valley. The town’s Main Street connects to Massachusetts Route 111, which intersects with Route 2 south of town and provides access to I-495.
There are several ponds scattered throughout the town, including Grove Pond, Plow Shop Pond, Flanagan Pond, and Sandy Pond. Ayer also borders the towns of Shirley, Groton, Littleton, and Harvard.
It’s about 37 miles or a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Ayer, MA, to Boston, MA.
Ayer Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Ayer, MA, is 8,479. An increasing number of residents are discovering the fantastic benefits the town has to offer, and the growing population of Ayer, MA. However, it still has a peaceful, bucolic atmosphere with a population density of 2,969 residents per square mile.
It tends to lean slightly towards the older side, and it’s predominantly families and retirees living in Ayer MA. The median age is 48, which is 20% higher than the median age in the rest of Massachusetts. 19% of the people living in Ayer MA are under 18, and 36% are between the ages of 50 and 70.
The Ayer MA population is primarily white but does have a sizable Hispanic population. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 74.1% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Asian, 4.2% Black or African American, and 12.6% two or more races. Many famous people have enjoyed the benefits of living in Ayer MA, including brothers and NFL running backs Jamie and Joe Morris, as well as music manager Bill Aucoin.
Other Ayer demographics:
- The median household income is $81,286, which is about 20% lower than the rest of Massachusetts
- 87.8% of residents have a high school diploma, and 35.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- A surprising 58% of people living in Ayer MA are women, and 42% are men
- The foreign-born population is 9.3%
Living in Ayer MA is very safe, not only in comparison with the rest of the US but also with the rest of Massachusetts. The total Ayer MA crime rate is 657 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 52.8% lower than the national average and 71.7% lower than the rest of the country.
- The violent crime rate is 48.1% lower than the state and 54.8% lower than the rest of the US.
- The murder rate is zero, and there is very little crime aside from a few aggravated assaults.
- Property crime is likewise quite minimal, with a rate 54.2% lower than the Massachusetts crime rate and 74.9% lower than the rest of the US.
So if crime is an issue for you, moving to Ayer may be the perfect solution. The Town of Ayer MA Police Department handles crime and law enforcement in the community with the assistance of 19 total officers and 12 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Ayer MA
The cost of living in Ayer MA is higher than the national average, although it’s relatively affordable compared to the rest of Massachusetts. One way to gauge the cost of living in a community is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the cost of regular consumer goods to the rest of the country on a scale of 100.
According to Payscale, the COLI for the community is about 120, indicating that living in Ayer MA is about 20% more expensive than the rest of the US. The Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a good resource. It shows that the typical family of four with two adults and two children needs to earn $154,387 to afford the cost of living in Ayer MA.
Typical expenses of living in Ayer MA:
- Loaf of bread: $4.22
- Carton of eggs: $3.69
- Hamburger: $5.89
- A gallon of gasoline: $3.35
- A gallon of milk: $4.97
- Visit to the doctor: $165.04
- Average Ayer monthly energy bill: $272.10
Source: Payscale
Ayer real estate is also very reasonably priced compared to the rest of Massachusetts. Data from Redfin suggests the median price of homes for sale in Ayer, MA is $552,500. That makes Ayer Massachusetts real estate 28% more expensive than the typical home in the US but 29% lower than the rest of Massachusetts. The median price per square foot of Ayer real estate is $295.
Although most Ayer MA real estate is owner-occupied, renters moving to the area will also find plenty of options. Census data shows that while 68% of homes are owner-occupied, 38% are homes for rent in Ayer MA. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Ayer is $1972.
Almost no rentals are found in large buildings with more than 50 units, and 85% are located in smaller apartment complexes. However, 4% of the homes for rent in Ayer, MA, are single-family homes. Rent prices for those living in Ayer MA start at around $ 1,795 for a studio and range up to $ 3,800 for three or more bedrooms.
Ayer Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Ayer
Although it’s a small town, you’ll find a wide variety of fantastic neighborhoods in Ayer offering beautiful homes, quiet streets, and friendly neighbors. Here are a few of the most popular neighborhoods among those living in Ayer MA.
Historic Downtown Ayer | A Historic Neighborhood With Great Architecture
Historic Downtown Ayer is a centrally located neighborhood full of gorgeous Victorian homes and boutique storefronts that are perfect for growing families living in Ayer MA.
Carlton Circle / Rotary District | An Affordable Neighborhood With Easy Access to Highways
Located near Frederick Carlton Circle, the Rotary District is a peaceful area with easy access to major thoroughfares for drivers living in Ayer MA, affordable homes, and great views of the town’s many ponds.
West Main Street Gateway District | An Up-and-Coming Neighborhood With Plenty of Shops and Restaurants
The West Main Gateway District is an emerging hotspot that’s seen rapid growth in new residential and commercial construction, making it perfect for anyone living in Ayer MA looking for modern homes and commuter rail access.
Ayer Weather & Climate
According to the Koppen Classification System, the Ayer climate is humid continental, which means you can expect warm, humid summers and cold winters with four distinct seasons. The temperature typically ranges from 18°F to 83°F, although winters can get as cold as 2°F, and summers can get as hot as 91°F. You’ll typically want to visit someone living in Ayer MA, between June and September.
Make sure you’re prepared for precipitation if you plan on moving to Ayer, as it receives approximately 48 inches of rain and 56 inches of snow each year. So don’t forget to bring an umbrella and winter jacket for December.
Things to Do in Ayer
While you won’t find a ton of action and excitement while living in Ayer MA, you will find plenty of parks and local hot spots to keep you entertained. You’ll find a few shops and restaurants scattered around West Main Street, including St. Mary’s Thrift and Gift Shop, Aubuchon Hardware, and Pauline’s Variety. Beyond shopping, here are some of the best things to do in Ayer, Massachusetts.
Ayer Conservation Trails
Ayer Conservation Trails is a hiking area near Upper Flanagan Pond featuring eight scenic trails to explore, making it one of the best weekend activities for outdoor enthusiasts living in Ayer MA.
73 Groton-Harvard Rd, Ayer, MA 01432
The Billiards Cafe
The Billiards Cafe is a pool hall loved by the locals living in Ayer MA featuring 13 billiards tables, one snooker table, and a full bar, making it the perfect place to unwind on the weekend.
39 Main St #201, Ayer, MA 01432 (978) 772-7665
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Red Tail Golf Club
Located on a historic former army base, Red Tail Golf Club boasts a reputation as one of New England’s premier golf courses, featuring sprawling wooded greens and a restaurant. It’s a great spot for anyone living in Ayer MA, who likes to hit the greens.
15 Bulge Rd, Devens, MA 01434 (978) 772-3273
Additional Attractions in Ayer
Searching for more fun things to do in Ayer? The Ayer Parks and Recreation Department has a log of public facilities available on its website.
Ayer Restaurants
Feeling a bit hungry after moving to Ayer? You’re in luck! There are several fantastic restaurants in Ayer, MA, serving delicious food made with fresh ingredients. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Ayer, Massachusetts.
The Pleasant Cafe
The Pleasant Cafe is a laid-back local watering hole that’s been in operation since 1945 and serves unique bar food like fried avocado tacos and lamb burgers.
7 Depot Square, Ayer, MA 01432 (978) 300-3079
Lucia’s Tavola
Lucias Tavola is a charming Italian restaurant with an extensive menu of classic dishes like aqua pizza, fruit de mar, and pollo piccata, plus cocktails and outdoor seating.
31 Main St, Ayer, MA 01432 (978) 391-4837
Osawa Japanese Bistro
Osawa Japanese Bistro is a laid-back sushi spot serving fresh platters, poke bowls, and mouthwatering menu items like short rib ramen and chicken katsu.
9 Main St, Ayer, MA 01432 (978) 391-4335
Jobs in Ayer
Access to stable employment is another great benefit of living in Ayer MA. It features a diverse economy supported by industries like manufacturing, technology, food and beverage distribution, and healthcare.
There are over 300 businesses in the town, providing Ayer MA jobs to over 4500 people. Vitasoy, a Hong Kong-based beverage company, has a regional office in Ayer. Epic Enterprises and CPF Inc., two beverage bottling companies that primarily handle Pepsi products, also have warehouses in Ayer.
Top employers offering jobs in Ayer MA
- Nashoba Valley Medical Center
- Apple Valley Center
- CPF
- Nasoya
- Gervais Ford
- Sealed Air
- Ayer-Shirley School District
Workers living in Ayer will be well compensated. According to Payscale, the average salary in Massachusetts is $88,000. From library staff to retail associates, you’ll find no shortage of great Ayer jobs available. City of Ayer jobs are also available if you intend to work with the local government. And, like many companies hiring in the US, most Ayer businesses are willing to take on hybrid or remote employees; so if you prefer to work from home, that’s another plus point.
Ayer Schools
Moving to Ayer with kids? Its fantastic school system is one of the reasons there are so many families living in Ayer MA. Along with the neighboring town of Shirley, it’s served by the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District. There are three schools in the Ayer school district: Page Hilltop Elementary, Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School, and Ayer Shirley Regional High School.
Ayer High School has a solid reputation and ranks 84th in the Boston area. Francis W Parker Charter Essential School is also close by in Devens and serves students living in Ayer MA.
Lawrence Academy is also a private, non-sectarian boarding school located in the nearby town of Groton. Residents are also welcome to check out the Ayer Library for books and other media.
Ayer Statistics & Information
- Ayer County: Middlesex County
- Ayer area: 9.6 square miles
- Ayer zip code: 01432
- Ayer area code(s): 351 and 978
- Ayer elevation: 226 ft
- Ayer time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and-5)
- The closest airport to Ayer: The Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is 42 miles away.
Ayer MA Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Ayer MA with this map.
Find Out What Living In Ayer MA Is Really Like
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