Are you thinking about moving to Shrewsbury? This great town near Worcester was historically a popular summer resort town on the shore of Lake Quinsigamond. Named for Shrewsbury, England, it has a history going back to 1721. It grew rapidly as a streetcar suburb and is today one of the most affordable suburbs of the MetroWest region.
Here’s what living in Shrewsbury MA is really like and what you’ll love about this charming town.
Is Shrewsbury MA a Good Place to Live?
Living in Shrewsbury MA offers a perfect balance of charm and convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. This lovely town is known for its great community spirit and historic town square. It’s a great place to raise a family, with great schools and low taxes. Whether you’re drawn to its picturesque neighborhoods, plentiful parks, or close-knit feel, Shrewsbury is a town where families and individuals alike can thrive.
What Is Shrewsbury, Massachusetts Known for?
Shrewsbury is known for its business-friendly environment, excellent parks, and proximity to many colleges and universities in the area. It’s on the shore of Lake Quinsigamond, one of the best natural bodies of water for rowing, with skiing facilities and a historic town center laid out in 1721.
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Where Is Shrewsbury?
The town of Shrewsbury is located in Central Massachusetts in Worcester County, next to Lake Quinsigamond. It’s adjacent to the major city of Worcester, the second-largest New England city, and conveniently located with easy access to Boston.
Shrewsbury is west of the 495 Corridor. I-290 cuts through the northern part of town. Other major thoroughfares include Route 9, Route 140, and U.S. 20.
Shrewsbury’s location is within the Boston MetroWest region. Nearby towns include Marlborough, Northborough, Westborough, and Grafton.
While living in Shrewsbury MA, you’ll enjoy robust public transportation options to avoid the rush hour commute. The town is served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) via Route 15 and Route 12. The on-demand Via WRTA service also serves the town. As an MBTA Adjacent Community, Shrewsbury borders three towns with MBTA Commuter Rail service: Westborough, Worcester, and Grafton. The Framingham/Worcester Line is minutes away and accessible via WRTA buses.
It’s 40 miles from Shrewsbury to Boston via I-90. It takes about 2 hours via the commuter rail from Worcester.
The Shrewsbury movers at Mass Bay Movers proudly serve the region from our nearby Wrentham location.
What Is the Population of Shrewsbury Massachusetts?
According to the 2020 Census, the population of Shrewsbury, MA, is 38,325. Most residents are families, with 15,000 households, 34.5% of which have children under 18. The town is not very densely populated, with 1,851 people per square mile.
The racial and ethnic makeup is: 64.1% White, 24.6% Asian, 4.2% Hispanic, 2.5% African American or Black, 0.2% other races, and 6.5% two or more races.
Since the 1970s, the town has had a large influx of immigrants from South Asia, and India in particular. It recently ranked third in the state for its share of Indian residents with the number of Indian residents growing 173% between 2000 and 2010.
The town is home to many stores geared toward its large Indian community, including the large Indian grocer, Patel Brothers. In 2012, it hosted its first full cricket season. The India Society of Worcester has a large center in Shrewsbury with over 1,000 members.
Shrewsbury is affluent, with a median household income is $136,225, about 1.5 times higher than the county median and well above the Massachusetts median of $101,341.
Additional Shrewsbury demographics:
- Median age: 40.5 years
- Senior population (over 65): 16%
- Population under 18: 23%
- Sex ratio: 51% female to 49% male
- Homeownership rate: 72%
- Educational attainment: 66% bachelor’s degree or higher (Mass: 46.6%)
- Foreign-born population: 26.7% (Mass: 17.7%)
Is Shrewsbury MA Safe?
Shrewsbury is a safe town recently ranked the second safest place to live in Massachusetts and the fifth safest town in the U.S. While living in Shrewsbury MA, you will be protected by the 45 patrol officers of the Shrewsbury Police Department. The department also provides community services such as domestic violence prevention and the E911 disability indicator program.
What’s the Cost of Living in Shrewsbury MA?
The cost of living in Shrewsbury MA is about 20% more expensive than the national average but 7% below average for Massachusetts.
Shrewsbury has one of the lowest flat tax rates in Central Massachusetts. In 2023, the property tax rate was $13.19 per $1,000 in assessed value. Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate of 5% with a 4% additional tax on income over $1 million. The flat statewide sales tax rate is 6.25%.
Housing is the biggest factor affecting your cost of living after moving to Shrewsbury. The median home price is $610,000 or $342 per square foot, up 14% year-over-year. You can see houses for sale in Shrewsbury MA on Redfin to explore what your budget can get you.
Planning to rent while living in Shrewsbury MA? One-bedroom apartments start at $1,788 to $2,500. There are several apartment buildings in Shrewsbury to choose from:
- Ashford Crossing: $1,788 to $2,439 for 1- to 2-bedroom units
- Shrewsbury Commons: Studio to 2-bedroom starting at $1,741 to $2,292
- Bell Shrewsbury: Studio to 2-bedroom starting at $2,190 to $2,803
- Commons at Haynes Farm: 2- to 3-bedroom starting at $2,555 to $2,996
- Audobon Shrewsbury: 1- to 2-bedroom starting at $2,275 to $2,893
- The Elmwood Shrewsbury: Studio to 3-bedroom available in spring 2025
- Edgemere Crossing: 1- to 2-bedroom starting at $2,500 to $3,000
Shrewsbury is unique because residents are served by the municipally operated Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (SELCO), which provides electricity, telephone, TV, and internet services. The town offers competitive utility rates about 20-30% below average.
Trash and recycling service is provided by the Department of Public Works. The town uses a Pay As You Throw (PAYT) program. Residents purchase official bags to throw away household waste at a cost of $1.10/small bag and $2.25/large bag.
Best Neighborhoods in Shrewsbury
Trying to decide where to live after moving to Shrewsbury? There is no bad part of town! The West Side offers easy access to Worcester, while the East Side is more affordable with nearby parks and amenities.
Edgemere is a nice area with a range of housing options. Along with single-family homes, mostly built in the 1940s, you’ll find townhomes and the popular Edgemere Crossing apartment complex.
Shrewsbury MA Weather & Climate
While living in Shrewsbury MA, you’ll experience a humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfb), characterized by four distinct seasons and significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are very cold, with average lows of 16°F and average highs of 34°F. The town gets about 49″ of annual snowfall.
During the summer, the temperature ranges from an average low of 62°F to an average high of 81.5°F. Shrewsbury gets 48″ of annual rainfall distributed throughout the year.
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Things to Do in Shrewsbury MA
Shrewsbury is known for its great community events, cultural activities, and outdoor recreation. The city has more than 30 parks and recreational areas, plus convenient shopping at the White City Shopping Center and Lakeway Commons.
The Shrewsbury Historic District is the town center. Laid out in 1721, the town common is centered around Main Street and Prospect Street. It features the historic First Congregational Church (1766), Shrewsbury Public Library (1903), brick schoolhouse (1830), and the Sumner House (1797).
Here are just some of the best things to do in Shrewsbury.
Dean Park
This popular city park features 1.8 miles of hiking trails, a picnic area and playground, a picturesque pond, and outdoor sports facilities.
Dean Park, 805 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 841-8503
Broken Creek Vineyard and Winery
Broken Creek Vineyard is a fantastic destination for relaxing scenery and a great selection of wine and sangria flights. It’s a popular venue for special events!
Broken Creek Vineyard and Winery, 614 South St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 925-5617
Ski Ward
This 45-acre year-round recreational facility features four ski lifts, nine ski slopes, a ski school, snow tubing, snowboarding, and a restaurant.
Ski Ward, 1000 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 842-6346
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Additional Shrewsbury things to do:
- Prospect Park – 71 acres with forested walking trails
- EcoTarium – science museum in Worcester
- Willard House & Clock Museum
- Secret Garden
Best Restaurants in Shrewsbury MA
While living in Shrewsbury MA, you’ll enjoy dozens of fantastic restaurants at your fingertips. Most restaurants are in the White City Shopping Center or Lakeway Commons, or along Main Street. Here are just a few of the top-rated Shrewsbury restaurants!
- Tavern in the Square. Bustling tavern with patio seating, a wrap-around bar, and pub fare. 193 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 755-5240
- Osaka. Low-key Japanese eatery with teriyaki dishes and a sushi bar. 20 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 753-1144
- Jimmy’s Tavern & Grill. Laid-back restaurant with classic American cuisine, including burgers, seafood, steak, and pasta. 50 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 793-9625
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Jobs in Shrewsbury MA
After moving to Shrewsbury, you’ll find many economic opportunities in town and neighboring Worcester, although some people commute as far as Boston. The average commute is 30.4 minutes, higher than average for the area. The average salary is $69,529 or $33 per hour.
There are two main commercial districts for employment opportunities: the Town Center District and the Lakeway Business District. You can also explore Town of Shrewsbury jobs.
There are more than 60 biotech companies in Worcester County. Neighboring Worcester is a major center of medical and biotechnical companies. Education is also a major industry in the region.
Major employers near Shrewsbury include:
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School with a campus and administrative offices in Shrewsbury
- UMass Memorial Health Care, the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Central New England with urgent care, physician offices, and hospitals throughout the region
- Fallon Health, an insurer and provider of care based in Worcester
- Integrated Genetics, a medical lab in Westborough
- Overlook Senior Living
- St. Vincent Hospital
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Private Schools & Public School System in Shrewsbury
Families living in Shrewsbury MA are served by Shrewsbury Public Schools, a great school system with one high school and two middle schools. Shrewsbury High School is an award-winning high school ranked #49 in Massachusetts and #123 nationally among STEM high schools.
Kids benefit from a wide variety of athletic and extracurricular activities, including dozens of clubs like Marine Biology, Dungeons & Dragons, Model UN, and National Math Honors Society. The school is also known for its excellent music and theater programs.
Along with good schools in the public school system, families living in Shrewsbury MA can choose from several private schools in town:
- St. John’s High School (9-12), a private Xaverian Brothers-sponsored day school for boys
- Saint Mary School (PK-8), a Catholic parochial school
- Shrewsbury Montessori (PK-6)
- Al-Hambra Academy (PK-8), the first full-time STEM Islamic school in New England
- Gateways Academy (PK-12), a small “microschool”
Shrewsbury is also within minutes of 10+ universities and colleges like Quinsigamond Community College, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Clark University.
What Is Shrewsbury High School Ranked in Massachusetts?
Shrewsbury High School is ranked #49 among high schools in Massachusetts by U.S. News and #7 in the Worcester metro area.
Town of Shrewsbury MA Information
- County: Worcester
- Area: 21.7 square miles
- Shrewsbury MA zip code: 01545
- Shrewsbury area code: 508 and 774
- Elevation: 668 feet
- Shrewsbury time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Shrewsbury MA: Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), 12 miles away
Shrewsbury MA Map
Explore more attractions and nearby shopping before moving to Shrewsbury with the map below.
Moving to Shrewsbury? Request a Free Moving Estimate Today!
Does living in Shrewsbury MA seem perfect for your family? Mass Bay Movers is ready to give you the seamless moving experience you deserve. Call our Shrewsbury movers today at (978) 587-3775 to get started with your free, personalized moving quote!
