Shrewsbury Apartments and Rentals

Located in the heart of central Massachusetts, this quiet town has been a neighboring community of Worchester since the early 1800s. According to information from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city had more than 31,600 residents in 2010 and shows no signs of slowing down. Home to Artemas Ward Homestead, a symbol of Massachusetts' heritage, this small town is rich with the dynamic history of New England, but still has a bright eye for the future.

Land grants in Shrewsbury date back as early as 1664, making it only the oldest communities in the country. Because of its valuable milling potential near the Connecticut River, many settlers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony made their home here. Named after a city in England, the first permanent resident, Gershom Wheelock made his home in Shrewsbury and the city officially incorporated in 1727.

Agriculture was always a leading industry in the city, and many apple trees that produced delicious New England cider gave Shrewsbury its rise. After an economic downturn during the Revolutionary War and Shrewsbury's involvement with the famous Shays' Rebellion in 1786, the city was forced to rebuild its longstanding farming background.

After years of development, Shrewsbury developed into a bedroom community for neighboring Worchester and is now one of Massachusetts' finest suburbs. According to the census, more than 70 percent of the residences here are family households, making Shrewsbury an ideal location for raising children.

Many students in the area get their education at nearby Clark University. A small, liberal arts college, this school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in everything from accounting to urban education. Clark is also known for its state-of-the-art research facilities that give graduate students the tools they need for exploration and problem solving. If you are a Clark University student looking for Shrewsbury rentals, finding a place near Interstate 290 is a great way to cut down your commute time to class.

According to the Massachusetts Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the largest employers in Worchester County are PFPc INC, VNA Care Network & Hospice and Wachusett Mountain. Many of the industries in the areas around Shrewsbury are in insurance, computer and software development, manufacturing and healthcare. Since Shrewsbury is within close proximity to neighboring Worchester, many residents commute there for work.

Because the area has a safe environment, high quality of life, great school system and close proximity to one of the largest cities in Massachusetts, the cost of living index is higher than the United States average. According to information from city-data.com, the 2009 median household income in the area was about $20,000 more per year than the average Massachusetts resident, so renters here should expect to afford a wide range of rentals.

Preserved by Harvard University for its cultural significance, the Artemas Ward House Museum in Shrewsbury contains original woodwork, fabrics and furnishings of the Wards, a prominent family of politicians, authors, farmers, soldiers and advertisers in the Shrewsbury area for six generations. History buffs can tour the grounds and get to know an important chapter in Massachusetts' history.

If you are more of an adventurer, Ski Ward is your source for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing for Shrewsbury residents of all ages. During the summer, the park doubles as great space for tubing, mountain biking, outdoor picnics and skateboarding. The grounds also offer an ice cream stand for the kids and a bar and grill for the adults.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Shrewsbury, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.