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Amherst, MA
β˜… Available

Charming college town with rich history and vibrant culture.

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40K Population
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$55K Median Income
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$381K Median Home Price
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28 Square Miles

About Amherst, MA

Nestled in the scenic Pioneer Valley, Amherst, Massachusetts is a quintessential New England town known for its vibrant college community and rich historical roots. Founded in the early 18th century, Amherst boasts a tapestry of literary history. The town takes pride in being home to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and two other prestigious institutions: Amherst College and Hampshire College. This academic trifecta makes it an intellectual hub rich with academic and cultural pursuits that contribute to its dynamic and progressive atmosphere.

Amherst’s economy is primarily driven by the education sector, yet it offers more than just academia. The town thrives with cultural events, local shops, and community initiatives that add to its unique charm. The various attractions range from the stunning natural beauty of the nearby Mount Holyoke Range to the Emily Dickinson Museum, reflecting the town's literary heritage. It’s a beloved destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking to snowshoeing, as well as for art and literature enthusiasts who can explore its various museums and cultural institutions.

Despite its size, Amherst maintains a diverse community that appreciates sustainability, arts, and local traditions. The town offers a high quality of life with excellent educational programs, a commitment to environmental conservation, and a welcoming, student-friendly atmosphere. With a mixture of rural and urban character, Amherst continues to attract visitors and residents alike who are drawn to its historic charm, cultural vibrancy, and strong community spirit.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Amherst special

58
🚢 Walkability
83
πŸ›‘οΈ Safety
75
🍽️ Food Scene
80
🎭 Arts & Culture
60
πŸŒ™ Nightlife
65
⚽ Sports Culture
58
🌬️ Air Quality
88
πŸš— Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 21.5 years
Diversity Index 70.0%

Amherst is a diverse, student-oriented community with a progressive ethos and an emphasis on education and culture.

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Economy

Median Income $55,370
Unemployment Rate 3.8%
Job Growth Rate 1.7%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including education, healthcare, retail, arts and culture, agriculture.

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Housing

Median Home Price $381,000
Cost of Living Index 116
Rent/Own Ratio 62.4%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 58.6%
High School Graduation Rate 92.3%
College Enrollment Rate 75.4%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 5
  • Universities: 3
  • Libraries: 2
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13.4:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

πŸŽ“ College
Atlantic 10, NESCAC
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Major Venues

McGuirk Alumni Stadium: 17,400

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Amherst

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: US-202, MA-9, MA-116

Average Commute: 23 minutes

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Public Transit

PVTA

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Airports

BDL - Bradley International

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Amherst unique

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Landmarks

  • Emily Dickinson Museum
  • Amherst College
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Mead Art Museum
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Attractions

  • Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
  • Mount Holyoke Range State Park
  • Beneski Museum of Natural History
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Museums

  • Emily Dickinson Museum
  • Mead Art Museum
  • Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
  • Beneski Museum of Natural History
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Parks

  • Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
  • Mount Holyoke Range State Park
  • Groff Park
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Healthcare

  • Cooley Dickinson Hospital
  • UMass Amherst University Health Services

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Amherst

Education Healthcare Retail Arts and Culture Agriculture

Living Here

Essential information about life in Amherst

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 295 feet

Time Zone: America/New_York

County: Hampshire County

Metro Area: Springfield, MA Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 413

ZIP Codes: 01002, 01003

Location

Find Amherst on the map

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