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Amherst

Amherst

Neighborhood in South Amherst, Massachusetts

Hampshire County 01002

$564,438 Average Value
$297 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

A studious city

Amherst is a fit for both nature lovers and intellectuals. The city is home to a triumvirate of higher education institutions: Amherst College, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Hampshire College. "The joke is that you can't swing a cat in Amherst without hitting a Master's degree," said Tim O'Brien, Senior Director of Communications for WD Cowls, Inc. and lifelong Massachusetts resident. With an expansive main street full of local shops, restaurants and museums, plus houses on roomy, forested lots, Amherst provides the lifestyle of a small city with the aesthetics of a rural retreat.

More than student housing

Locals need somewhere to store all their books and diplomas, and homes in Amherst come in various prices, styles and sizes to accommodate residents’ needs. Sprawling Queen Annes, stone Cape Cods and modern farmhouses sit alongside ranchers with wide sloping roofs. "Amherst is a nice, quiet town with a variety of neighborhoods," said Sherri Willey, a Realtor with Jones Group Realtors and a lifelong Amherst resident. "Students, faculty and families all live here." Homes in the center of Amherst feel private, thanks to the established trees that line the streets. A ranch home with three bedrooms, two baths and 1,200 square feet on half an acre is priced on average at $350,000. Cape Cod homes with 1,800 square feet, four bedrooms and two bathrooms start around $500,000, while homes in northern Amherst consisting of four bedrooms, three baths and 1,700 square feet on half an acre typically sell for around $485,000.

This iconic Queen Anne-style home in Amherst is currently available, so don't pass it by.
This iconic Queen Anne-style home in Amherst is currently available, so don't pass it by.
This farmhouse-style home resides in Amherst.
This farmhouse-style home resides in Amherst.
Many of the homes in Amherst house UMass students.
Many of the homes in Amherst house UMass students.
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Places to walk, read and play sports

Bookworms will never be without a quiet tree to read under in Amherst. The neighborhood is home to conversation areas such as Larch Hill, Brickyard, Flat Hills, Wildwood and Gulliver Meadow. Hikers can find their way along trails at Buffram Brook Community Forest, while the Connecticut River and Quabbin Reservoir draw in locals for kayaking and fishing. Groff Park invites the energetic at heart with 10 acres of sports fields and walking paths through the forest. During rainy days, locals have multiple museums to visit. Residents hungry for some history can stop by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, named after the author and illustrator of the children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The museum displays the work of Carle and other artists, hosts events and has its own art studio. There’s also the Mead Art Museum, known for providing free entry to its wide-ranging art exhibits, and the University of Amherst’s Museum of Contemporary Art, which offers cycling exhibitions throughout the year.

Puffers Pond is the place to take a dip in Amherst.
Puffers Pond is the place to take a dip in Amherst.
Folks play basketball at the Mill River Recreation Area basketball courts.
Folks play basketball at the Mill River Recreation Area basketball courts.
The Amherst Town Common sits at the heart of this bustling little area.
The Amherst Town Common sits at the heart of this bustling little area.
Explore the whimsical Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.
Explore the whimsical Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.
The Eric Carle Museum displays a cut-out of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The Eric Carle Museum displays a cut-out of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Mill River Recreation Area has tons to do, including a seasonal pool.
Mill River Recreation Area has tons to do, including a seasonal pool.
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To Main Street and beyond

Locals enjoy dining and shopping in Amherst’s historic downtown area at the intersection of Main and Pleasant streets. With local restaurants, including Bistro 63, Miss Saigon, the Taste Thai Cuisine and Fresh Side, alongside specialty boutiques and small-batch breweries, it’s easy for residents to shop and eat without leaving the walkable downtown area. Northern Amherst is home to the popular Mill District, a lifestyle hub propelled by local businesses and a popular shopping area for Amherst residents. The Mill District is defined by two shopping centers with unique shops, including the General Store and Provisions. "The General Store has a wide variety of goods," O'Brien says. "You can get a painting for your sister's wedding, a gift for your brother and pick up something for dinner, all in one place." There are several small grocery stores within Amherst, and big box grocery stores can be found outside of town along the southern side of Russell Street. Large grocers include Trader Joe’s, Target Grocery, Whole Foods Market and ALDI.

Take a stroll down North Pleasant Street in Downtown Amherst.
Take a stroll down North Pleasant Street in Downtown Amherst.
The Mill District's General Store in Amherst also features a local art gallery.
The Mill District's General Store in Amherst also features a local art gallery.
Taste Thai in Amherst offers comfort food, healthy options, and a great tea selection.
Taste Thai in Amherst offers comfort food, healthy options, and a great tea selection.
Miss Saigon in Amherst is known for their pho and kimchi fried rice and other Vietnamese eats.
Miss Saigon in Amherst is known for their pho and kimchi fried rice and other Vietnamese eats.
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Pre-college, post-preschool

Students growing up in Amherst may attend public schools in the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, ranked A+ by Niche. Students may start their education at Wildwood Elementary School, rated B+, continue at Amherst Regional Middle School, rated A, then attend high school at Amherst Regional, rated A- by Niche. Families looking to send their students to private schools may enroll in The Hartsbrook School. This private school enrolls under 300 students, offers pre-school through high school education and is rated A by Niche.

Wildwood Elementary students have no shortage of school spirit.
Wildwood Elementary students have no shortage of school spirit.
Amherst Regional Middle School serves students grades 6 through 8.
Amherst Regional Middle School serves students grades 6 through 8.
The Hartsbrook School in Hadley, MA.
The Hartsbrook School in Hadley, MA.
Amherst Pelham High School serves students grades 9 through 12.
Amherst Pelham High School serves students grades 9 through 12.
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Getting around town

Locals who commute to Springfield City can expect the 25-mile ride to take close to 45 minutes during peak transit hours and around a half hour during off-peak hours. Drivers can take Interstate 91, Massachusetts State Road 116 or West Street from Amherst to Springfield. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority’s bus service offers regular trips through downtown Amherst to each university’s campus and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. For further travel, passengers can transfer to routes that reach Northampton, Easthampton, Westfield, Hamden and Springfield. PVTA is essential for the daily transit of thousands of students and residents. Each trip using PVTA services costs $1.50 plus $0.25 per transfer.

Crime

According to the FBI’s Crime Data Statistics, 130 property crime incidents and 76 violent crime incidents were reported in Amherst in 2022 (the most recent year in which the crime data was released publicly). Most property crime incidents were reported near the campuses of Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Comparatively, most violent crimes were reported on the outskirts of town in residential areas and near the Wildwood Conservation Area. Whether coming for the academics, natural surroundings or distinct home styles, Amherst has it all.

Caitlyn Tierney
Written By
Caitlyn Tierney
Matt Barrett
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Hometown Team, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Bradley International

68 min drive

Bus

Physical Sciences Building

Bus

Morrill Science Center

Bus

Sander's Stop (In)

Bus

Notch Visitors Center (In)

Bus

Triangle Street

Bus

Townehouse Apts (In)

Bus

Cowles Lane

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Amherst US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$525,000
Median Single Family Price
$625,000
Median Townhouse Price
$222,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$288,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$235,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$297
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Last 12 months Home Sales
168
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$525,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,276
Median Year Built
1969
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,977
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,434
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,072
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
740
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
24,829

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    321 Middle St, Amherst, MA 01002

    $565,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,583 Sq Ft
    • 321 Middle St
    • New 4 days ago

    A slice of heaven in a desirable South Amherst neighborhood, this charming Cape Style four bedroom, two- bath, 1583 sq ft home is conveniently located near major routes, hiking trails, shopping, and the five-college area. There are gorgeous hardwood floors throughout the home with the exception of the kitchen and bathrooms, that have vinyl. You will find two bedrooms on the first floor with full

    Kaye Sherwood Brick & Mortar

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    33 Echo Hill Rd, Amherst, MA 01002

    $664,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,137 Sq Ft
    • 33 Echo Hill Rd
    • New 4 days ago

    This charming Cape-style home offers a spacious 2,137 square feet of living space on a .06-acre lot, with four BRs and two and a half baths, perfect for those needing extra space! The first level features a large eat-in kitchen equipped with a new cook top, dining room, a cozy living room with fireplace and a convenient office. Also, there is one BR & full bath on this level. A delightful

    Cindy Owens 5 College REALTORS®

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 12:30pm

    60 Red Gate Ln, Amherst, MA 01002

    $1,525,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 4,772 Sq Ft
    • 60 Red Gate Ln
    • New 11 days ago

    This custom designed Craftsman style home, built in 2006, exemplifies the architectural detail & functional design that were hallmarks of early 20th-century American craftsmanship. Boasting 13 RMS, including 6 spacious BRS & 3.5 baths, there's ample space for both relaxation & entertainment. Beautifully appointed, the rooms flow effortlessly - sporting a feel of casual elegance throughout. HW

    Jacqueline Zuzgo 5 College REALTORS®

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Hometown Team, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
37,378
Median Age
26
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$68,208
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,177

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
61.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
41.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
27''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

52 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

31 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Amherst