Is Amherst a nice place to live?

Amherst, MA, has a long history as a college town. Over the years, it has earned its status as the second-best college town in Massachusetts (behind Cambridge) and the 26th-best in the United States. With its stunning scenery, farms, and about 40,000 residents, Amherst is a wonderful area to live in.

What is it like to live in Amherst?

Meet Amherst, Massachusetts: home to UMass Amherst, and one of the best college towns in America. Located in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, Amherst offers endless opportunities for cultural events, miles of hiking and biking trails, and is the birthplace of literary and artistic giants.

Is Amherst a nice area?

Amherst is a suburb of Springfield with a population of 39,814. Amherst is in Hampshire County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Amherst offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes.

Is Amherst expensive to live?

Based on our Amherst cost of living calculator, Amherst is 25% more expensive than the national average and 2% less expensive to live in than the average city in Massachusetts. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Food costs in Amherst are more affordable than average in the United States.

What is town of Amherst known for?

About the Town

Host to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the Town enjoys a tradition of open, professional, and high level of government services, quality education, support for open space and agriculture, and respect for its history.

Pros and Cons of living in Amherst, MA

What makes Amherst special?

Since its founding in 1821 in Western Massachusetts, Amherst has demonstrated steadfast confidence in the value of the liberal arts and the importance of critical thinking. Today, its financial aid program is among the most substantial in the nation, and its student body is among the most diverse.

Why is Amherst famous?

Amherst College has been recognized for its commitment to quality teaching with professor-student interaction. The student-faculty ratio is 7:1 and 84% of classes have fewer than 30 students.

Is Amherst a walkable city?

With easily accessible bus routes and bike trails, and a walkable location near campus, downtown Amherst is never hard to reach!

Is Amherst a small town?

At the 2020 census, the population was 39,263, making it the highest populated municipality in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton).

Is Amherst worth the money?

Below Average Value Nationwide

Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, we believe Amherst College is overpriced for the quality education it provides.

Is Amherst LGBT friendly?

Amherst College Pride Alliance works throughout the entire Amherst community to foster understanding and respect for issues that affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and allied community both on campus and in society at large.

Is Amherst a little ivy?

A 2016 article by Bloomberg Businessweek lists the members of the Little Ivies as: Amherst College. Bates College. Bowdoin College.

What kind of students get into Amherst?

Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 7%. Half the applicants admitted to Amherst College who submitted test scores have an ACT score between 32 and 35. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

Is Amherst difficult to get into?

Admissions Rate: 7.3%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are. The acceptance rate at Amherst College is 7.3%. For every 100 applicants, only 7 are admitted.

How well known is Amherst?

Amherst College Rankings

Amherst College is ranked #2 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.

Is Amherst a large city?

Amherst was incorporated in 1759 splitting from the Town of Hadley. Amherst is 27.7 square miles in size and with approximately 38,000 official residents the most populous community in Hampshire County, where neighboring Northampton is the county seat.

Why is it called Amherst?

Amherst College took its name from the town and the town took its name from Lord Jeffery Amherst, a colonial-era military hero.

What is Amherst acceptance rate?

Class of 2026: 7% 2025: 9% 2024: 12%

Can you have a car at Amherst?

By bringing a car on campus, the operator is agreeing to comply with the regulations of Amherst College. Every vehicle on campus must be permitted with the Parking Department and display a decal or temporary permit.

Does Amherst have a downtown?

Amherst Downtown is a Perfect Place to Spend Time! Whether you're going shopping, eating out, or just hanging out in a park, Amherst is the perfect place. A mix of culture, past and present, makes downtown Amherst, Massachusetts, one of New England's most unique and exciting destinations.

How do you pronounce the H in Amherst?

The 'h' is silent. It's pronounced AM-erst. Fun fact: You can sometimes spot t-shirts and stickers around campus with the saying: “Amherst—where only the 'h' is silent.” Both a pronunciation lesson and a tribute to their vibrant, outspoken community.

Is Amherst Religious?

We strive to foster mutual understanding and respect among students of all religious backgrounds (whether religiously observant or not); to promote dialogue; and to provide appropriate support for and heighten awareness of the diverse religious and spiritual traditions which are present on our campus.

Why is Amherst College ranked so high?

Awarded one of America's Best Colleges

The college is known for its commitment to teaching and close interaction between professors and students, boasting a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Amherst is one of a small group of schools that pledge to meet 100% of every student's demonstrated financial need.

Is Amherst a college town?

Amherst is a classic college town. The center of town is a bustling mix of bookstores, cafes, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Although busy, the atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming.