Massachusetts / Hampshire County

Moving to Amherst, MA

Thinking of making a move to Amherst, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Amherst and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Amherst before you move.

Moving Help for Your Amherst, MA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Amherst move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Amherst, MA Piano Movers Amherst, MA Cheap Movers Amherst, MA Small Movers Amherst, MA Apartment Movers Amherst, MA Long Distance Movers Amherst, MA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Amherst, MA

Considering a move to Amherst, MA? This welcoming community of 39,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $520,000 and average rents near $1,720. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Amherst's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Amherst, MA

Amherst has a population of 39,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 23 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 64% White, 6% Black, and 14% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
39,000
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
22.9
Gender Ratio
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
64.0%
Black
5.5%
Asian
14.0%
Others
16.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Amherst, MA?

The cost of living in Amherst is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 123.5. Median home values are around $520,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,720. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$520,000
Gross Rent
$1,720
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,780
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$790
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
123.5
Grocery
118.0
Housing
141.0
Utilities
109.5
Transportation
112.0
Health Care
109.0
Miscellaneous
111.0

Crime

Is Amherst, MA a safe place to live?

Amherst is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 87. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
110
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,150
Crime Index
1,260
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 909
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 87

Weather

What is the weather like in Amherst, MA year-round?

Amherst experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $86,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 62% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 15% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$48,000
Household Income
$86,500
Family Income
$103,000
Per Capita Income
$34,500
Income Male
$50,000
Income Female
$42,500
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
24.0%
Rent
$1,720
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Public Transport Usage
14.5%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
62.0%

Education

How are the schools in Amherst, MA?

Amherst offers quality education options, with public schools like Amherst Regional High School and Wildwood School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and Hampshire College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Amherst Regional High School
Street
21 Mattoon St
Phone
413-362-1700
Students
750
Student Teacher Ratio
11.5
Name
Wildwood School
Street
71 Strong St
Phone
413-362-1100
Students
325
Student Teacher Ratio
10.8

Private Schools

Name
Hampshire Regional Montessori School
Street
24 New Ludlow Rd
Phone
413-256-3433
Students
120

Colleges

Name
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City
Amherst
State
MA
Distance
0 miles
Students
32,000
Name
Amherst College
City
Amherst
State
MA
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,900
Name
Hampshire College
City
Amherst
State
MA
Distance
3 miles
Students
1,000

Healthcare

Amherst residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Baystate Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Address
30 Locust St, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone
(413) 582-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Baystate Medical Center
Address
759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01199
Phone
(413) 794-0000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Amherst, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $520,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 42%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Amherst offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$520,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,720
Owner Occupied Rate
42.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Amherst handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Quincy. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
Massachusetts RMV, 25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
(857) 368-8000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Amherst, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Amherst, review the core fields on this page: population 39,000, median home value $520,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,720, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

Ready to Move to Amherst, MA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes