Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Amherst, NH
Considering a move to Amherst, NH? This charming town of 11,753 residents offers spacious living, top-rated schools, and a high household income of $142,000. With a median home price around $540,000 and average rents of $1,650, Amherst combines a comfortable cost of living with a remarkably low crime rate (52 violent crimes per 100k) and excellent educational attainment—62% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents enjoy a scenic New England climate, short commutes, and access to quality healthcare, making Amherst an outstanding choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Amherst, NH
Demographics - Amherst, NH
Amherst, NH is home to 11,753 residents, with a median age of 45.6 and a population density of 320 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White at 94.2%, with a nearly balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming and close-knit suburban atmosphere.
Population:
11,753
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Amherst, NH?
Living in Amherst means a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $540,000 and typical rent around $1,650 per month. While utilities and groceries are also above national averages, residents benefit from New Hampshire's lack of state income tax and strong local amenities.
Median House Value:
$540,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$158
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$870
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
5% (dividends/interest tax only)
Cost Of Living Index:
120.4
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
129.0
Utilities:
117.6
Transportation:
110.3
Health Care:
107.2
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Amherst, NH a safe place to live?
Amherst boasts a very low crime rate, with only 52 violent crimes and 523 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safest communities in the area. The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 1,900, providing peace of mind for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
52
Property Crimes Per 100k:
523
Crime Index:
575
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 191
Weather
What is the weather like in Amherst, NH year-round?
Residents of Amherst experience all four seasons, from cold, snowy winters with lows around 12°F to warm summers peaking at 83°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 57% of the year, offering a classic New England climate ideal for seasonal outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Amherst is an affluent community, with a median household income of $142,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.1%. The majority of adults are highly educated, unemployment is just 2.5%, and most residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with a typical commute of about 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$58,000
Household Income:
$142,000
Family Income:
$160,000
Per Capita Income:
$59,100
Income Male:
$89,000
Income Female:
$63,000
Poverty Rate:
3.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
2.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.6%
Bachelors or More:
62.0%
Education
How are the schools in Amherst, NH?
Amherst offers excellent education options, including well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private and nearby higher education institutions like Rivier University and the University of New Hampshire in Manchester. With 62% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree, the town places a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Amherst Middle School
Street:
14 Cross Rd
Phone:
603-673-8944
Students:
590
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Clark-Wilkins Elementary School
Street:
80 Boston Post Rd
Phone:
603-673-4411
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Souhegan High School
Street:
412 Boston Post Rd
Phone:
603-673-9940
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Private Schools
Name:
Mont Vernon Village School (serving Amherst region)
Street:
10 Harwood Dr, Mont Vernon, NH
Phone:
603-673-5141
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Rivier University
City:
Nashua
State:
NH
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
University of New Hampshire - Manchester
City:
Manchester
State:
NH
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Amherst residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Nashua, including St. Joseph Hospital and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 95% of the population insured and a strong physician presence, healthcare in the area is comprehensive and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Joseph Hospital
Address:
172 Kinsley St, Nashua, NH 03060
Phone:
(603) 882-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center
Address:
8 Prospect St, Nashua, NH 03060
Phone:
(603) 577-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Amherst, NH?
The Amherst housing market is robust, with a median home price of $540,000 and over 91% owner occupancy. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates, combined with steady home appreciation at 7.3% annually, indicate a stable and desirable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$540,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Amherst are provided by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Concord. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV resources both in person and online through the state’s official website.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
1-603-227-4000
Website:
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.