Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Amherst, NY
Thinking of moving to Amherst, NY? With a population of 129,595 and a median home price of $330,000, Amherst offers affordable living, highly rated schools, and easy access to top universities like University at Buffalo. The city boasts a low violent crime rate of 113 per 100K, short average commutes of 19.5 minutes, and a strong educational attainment with 53% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Enjoy all four seasons, a friendly community, and a comfortable cost of living in this welcoming Western New York suburb.
Demographics - Amherst, NY
Demographics - Amherst, NY
Amherst, NY is home to approximately 129,595 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a diverse community where about 12% identify as Asian and 15% speak a language other than English at home. The population density creates a vibrant suburban atmosphere, and the slightly higher number of females contributes to a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, but growing diversity adds to the town’s welcoming environment.
Population:
129,595
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.1%
Black:
6.6%
Asian:
12.2%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Amherst, NY?
Living in Amherst offers a modest cost of living, with a median home value of $330,000 and average rent around $1,320 monthly. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above the national average, but housing remains affordable compared to other New York suburbs. State income tax rates range from 4% to 8.82%, while the overall cost of living index stands at 102.1, making Amherst an accessible choice for families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$330,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.1
Grocery:
103.2
Housing:
94.0
Utilities:
107.8
Transportation:
101.4
Health Care:
104.5
Miscellaneous:
99.6
Crime
Is Amherst, NY a safe place to live?
Amherst boasts a low crime rate, with only 113 violent crimes and 1,094 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer communities in Western New York. Residents have a 1 in 885 chance of experiencing violent crime, reflecting strong public safety. This peaceful environment is ideal for families and those seeking a secure suburban lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
113
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,094
Crime Index:
1,207
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 885
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Amherst, NY year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons in Amherst, with cold winters averaging lows around 19°F and warm summers reaching highs near 81°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 47% of days, offering a balanced mix of winter snowfall and pleasant summer weather. The climate creates opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Amherst’s community features a median household income of $87,500 and a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, reflecting economic stability. With 97% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and over half earning a bachelor’s degree or higher, the area is highly educated. Residents also benefit from short average commutes of just under 20 minutes and a moderate poverty rate of 8.1%.
Median Income:
$46,500
Household Income:
$87,500
Family Income:
$99,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,800
Income Male:
$54,500
Income Female:
$45,200
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.0%
Bachelors or More:
53.0%
Education
How are the schools in Amherst, NY?
Amherst offers excellent educational opportunities, including top-rated public schools like Williamsville North High School with a low student-teacher ratio and private options such as Christian Central Academy. The presence of the University at Buffalo’s North Campus provides access to higher education right in town. A high percentage of residents hold advanced degrees, contributing to a strong academic environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Williamsville North High School
Street:
1595 Hopkins Rd
Phone:
716-626-8500
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Heim Middle School
Street:
175 Heim Rd
Phone:
716-626-8600
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
Christian Central Academy
Street:
39 Academy St
Phone:
716-634-4821
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
University at Buffalo (North Campus)
City:
Amherst
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
30,000
Name:
Daemen University
City:
Amherst
State:
NY
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Amherst is well-served by quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital nearby and 95% of residents covered by health insurance. There are 2.5 physicians available per 1,000 people, ensuring accessible medical care. The area’s healthcare index of 77.4 supports a healthy and well-cared-for community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
Address:
1540 Maple Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone:
(716) 568-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Buffalo General Medical Center
Address:
100 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone:
(716) 859-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Amherst, NY?
The housing market in Amherst is stable, with a median home price of $330,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 69%. Rental vacancies are low at 4.4%, and rents for a two-bedroom average $1,320. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, making it a solid market for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$330,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 77 Broadway in nearby Buffalo. The DMV offers comprehensive services for licensing, registration, and more, both in-person and online. For questions, residents can contact the department at 1-518-486-9786 or visit dmv.ny.gov.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
77 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
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.