Virginia / Amherst County

Moving to Amherst, VA

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

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Amherst, VA

Considering a move to Amherst, VA? This welcoming community of 2,184 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $187,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (61% 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, VA

Amherst has a population of 2,184 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 45 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 68% White, 27% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,184
Density
830 per sq mi
Median Age
45.3
Gender Ratio
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
68.0%
Black
27.0%
Asian
1.0%
Others
4.0%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Amherst is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.5. Median home values are around $187,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$187,000
Gross Rent
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$410
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
82.5
Grocery
95.0
Housing
56.0
Utilities
102.0
Transportation
89.0
Health Care
96.5
Miscellaneous
93.0

Crime

Is Amherst, VA a safe place to live?

Amherst is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 124 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 98. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Virginia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
124
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,020
Crime Index
1,144
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 806
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 98

Weather

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

Amherst experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 27°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 61% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
27°F
Max
45°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
61%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $45,200 and a low poverty rate of 17.6%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,800
Household Income
$45,200
Family Income
$54,100
Per Capita Income
$23,500
Income Male
$35,200
Income Female
$28,700
Poverty Rate
17.6%
Non English Speakers
3.2%
Rent
$850
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
0.5%
Commute Time
23.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
84.5%
Bachelors or More
19.2%

Education

How are the schools in Amherst, VA?

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

Public Schools

Name
Amherst County High School
Street
139 Lancer Ln
Phone
434-946-2898
Students
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
Amherst Middle School
Street
165 Gordons Fairground Rd
Phone
434-946-0691
Students
600
Student Teacher Ratio
12.6

Private Schools

Name
Amherst Christian Academy
Street
120 Falcon Dr
Phone
434-946-5291
Students
120

Colleges

Name
Sweet Briar College
City
Sweet Briar
State
VA
Distance
5 miles
Students
350
Name
Liberty University
City
Lynchburg
State
VA
Distance
15 miles
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Amherst residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Centra Amherst Medical Center and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 91.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Centra Amherst Medical Center
Address
210 Ambriar Plaza, Amherst, VA 24521
Phone
(434) 946-9565
Type
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services
No
Name
Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
Address
1901 Tate Springs Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone
(434) 200-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage
91.5%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Amherst, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $187,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 60%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.9%. Amherst offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$187,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$850
Owner Occupied Rate
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.6%
New Construction Rate
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Amherst handle vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Richmond. 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
Virginia
Department
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone
1-804-497-7100

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, VA

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 2,184, median home value $187,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 23.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 61%.

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