Everything You Should Know Before Moving to North Amherst, MA
Thinking about moving to North Amherst, MA? With a population of around 6,800 and a strong academic vibe thanks to nearby UMass Amherst, the area offers a youthful energy and high educational attainment. Median home values are about $420,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom are $1,525, with a moderate overall cost of living. Residents enjoy relatively low crime rates, short 20-minute average commutes, and access to excellent schools and healthcare. The climate brings four distinct seasons, and North Amherst's vibrant community makes it a great choice for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - North Amherst, MA
Demographics - North Amherst, MA
North Amherst is home to approximately 6,800 residents, with a youthful median age of just 21.7 years, reflecting its close ties to the nearby university. The community features a diverse population, including a significant Asian presence and over 14% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This mix creates a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere ideal for students and newcomers.
Population:
6,819
Density:
1,220 per sq mi
Median Age:
21.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
76.0%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
10.8%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in North Amherst, MA?
Living in North Amherst comes with a moderate cost of living, with a median home value around $420,000 and average rents near $1,475 per month. Utility and grocery costs are slightly above the national average, and Massachusetts state taxes range from 5% to 9%. Overall, the area offers a balance between affordability and access to amenities.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,475
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.8
Grocery:
110.3
Housing:
124.7
Utilities:
116.2
Transportation:
109.5
Health Care:
107.8
Miscellaneous:
104.5
Crime
Is North Amherst, MA a safe place to live?
North Amherst enjoys lower-than-average crime rates, with only 138 violent crimes and 1,210 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 725, offering residents a sense of safety and security. This makes the area appealing for families and students alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
138
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,348
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 725
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in North Amherst, MA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct New England seasons, with winter lows averaging 16°F and summer highs reaching 83°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. This climate offers year-round opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The neighborhood is characterized by a relatively low median income of $28,500 and a high educational attainment, with over half of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short at just over 20 minutes, and about 8% of residents use public transit. The area’s poverty rate is higher than average, likely influenced by its large student population.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$87,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,700
Income Male:
$24,000
Income Female:
$21,600
Poverty Rate:
31.2%
Non English Speakers:
14.2%
Rent:
$1,475
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
7.9%
Commute Time:
20.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
52.1%
Education
How are the schools in North Amherst, MA?
North Amherst is served by well-regarded public schools, including Amherst Regional High School and Wildwood Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also home to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is just minutes from Amherst College, offering abundant opportunities for higher education. Families benefit from access to both public and private school options nearby.

Public Schools
Name:
Amherst Regional High School
Street:
21 Matoon St
Phone:
413-362-1700
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Name:
Wildwood Elementary School
Street:
71 Strong St
Phone:
413-362-1400
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7

Private Schools
Name:
The Common School
Street:
521 S Pleasant St
Phone:
413-256-8989
Students:
150

Colleges
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
32,000
Name:
Amherst College
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
North Amherst residents have access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Cooley Dickinson Hospital and UMass Memorial Medical Center. There are 3.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 97% of the population has health insurance coverage. The area’s healthcare index indicates reliable medical services and accessibility.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Address:
30 Locust St, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone:
(413) 582-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Address:
55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
Phone:
(508) 334-1000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
79.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in North Amherst, MA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $420,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,525, with a low foreclosure rate and modest home appreciation. Only about a third of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a strong rental market influenced by the student community. Vacancy rates remain moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,525
Owner Occupied Rate:
33.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles located on University Drive in Amherst. The office provides vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services, with additional information available on the state’s official website. Its convenient location supports the needs of local drivers and new arrivals.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 University Dr, Amherst, MA 01002
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
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.