Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Amherst, MA
Considering a move to South Amherst, MA? This charming town of around 4,800 residents boasts a high rate of educational attainment, with over half holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and offers excellent public schools. Median home prices are about $370,000, and rents average $1,400, making it a competitive but accessible housing market. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a short 25-minute average commute, and the vibrant college-town atmosphere thanks to nearby UMass Amherst. The area is known for its four-season New England climate, with 54% sunny days each year.
Demographics - South Amherst, MA
Demographics - South Amherst, MA
South Amherst is home to about 4,800 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.2. The community is predominantly White, with a notable Asian presence, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to the town's welcoming, diverse atmosphere.
Population:
4,800
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.5%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Amherst, MA?
The cost of living in South Amherst is somewhat higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 118.5. Median home values are around $370,000 and average rent is $1,400, reflecting a market that's competitive yet attainable for many families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.5
Grocery:
110.2
Housing:
125.0
Utilities:
107.6
Transportation:
114.8
Health Care:
108.1
Miscellaneous:
104.7
Crime
Is South Amherst, MA a safe place to live?
South Amherst enjoys a low crime environment, with just 102 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate well below national averages. Residents have a 1 in 980 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a safe choice for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
102
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,052
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 980
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in South Amherst, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging from 16°F to 34°F and warm summers peaking at 83°F. The area receives approximately 46.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in South Amherst have a median income of $78,000, with a relatively low poverty rate of 8.4%. Residents are highly educated, with over half holding at least a bachelor's degree, and most commuters spend about 25 minutes traveling to work.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$78,000
Family Income:
$98,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,500
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.8%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.6%
Bachelors or More:
53.1%
Education
How are the schools in South Amherst, MA?
South Amherst is served by strong public and private schools, including Crocker Farm Elementary and Amherst Regional Middle School, both offering low student-teacher ratios. Higher education is a local highlight, with the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Amherst College just a few miles away, fostering a vibrant academic environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Crocker Farm Elementary School
Street:
280 West St
Phone:
413-362-1600
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Amherst Regional Middle School
Street:
170 Chestnut St
Phone:
413-362-1800
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Private Schools
Name:
The Common School
Street:
521 South Pleasant St
Phone:
413-256-8989
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
32,000
Name:
Amherst College
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
South Amherst residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Cooley Dickinson and Baystate Medical Center nearby. The area offers a strong healthcare infrastructure, including 2.9 physicians per 1,000 people and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.1%.
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Amherst, MA?
The local housing market is characterized by a median home price of $370,000 and an average rent of $1,400 for a two-bedroom unit. With a 67.2% owner-occupancy rate and steady home appreciation, South Amherst offers stability for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles located at 1164 North Pleasant St in Amherst. The DMV provides comprehensive services for licensing, registrations, and more, making it convenient for local drivers.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1164 North Pleasant St, 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.