Amherst Center 84 Exceptional
Amherst Center Livability #15 ranked city in Massachusetts#636 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Amherst Center

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

  • Employment Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

What's it like Living in Amherst Center?

Located in the state of Massachusetts, Amherst Center is a mid-sized city with a population of 20,556 inhabitants. Amherst Center has a population density of 4,161 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. According to the most recent Census, 78% of Amherst Center residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. Amherst Center tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 20 is far below the national average. In Amherst Center, only 10% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Amherst Center is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Amherst Center, Massachusetts could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Amherst Center, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, education, employment and more.

With a livability score of 83 out of 100, Amherst Center is ranked #822 in the United States and #24 in Massachusetts. This is a terrific score, as Amherst Center ranks well in multiple categories! Amherst Center has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Amherst Center ranks very well for crime (A+) and education (B+). Amherst Center does not fare well for the following: cost of living (F), employment (F) and housing (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Living in Amherst Center offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Amherst Center provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 160 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Amherst Center boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Assuming that Amherst Center meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Amherst Center. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Amherst Center are simply unattainable. The median home price for Amherst Center homes is $622,124, which is 0.4% lower than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Amherst Center, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 13, which is 120.3% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Amherst Center

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      Amherst Center transportation information

      Statistic Amherst Center Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute15min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work29.7%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.1%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.2%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.4%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk40.4%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home13.3%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Amherst Center, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.