Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
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.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
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
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.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Amherst is a small city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 2,581 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Amherst is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. The Amherst population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 51, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Amherst offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Amherst could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Amherst, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and more.
Amherst has a livability score of 77 out of 100 and is ranked #84 in Virginia and #2,459 in the USA. Compared to the national average, Amherst ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Amherst is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Amherst has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B-) and housing (A-). Unfortunately for Amherst, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
The unemployment rate in Amherst has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.47%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Amherst, the average school test scores reached an impressive 82%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Amherst an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Amherst apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Amherst is real estate affordability. The median home price for Amherst homes is $180,600, which is 27.3% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Amherst, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 21.1% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Amherst | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.0% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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