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-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 2,640 residents. At 76%, the majority of the Amherst population is White; this is followed by 22% Black and 0% Asian. Amherst is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 51, which is well beyond the United States median age average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Amherst is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Amherst, Virginia could be a good 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Amherst and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Amherst to Virginia and the national average.
Amherst, VA receives 77 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #77 in Virginia and #2,460 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Amherst ranks well in multiple categories! Amherst 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 ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Amherst. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Amherst gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 189 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Amherst, the unemployment rate stands at 1.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Amherst have an average test score of 82%, which is well above the US average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Amherst excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Assuming that Amherst 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. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Amherst are simply unattainable. The median home price for Amherst homes is $317,099, which is 27.1% 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 3.6, which is 20% 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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