Amherst

Living in Amherst: An Overview

Amherst is a town of about 38,000 people, located 22 miles north of Springfield. Amherst is known as a politically active, liberal town with a close-knit community feeling. Amherst is home to three different colleges: Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the UMass Amherst. With a large student population, the colleges bring a wide selection of lectures and events to the area, ensuring there is always something to do. Amherst is located in the beautiful Pioneer Valley, with great options for local hikes.

Things to do in Amherst

For a relatively small town, Amherst has more than its fair share of art, music, museums, and cultural events. One of the town’s most famous historical residents is Emily Dickinson, and you can explore her life and poetry at the Emily Dickinson Museum. Children will also love the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, where they can see some of their favorite story characters, such as the Very Hungry Caterpillar or Maurice Sendak’s Wild Things. Independent film fans can watch a movie at the Amherst Cinema, and sports fans can cheer on UMass hockey, one of the country’s best college hockey teams.

Outdoor Activities around Amherst

Amherst is an excellent base for either a long hike or a local stroll. In town, literary trails take you through some of the landscapes that inspired local writers and artists. Four major regional trails also connect through Amherst: the K.C. Trail, the Robert Frost Trail, the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, and the Norwottuck Rail Trail. These are excellent trails if you want to set out for a long-distance hike or walk and connect with beautiful areas in the Pioneer Valley, such as Mount Toby Reservation.

Schools in Amherst

Amherst is known for its excellent public school system, making it an appealing place to live for families with children. Amherst schools include:

• Amherst Regional High: 9th -> 12th Grade
• Amherst Regional Middle School: 7th -> 8th Grade
• Fort River Elementary: Kindergarten -> 6th Grade
• Wildwood Elementary: Kindergarten -> 6th Grade
• Amherst Montessori School: Pre-K -> 6th Grade
• The Common School: Pre-K -> 6th Grade

Restaurants in Amherst

Amherst has a lot of great options for dining out, and its classic American food is especially popular. If you’ve just come from a UMass hockey game, head to Hangar Pub & Grill for the best wings in the Pioneer Valley. Judie’s Restaurant is an Amherst institution known for its hearty lunches and dinners and is especially famous for its popovers. And if you’re visiting from out of town or simply locking for an excellent dinner, the Inn on Boltwood is perfectly picturesque.