Amherst, Massachusetts

Amherst (/ˈæmərst/ ) is a city in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Connecticut River valley. Amherst has a council–manager form of government, and is considered a city under Massachusetts state law. Amherst is one of several Massachusetts municipalities that have city forms of government but retain "The Town of" in their official names. At the 2020 census, the population was 39,263, making it the highest populated municipality in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton). The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges.

Amherst, Massachusetts
City
Town of Amherst
Left-right from top: Downtown Amherst, Congregational Church in North Amherst, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Town Hall, Downtown Amherst
Nickname: 
"The People's Republic of Amherst"
Location in Hampshire County in Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts
Coordinates: 42°23′N 72°31′W
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyHampshire
Settled1703
IncorporatedFebruary 13, 1759
Named forJeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst
Government
  TypeCouncil–manager
Area
  Total27.7 sq mi (71.8 km2)
  Land27.6 sq mi (71.5 km2)
  Water0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2)
Elevation
295 ft (90 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total39,263
  Density1,422/sq mi (549.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Codes
01002, 01003 (UMass), 01004 (post office boxes), 01059 (North Amherst post office)
Area code413
FIPS code25-01325
GNIS feature ID0618195
Websitewww.amherstma.gov

Amherst has three census-designated places: Amherst Center, North Amherst, and South Amherst.

Amherst is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. Lying 22 miles (35 km) north of the city of Springfield, Amherst is considered the northernmost town in the Hartford–Springfield Metropolitan Region, "The Knowledge Corridor". Amherst is also located in the Pioneer Valley, which encompasses Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties.

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