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 | |
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City | |
| Town of Amherst | |
Left-right from top: Downtown Amherst, Congregational Church in North Amherst, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Town Hall, Downtown Amherst | |
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Flag Seal | |
| 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 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Hampshire |
| Settled | 1703 |
| Incorporated | February 13, 1759 |
| Named for | Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 27.7 sq mi (71.8 km2) |
| • Land | 27.6 sq mi (71.5 km2) |
| • Water | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2) |
| Elevation | 295 ft (90 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 39,263 |
| • Density | 1,422/sq mi (549.1/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (Eastern) |
| ZIP Codes | 01002, 01003 (UMass), 01004 (post office boxes), 01059 (North Amherst post office) |
| Area code | 413 |
| FIPS code | 25-01325 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0618195 |
| Website | www |
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.