About Amherst

About the Town

The Town of Amherst, located in the lovely Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, is a diverse, inclusive community offering numerous educational and cultural opportunities.

Host to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the Town enjoys a tradition of open, professional, and high level of government services, quality education, support for open space and agriculture, and respect for its history.

General Information About Amherst
County	Hampshire
Government	Town Council, 13 Member Council w/ President and Vice President Town Manager
Location	Bordered by: Hadley to the west; Sunderland and Leverett to the north; Shutesbury, Pelham, and Belchertown to the east; and Granby and South Hadley to the south. 23 miles from Springfield, 18 miles from Greenfield, 50 miles from Pittsfield, 87 miles from Boston, and 157 miles from New York City
Land Area	27.7 square miles
Population	1950 - 10,856 1960 - 13,718 1970 - 26,331 1980 - 33,229 1990 - 35,228 2000 - 34,874 2010 - 37,819
Density (persons per square mile)	1950 - 392 1960 - 495 1970 - 951 1980 - 1,199 1990 - 1,272 2000 - 1,259 2010 - 1,370
Elevation at Town Hall	312 feet above sea level
Topographical characteristics	Valley plateau within a circle of hills
USGS Topo Plates	Belchertown, Mount Holyoke, Williamsburg, Shutesbury
Longitude / Latitude	42 22' 25" N, 72 31' 15" W