Amherst Apartments for Rent

Welcome Home to Amherst

Want to know what it’s like to live like famous poet Emily Dickinson, but still leave your apartment every once in a while? You can do both if you rent in Amherst, Massachusetts. Visit Emily Dickinson’s former home and take part in an adult fitness program the same day. Amherst, just 18 miles from Springfield, Massachusetts, is great place to rent an apartment, whether you’re a reclusive poet or an aerobics junkie.

Want to get the inside scoop on Amherst? Chime in over at the LocalTalkLink where you can get into a conversation with local residents of Amherst. They’ll tell you all about what makes life in their town so special. If questions pop into your head, get them out. Simply type your Amherst related questions into the Ask a Question feature and those knowledgeable, friendly residents (AKA local experts) will get back with all the answers you seek.

Amherst Rental Trends

Rents can be competitive in Amherst, so be sure to use our apartment finder to get the best deal on your new place. You’ll see many small and medium sized apartment buildings here, which is nice for those looking for a building with a more homey vibe. Take a look at the chart above to get a feel for what rentals are currently going for in Amherst. If you’re itching to start your search, you can being by checking out some of the hot rentals listed below.

The Happy Valley

There’s plenty of Amhersts in the northeast (thanks to the popularity of French and Indian War hero Jeffrey Amherst), but only one known is known as the People’s Republic of Amherst to residents. This city in Hampshire County, Massachusetts bears that nickname thanks to its liberal population, largely comprised of college students and retired hippies. The region to which Amherst belongs is actually known informally as the Happy Valley, due to its progressive politics, student population, arts, music, and prestigious colleges. As of 2010, Amherst’s population was about 38,000. Rent one of Amherst’s beautiful apartments and join the happy people of the Happy Valley.

Dickinson’s Hometown

The Amherst region may be known as the Happy Valley, but its most famous resident isn’t known for being the most cheery person. Emily Dickinson, acclaimed American poet, was born and raised in Amherst, and the city doesn’t fail to honor its famous daughter. Head on over to the Dickinson Homestead, the poet’s birthplace and residence, which is now a museum exploring her life. Dickinson’s poems were discovered in her bedroom in this house after her death. You can visit this US National Historic Landmark for a guided tour from April through December.

Prestigious Colleges

Emily Dickinson isn’t the only famous American poet to have resided in Amherst. That distinction also belongs to Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Frost, who taught at the prestigious Amherst College. Founded in 1821, Amherst College is a four year undergraduate school offering 35 different majors. The city of Amherst boasts two other renowned colleges as well. The University of Massachusetts Amherst and Hampshire College are both within the town. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest public university in the region of New England. Hampshire College, established in 1965, is known for its alternative curriculum and music, film, visual arts, and theater programs.

Active in Amherst

Amherst offers educational resources whether or not you’re a student at one of its colleges. Head on over to the Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College to enjoy the museum’s amazing exhibits, including plenty of dinosaur bones. The museum also has the largest collection of dinosaur tracks in the world. Feel like making your own tracks? Visit the Horse Caves in the southern part of town in Mount Holyoke Range State Park. Massachusetts farmers revolting against taxation hid in these caves after defeat at the hands of the Massachusetts Militia. For a little something for the kids and the young at heart, head over to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which honors the picture book and children’s book.

If Amherst’s history, schools, and museums aren’t enough to satiate your needs for knowledge, visit one of the city’s several libraries. The city’s public library system is split into three branches. The Jones Library is the largest and main branch of the system. Read up more on Amherst’s angry taxpayers at the Munson Memorial Library or North Amherst Library. You’ll never run out of resources at the W.E.B. Du Bois Library on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Founded in 1974, it’s the tallest library in the United States. Move into your new pad in Amherst and get ready for life in a fun, active, educated community!