Is Amherst NH a Good Place to Live? (2026 Guide)

Quick answer: For most buyers, yes — Amherst NH is a good place to live thanks to top-ranked Souhegan-area schools, a storybook historic village, low crime, and easy access to Nashua, Manchester, and the Route 101 corridor. The trade-off is cost: the typical Amherst home value is around $595,000, and property taxes run higher than the state average. If you want New England village charm with strong schools, it's hard to beat.

Amherst sits in the Souhegan Valley of southern New Hampshire, about 11,760 residents strong, wrapped around one of the most photographed town greens in the state. Below, our team tackles the real question — is Amherst NH a good place to live for your family? — across schools, housing, taxes, commute, and lifestyle.

What is it like to live in Amherst, NH?

Amherst blends a preserved colonial village with quiet, wooded neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. The Amherst Village Historic District — with its white-steepled church, town common, and 18th- and 19th-century homes — anchors the town's identity, while Baboosic Lake, conservation trails, and open space give it a distinctly rural-suburban feel. It's a lower-density, family-oriented community where people tend to stay for the long haul. For buyers coming from denser Massachusetts suburbs, the space and calm are a big part of the appeal.

How are the schools in Amherst NH?

Schools are the number-one reason families choose Amherst. The town's students attend the Amherst School District through eighth grade and then Souhegan Cooperative High School, shared with neighboring Mont Vernon. Souhegan posts a graduation rate near 97%, offers more than ten Advanced Placement courses, and the Amherst district ranks in roughly the top 13% of New Hampshire districts. Strong, well-funded schools are a major driver of both home demand and property taxes here — the two go hand in hand. For a deeper look, see our dedicated Amherst NH schools guide.

How much do homes cost in Amherst NH?

Amherst is one of the pricier towns in the Souhegan Valley. As of mid-2026, Zillow puts the typical home value near $595,000, while recent 12-month median sale prices have run higher — into the $600,000s and up about 8% year over year — reflecting steady demand and limited inventory. That's above the statewide single-family median of $575,000 recorded in June 2026 by the New Hampshire REALTORS. Expect a mix of antique village homes, mid-century capes and colonials, and newer construction on larger lots. If you're weighing towns, start with current listings on our Amherst real estate page.

Are property taxes high in Amherst NH?

Yes — Amherst's property taxes are above the New Hampshire average, with a total rate around $20.07 per $1,000 of assessed value and a median annual bill in the 03031 ZIP of roughly $10,105. Because New Hampshire has no state income tax and no general sales tax, towns fund schools and services almost entirely through property taxes, and Amherst's excellent schools show up in the rate. As always, the real number depends on a specific home's assessed value, so run the math on any property before you make an offer. New buyers can walk through the full process on our home buying guide.

What is the commute like from Amherst?

Amherst is well-placed for southern NH commuters. Nashua is about 15 minutes away, Manchester and its regional airport roughly 20 minutes, and the Route 101 corridor gives quick access west toward Milford and east toward the Seacoast. Boston runs about 60 to 70 minutes depending on traffic and where you're headed. There's no commuter rail in town, so most residents drive — a fair trade for the quieter setting and larger lots.

Who is Amherst best for?

Amherst is a natural fit for families prioritizing schools, buyers who want village-and-woods New England character, and anyone relocating from Massachusetts who wants space, safety, and no income or sales tax. It's less ideal if you need walk-everywhere downtown density or public transit. So, is Amherst NH a good place to live? If you love the idea of a historic common, strong schools, and a short hop to two cities, the answer is almost certainly yes — and Amherst deserves a spot on your list. The Phinney Team lives and works across southern New Hampshire — learn more about us at teamphinney.com.

Once you know Amherst is right for you, the next question is where in town to buy — see our guide to the best neighborhoods in Amherst NH, from Amherst Village to Baboosic Lake.

Frequently asked questions about living in Amherst NH

Is Amherst NH a good place to live for families?

Yes. Amherst is especially popular with families because of its top-ranked schools, low crime, and safe, spacious neighborhoods. Souhegan Cooperative High School's ~97% graduation rate and strong AP offerings are a frequent deciding factor for buyers with school-age children.

What is the population of Amherst NH?

Amherst has about 11,760 residents according to the latest Census estimates, making it a mid-sized southern New Hampshire town that still feels rural in much of its footprint.

How far is Amherst NH from Boston?

Amherst is roughly 60 to 70 minutes from Boston by car, depending on traffic and destination. Nashua is about 15 minutes away and Manchester about 20, so most daily errands and jobs are much closer than the city.

Why are homes in Amherst NH expensive?

Amherst home prices reflect strong school rankings, historic village charm, larger lots, and limited inventory. The typical home value sits near $595,000 in 2026, above the statewide median, and well-located homes often sell quickly.

Related reading

Comparing towns? See our head-to-head on Bedford NH vs. Amherst NH for buying a home, our Amherst NH schools guide, and the broader Merrimack & Amherst area guide for a fuller picture of the Souhegan Valley.

Home values, tax figures, and school data reflect third-party sources current as of 2026 and can change. Verify specifics — including a property's assessed value and current tax rate — with the Town of Amherst before making financial decisions.