Located less than 30 minutes south of Manchester, NH, Amherst has plenty of history and outdoor recreation to enjoy year-round. With around 12,000 residents and a land area of nearly 35 square miles, Amherst is a growing suburban-rural community that has successfully maintained many desirable historic and rural characteristics. This predominately residential town has a large number of Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival houses.
Learn Why Amherst, NH is Such a Great Place to Call Home!
Culture
Amherst, NH has a great small-town feel while being close to larger cities such as Nashua and Manchester. Some popular events residents can enjoy are an annual Tree Lighting Festival and the 4th of July celebration.
Dining
The Black Forest: The Black Forest is a bakery, marketplace, and restaurant in Amherst, NH, offering an array of homemade baked goods such as pies, cakes, and pastries made from scratch. In addition to fresh pastries, the bakery roasts small-batch coffee at its sister location, Riverwalk Bakery & Cafe in Nashua. The Black Forest also serves as a cozy spot to enjoy a meal, and customers can order custom treats ahead of time.
Pastamore: specializes in serving fresh, high-quality, and delicious authentic Italian food in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. This is a spot the locals swear by!
Recreation
Residents of Amherst enjoy numerous outdoor recreation areas, including
Baboosic Lake, which covers over 225 acres and borders both Merrimack, NH as well as Amherst. Amherst is also home to the Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary, which features a 3-acre pond. The bog, which was created by the retreat of glaciers, offers a natural habitat to a diverse mix of wildlife, insects, and plants. The Joe English Reservation offers numerous hiking trails and is maintained by the Amherst Conservation Commission.
School
Children in Amherst attend SAU 39 schools. Elementary-aged children attend Clark-Wilkins Elementary, while older children attend Amherst Middle and Souhegan High Schools, which also include students from Mount Vernon.
Real Estate
Amherst, New Hampshire, features a mix of classic New England homes, updated colonials, and newer construction designed for modern living. Properties range from well-maintained historic houses with timeless character to spacious homes on private lots with wooded surroundings. Many residences offer expansive yards, custom finishes, and access to scenic outdoor spaces. Amherst's real estate market includes everything from thoughtfully restored antiques to contemporary builds with open layouts and high-end details.