![Annual Block Party, Amherst, Massachusetts](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_640x360/public/2021-01/Amherst%20Block%20Party.jpg?h=5b378345&itok=7ZIBUImQ 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/16_9_1920x1080/public/2021-01/Amherst%20Block%20Party.jpg?h=5b378345&itok=pL28Fjug 1920w)
Meet Amherst!
![A group of University of Massachusetts students walk through downtown Amherst, with text reading "Amherst: A Great College Town"](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_1920x1080/public/2021-08/AmherstGreatCollegeTownThumb.png?h=60609c2c&itok=MhO68sjw)
Amherst: A Great College Town
Hiking, biking, museums, music, theater, history, food, and farms—all just outside your front door. Nestled in an area known as the Pioneer Valley, Amherst is one of the top college towns in the nation, filled with students from different universities, academic and professional opportunities, and plenty of charm.
Amherst By the Numbers
College town in Massachusetts, according to New England Today Travel
Colleges located right here in Amherst
Snowy days per year, on average
Amherst Has It All
Meet Amherst, Massachusetts: home to UMass Amherst, and one of the best college towns in America. Located in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, Amherst offers endless opportunities for cultural events, miles of hiking and biking trails, and is the birthplace of literary and artistic giants. But the hidden gems, the spots that take years to uncover, truly make our little corner of the world special. Discover new forms of expression in the art museums rich with famed collections, or find yourself at the underground storytelling nights that happen in a tiny restaurant somewhere near campus.
Come visit campus to find a home for your revolutionary journey and explore Amherst in person.
![Farmland in the Pioneer Valley is visible near the University of Massachusetts campus in this aerial photograph](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_320x180/public/2021-08/2011_Campus_Aerials_MG_4221.jpg?h=6f8e8448&itok=62Ysuk1V)
Western Mass has a lot of farmland, which makes for great farmers' markets! There are all sorts of farms and local businesses participating in weekly markets in downtown Amherst and surrounding towns — where you can find fresh produce and meet amazing vendors. Being in a small community, visiting a farmers' market is a really great way to familiarize yourself with your Amherst neighbors!
![Fall foliage and a blue sky frame the water at Puffer's Pond near the University of Massachusetts](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_320x180/public/2021-08/Puffers%20Pond4.jpg?h=0baf4124&itok=6Q3d_an3)
If you’re ever in the mood for a quick dip in the Amherst area, visit Puffer’s Pond! The pond is just a short distance from the UMass Amherst campus, and is a beautiful lake where lots of students spend their time in the warmer weather. You can walk around, sit lakeside with a picnic, or go for a swim. Even if you don’t feel like getting in the water, the liveliness of the nature is great ambience!
![The façade of the famous Antonio's Pizza in near the University of Massachusetts is visible](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_320x180/public/2021-08/Antonios_MBotasso.jpg?h=a1e1a043&itok=LblAGRDZ)
Amherst is a college town with food from all sorts of cuisines. From banh mi to pizza, there's something for everyone's taste.
![A University of Massachusetts student looks at fall foliage during a mountainside hike](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_320x180/public/2021-08/Hiking_MBottasso.jpg?h=27336d08&itok=ow3aR0O-)
Hike one of the many mountain trails the area has to offer. Visit Amethyst Brook or venture to Mount Holyoke Range State Park to catch a glimpse of the beautiful setting. When the fall colors are coming in season, there is no better time to visit the picturesque mountains of the Pioneer Valley!
![The Emily Dickinson House is visible from a trolley touring Amherst, Massachusetts](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_320x180/public/2021-08/2014_Family_Weekend_mkt_MG_9124.jpg?h=b2595a11&itok=d2WkhN4z)
Museums and cultural attractions are in abundance in Amherst and the surrounding towns. Check out world-class art and theatre, see work by local artists and artisans, or tour historic buildings and homes. It's all right here!
![A University of Massachusetts student smiles as she drives a bus for UMass Amherst Transit](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_320x180/public/2021-08/transit_060905_1.jpg?h=51061a5d&itok=ChMVInJt)
Get Around Amherst
It's easy to visit shops and restaurants from the UMass Amherst campus. With easily accessible bus routes and bike trails, and a walkable location near campus, downtown Amherst is never hard to reach!