Amherst

About Amherst

Amherst is a large suburb of Buffalo in the northwestern corner of New York state, in Erie County. It's near both Lake Erie and Niagara Falls, and Ellicott Creek winds through the community. Amherst is well-served by local highways, including New York State Highway 5, which bisects the town.

The History of Amherst

Amherst began as the village of Williamsville in the early 18th century, when its location on the main road made it a convenient stop outside Buffalo. The nearby Ellicott Creek waterfalls lent power to mill corn, lumber and wheat. In 1818, the village of Williamsville merged with several small hamlets and became the town of Amherst. By the 1920s, this prosperous farming community began evolving into a bedroom community of subdivisions and housing for workers in Buffalo, and today there are only a few farms left. Recent decades have brought rapid growth and plentiful housing, schools, shopping centers, highways and recreational facilities.

Living in Amherst

Living in Amherst means you'll enjoy excellent suburban housing values, while still feeling connected to Greater Buffalo. Greater Buffalo has been named one of America's best places to live, with its healthy economy and family-friendly neighborhoods. Amherst's downtown area is clean, recently revitalized and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Thanks to nearby Lake Erie, the area enjoys temperate weather through the spring, summer and fall months. Buffalo, within just a short drive, offers a nice selection of historic districts, cultural amenities and architectural highlights. Buffalo is a shopping mecca for Canadians who travel across the border for lower prices.

Amherst and the surrounding area are known for passionate sports fans, especially those rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres. Other things to do in the area include visiting Niagara Falls, exploring local wineries or taking a day trip to Toronto, Canada.

Amherst Schools

Public school districts in Amherst include Williamsville Central School District, Amherst Central School District and Sweet Home Central School District. Many schools in the area are among the highest-rated in the state.

Options for higher education in Amherst include Daemen College, a University of Buffalo campus, Bryant & Stratton College; and a few other small schools.

Resources for Moving to Amherst

Here are a few useful resources to help you settle into your new home in Amherst:

• Utilities: Major utilities providers in Amherst include New York State Electric and Gas, National Grid and the town of Amherst utilities board.
• Garbage and Recycling: The community has several trash collection zones, each assigned a different pick-up day.
• Transportation: The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority serves Greater Buffalo .

Amherst Housing

Amherst is a bedroom community for Buffalo filled with suburban developments, planned neighborhoods and condominiums. The median home price in Amherst is higher than the national average, and also slightly more expensive when compared with the Greater Buffalo average.