- Amherst is a city in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is located in the Pioneer Valley region of Western Massachusetts and is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The city has a population of approximately 39,000 residents and is known for its strong education system, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful surroundings. Amherst is also famous for its literary history, as it was the home of renowned poets Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost.