Amherst, Massachusetts Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 26, 2023
Amherst Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating7.0
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Competition
7.6 -
Real Estate Cost
6.5 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
7.6 -
Rental Rates
6.1
Amherst, Massachusetts Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 40,643
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- May to October
- County
- Hampshire
- Airports
- Bradley International Airport (BDL)
- Albany International Airport (ALB)
Want to learn more about Amherst?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Amherst rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Amherst rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Amherst.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Amherst guests.
Interested in other Massachusetts cities?
Check out the Massachusetts short term rental regulations directory
What makes Amherst a great place to invest?
Amherst, Massachusetts, nestled in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, boasts a rich blend of culture, academia, and natural splendor. Its diverse offerings attract a wide range of visitors, making it a prime location for short-term rental investments. Here are seven compelling reasons to consider Amherst:
- The Five College Consortium: Amherst is home to the prestigious Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Along with nearby Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire Colleges, these institutions form the Five College Consortium. The regular flow of students, faculty, visiting families, and scholars for academic events and seminars ensures a steady demand for short-term accommodations.
- Amherst College Museum of Natural History: An intriguing destination for families and natural history buffs, the museum houses an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, minerals, and Native American artifacts, offering an educational and fun experience for visitors of all ages.
- Puffers Pond: A serene locale for relaxation and recreation, Puffers Pond is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and hiking, it offers a natural retreat within the town's bounds.
- Amherst Farmers Market: Running from April through November, this bustling market draws both locals and tourists. It’s a vibrant space to find fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies, making it a weekly must-visit for many.
- Mount Norwottuck: Part of the Holyoke Range, Mount Norwottuck offers hiking trails that promise panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. Adventure seekers and nature lovers often flock to this destination, especially in the fall to witness New England's iconic foliage display.
Amherst Nearby Cities
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18 miles away
- Rating: 6.6
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26 miles away
- Rating: 6.4
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Amherst?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Amherst has decreased -2% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $273, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$447,992
-2% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$273
-1% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,403
0% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Amherst, Massachusetts
Common terms for Amherst short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Amherst has a description approximately 1,351 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 331 listings in Amherst, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Northampton, Quiet, Garden, Comfortable, Deck, Yard, Beautiful, View, Family, and Smith College.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Amherst?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Amherst involve Rural, Hiking, Antiquing, Museums, and Cycling. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Rural
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Hiking
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Antiquing
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Museums
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Cycling
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Swimming
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Mountain Biking
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Adventure Activities
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Water Tubing
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Kayaking
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City Centre
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Rafting
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Amherst, including University of Massachusetts Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, Smith College, and Mullins Center. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Local Landmark
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Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Included on 79% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Historic Northampton
Included on 79% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Amherst College
Included on 75% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Academy of Music Theater
Included on 75% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Look Memorial Park
Included on 75% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Mount Holyoke College
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Smith College
Included on 71% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Calvin Theater
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Mullins Center
Included on 68% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Emily Dickinson Museum
Included on 68% of listings
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Local Landmark
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UMass Fine Arts Center
Included on 68% of listings
What’s the weather like in Amherst, Massachusetts?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 59°, while the average low is about 40°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 37 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 38 inches per year. The humidity levels in Amherst are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
21° Low 37° High
Spring
March through May
38° Low 58° High
Summer
June through August
60° Low 80° High
Fall
September through November
43° Low 61° High
Cities Near Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts, is located in Hampshire County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
