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Amherst, OH

Frequently asked questions

Amherst, OH

Amherst is a city in Lorain County, Ohio, United States. It is located 28 miles (45 km) west of Cleveland within the Cleveland metropolitan area. The population was 12,681 at the 2020 census.

Amherst is part of the Greater Cleveland area. Amherst is located 2.5 miles (4 km) south of Lake Erie. According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 7.12 square miles (18.4 km²), of which 7.06 square miles (18.3 km²) (or 99.16%) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km²) (or 0.84%) is water.

The original village, which eventually became known as Amherst, was established/founded by pioneer settler Jacob Shupe (who came to this area in 1811; however, what would become the specific “downtown” area was settled by Josiah Harris in 1818), although the original tiny village was first known only as "Amherst Corners" in the early-1830s. When the village plat was officially recorded in 1836, it was simply named the "town plat of Amherst", but became "Amherstville" circa-1839, and was later changed to "North Amherst", until finally again simply 'Amherst' in 1909. (The original 1820s postal name of the village's first post office was "Plato"; and the village's post office retained that postal name into the 1840s, even after the local government name of the village officially became 'Amherstville' by 1840.)

The village is often said to have had its beginnings as early as 1811, because the land which was settled by pioneer Jacob Shupe, in the "Beaver Creek Settlement" (about a mile north of the later village site), was eventually included in the Amherst city limits. Shupe's pioneering efforts within the township, which included constructing his grist-mill/saw-mill and distillery, certainly added to the area's desirability for later pioneers to settle here). By the latter 1800s, Amherst acquired the title Sandstone Center of the World. Many early buildings were constructed of native sandstone, and the quarries were also an important source of grindstones. There were nine sandstone quarries in the area operating at the peak of production. Cleveland Quarries Company, established in 1868, no longer quarries in Amherst but is still actively quarrying Berea Sandstone.

As of the census of 2020, there were 12,681 people and 4,886 households in the city. The population density was 1,790.1 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 92.1% White, 1.4% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 4.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.3% of the population. 22.3% of the population were under 18, and 5.2% were under 5. People over 65 were 21.4% of the population. The gender makeup was 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The median household income was $78,716, and the per capita income was $42,241. 4.9% of people were under the poverty line.

Amherst prioritizes the well-being of its residents with a focus on health and wellness. The Mercy Health - Amherst Hospital is a cornerstone of the community, offering comprehensive healthcare services. Residents can access quality medical care close to home, ensuring a healthy and thriving population. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Amherst Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include United We Sweat and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Amherst, such as the Beaver Creek Trail and Peasley Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Amherst, OH are Savage Society Axe Throwing, Maude Neiding Memorial Park, and Lorain Lighthouse.

Population: 12,928 (2023). ZIP code: 44001. Area code: 440. Elevation: 689 ft (210 m). Area: 7.14 sq mi (18.50 km²).

FAQs

What is Amherst, OH famous for?

It has been called the Sandstone Center of the World. Its quarries were an important source of grindstones. There were nine sandstone quarries in the area operating at the peak of production. Many early buildings are constructed of native sandstone.

Is Amherst, OH a good place to live?

Amherst is in Lorain County and is one of the best places to live in Ohio. Living in Amherst offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Amherst, there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Amherst and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Amherst are highly rated.

What is the crime rate in Amherst, OH?

Amherst has an overall crime rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Amherst is 1 in 129. Vigilance and community engagement further contribute to maintaining Amherst's status as a safe place to live and work.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Amherst

Mercy Health - Amherst Hospital 

Amherst Parks and Recreation Department 

United We Sweat 

Anytime Fitness

Beaver Creek Trail 

Peasley Trail

Savage Society Axe Throwing

Maude Neiding Memorial Park

Lorain Lighthouse

Wikivoyage

Niche

NeighborhoodScout

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