Amherst – Northampton

The area comprising the City of Northampton and Town of Amherst is a mecca for arts, culture, dining, shopping and academics. With a total population of over 66,000 this unique locale exudes a liberal, college town lifestyle.

Northampton, situated 20 miles north of Springfield, is a major New England tourist attraction and was dubbed the "Paradise City" by the famous 19th century singer and actress Jenny Lind. This city also garners national attention for its celebrated diversity, including a large population of gay and lesbian residents.

Mayor David Narkewicz currently governs Northampton, along with a nine-member elected city council (representing seven wards) and an elected treasurer.

Visit the City of Northampton website for more

Amherst is home to the University of Massachusetts flagship campus, as well as Amherst and Hampshire colleges. This town's legislative body includes Paul Bockelman, town manager and  thirteen members of the town council.

Visit the Town of Amherst website for more

Region in the Spotlight

  • Northampton was named "Number One Best Small Arts Town in America" by travel book author John Villani
  • One of the "Top 25 Arts Destinations" in the nation by AmericanStyle magazine.

Notable residents include:

  • Augusten Burroughs- Bestselling author, Running with Scissors
  • Eric Carle- Children's book author and illustrator
  • Calvin Coolidge- Mayor of Northampton before becoming a Governor of Massachusetts and U.S. president
  • Emily Dickinson- Poet
  • Elinor Lipman- Author
  • Sojourner Truth- African American abolitionist and orator
  • Kurt Vonnegut- Author