$308,629Average Value$154Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes For Sale
The Sandstone Capital of the World
Home to the largest sandstone quarry in the world, Amherst combines the neighborhood feel of a small-town community with modern city amenities in Lorain County, Ohio. “Amherst is desirable for the school system and its proximity to major highways and shopping centers,” says Gail Maier, Realtor with Howard Hanna. Established as a city in 1960, Amherst developed due to the lumber and grindstone industries. Its location along the shore of Lake Erie consists of several quarries with abundant sandstone, which are used to make grindstones commonly used in public building construction. Amherst’s booming grindstone production led to railroad expansion and the city’s recognition as The Sandstone Capital of the World. While there are no active quarries in Amherst today, its sandstone history is seen in local architecture, like the Amherst Town Hall, which was built almost entirely out of sandstone. The city is now home to 13,000 residents, and companies like UH Amherst Health Center and Nordson Corporation, a dispensing equipment manufacturer, are the city’s top employers. Community mainstays like the locally-owned Hot Dog Heaven and seasonal events like the Miracle on Main Street in December play a role in maintaining a strong identity and a know-your-neighbor feel. With a suburban lifestyle and commuter accessibility, Amherst is a sought-after community along Beaver Creek, all just 35 miles outside Cleveland.
Amherst is best known as the sandstone capital of the world.
Sandstone quarries, some nearly 200 feet deep, sit quietly on the outskirts of Amherst.
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Ranch-styles, new builds and expansive Colonial Revivals
Low-cost housing, new builds, and a sense of privacy attract buyers to Amherst. "The market in Amherst is very good,” says Maier, with over a decade of real estate experience in the area. “Home prices are down, but there’s not enough homes on the market right now.” Most homes cost around $265,000, which is $130,000 less than the national average.” Prices range from $240,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style to upwards of $600,000 for a four-bedroom Colonial Revival with expansive acreage. The housing stock is primarily single-family ranch-style homes; however, 19th-century American Foursquares and bungalows are concentrated downtown. Multi-family townhouses are available in subdivisions like English Lakes starting in the mid-$200,000s. Many subdivisions have developed over the past decade, and new construction is ongoing in neighborhoods like Eagle Ridge and The Reserve At Beaver Creek, beginning in the low $300,000s.
Colorful American Foursquare homes stand out in Amherst.
Some Ranch-style in houses in Amherst sit on wooded lots.
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City parks and gatherings at Maude Neiding Memorial Park
Amherst has a few parks within its borders for residents to enjoy. Amherst residents are accustomed to all four seasons, with average summer highs of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and winter lows of 21 degrees. Maude Neiding Memorial Park is a primary gathering space with a mulched playground, paved walking paths, and an outdoor community pool open from June through August. Amherst Township Park is another option to the east, offering a jungle gym with swings and sports facilities for baseball and soccer. The Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation is on the north side. It has a playground, picnic pavilion and hiking trails across 108 acres. The Beaver Creek Trail is 1.5 miles long and offers waterfront views of Beaver Creek. The public FoxCreek Golf & Racquet Club is in neighboring Lorain. It has an 18-hole championship golf course and an indoor tennis facility for players of all skill levels. For a contemplative time, the Amherst Historical Society is located downtown. Visitors can explore exhibits, preserved landmarks, and artifacts that depict the origin story of Amherst.
Maude Neiding Park, in the heart of Amherst, features a playground, pool, and pavilions for gatherings.
Beaver Creek Reservation is an ideal place for Amherst residents to go for a long walk in nature..
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The annual Miracle on Main Street
Residents can celebrate the start of the holiday season in December at the annual Miracle on Main Street event. It starts with a parade along Park Avenue and features a range of seasonal activities from pictures with Santa to Christmas carols and the holiday market in downtown Amherst. Visitors can grab a free hot chocolate and catch the highly anticipated tree-lighting ceremony at Town Hall.
High marks at Amherst Exempted Village Schools
Families in Amherst are zoned for Amherst Exempted Village School District, which earns a B-plus from the review site Niche. It serves over 3,500 students and is ranked 128 out of 607 for the best school district in Ohio. It has one elementary school, one middle school, one junior high school and one high school. Most students attend Marion L. Steele High School, earning a B-plus with an advanced curriculum with 7 AP courses for higher education preparation. Private options like Lorain Preparatory Academy and St. Joseph Parish School are also available. Those interested in pursuing higher education can look to Lorain County Community College, which awards associate degrees in over 170 programs.
Amherst's Marion L. Steele High School offers a variety of sports programs.
Students from Amherst can attend Walter G. Nord Elementary School.
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Grocers, eateries and breweries in downtown Amherst
Groceries and everyday essentials are available at commercial hubs on the city's north side. Shopping areas like Deerfield Town Center and Light House Commons feature a mix of retailers like Walmart Supercenter, Meijer and Target along Highway 2. Locals can choose between fast-food chains and locally-owned eateries in downtown Amherst when dining in the area. “The downtown area has been improved with lots of places to shop, eat and drink,” says Maier. Notable restaurants include Hot Dog Heaven, which has served classic ball-park fare in the community since 1976. Breweries like The Brew Kettle are also popular, offering a unique selection of seasonal and specialty IPAs in the city's heart.
Hot Dog Heaven, in Amherst, specializes in hot dogs made with customizable toppings.
Amherst locals have quick access to major grocers and local retailers.
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Healthcare and commuting into Cleveland on U.S. I-90
Highway 2 runs along the northern border, connecting residents to neighboring areas and U.S. Interstate 90 for commutes into Cleveland. Amherst has no public transportation; however, the Lorain County Transit bus offers rides to neighboring Lorain and Elyria. When traveling farther, the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is 24 miles away. For healthcare, the UH Amherst Health Center is located in downtown Amherst.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Amherst Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime increased by 700% in 2023, while property crime fell by 4%.
Written By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Amherst, OH sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Amherst, OH over the last 12 months is $282,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A beautiful home warms the heart! Gather around the cozy fireplace and be comfortable during this winter season. Unique and exceptional 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse style (single family home) with beautiful stone and vinyl exterior, 2 car attached garage with entry to the kitchen is a plus and very convenient. Quality Amherst schools! Enter to be amazed by this spectacular, 2 story foyer and
Popular and sought after wooded lot in Firelands School System. Rural Lorain County Water available. Lot is 200 x 549 or 2.52 acres. Get your new home plans ready and break ground.
Welcome to 162 S Leavitt Rd in Amherst, where charm, space, and natural light come together beautifully. This well-maintained home offers warm hardwood floors, inviting living spaces, and thoughtful updates throughout. The living room welcomes you with abundant natural light, a cozy fireplace, and large windows that create a bright and comfortable gathering space. The kitchen features granite
True pride of ownership! Smashing 3 bed/2.5 bath Amherst ranch has been METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED by the current owners for decades and is ready for its new chapter...TONS OF SPACE w/ addition added - creating a home that is truly "bigger than it looks." Inside, original hardwood floors + natural light greet you and the warmth is felt the moment you enter the front door! Large kitchen w/ ample
This is an extremely clean mobile home that has been updated with new flooring and fresh paint. The kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances with plenty of room for a dining set and opens to the large living room. The master bedroom has double closets and has it's own en-suite. The other bedroom is nicely sized with closet space and a separate bath. The laundry room comes complete with a
The Pine townhome blends sensibility and style. Enter the welcoming foyer from the covered porch or through the garage. It’s the perfect location for a family zone. The wide-open great room flows seamlessly into the gourmet kitchen and light-filled dining area, where an optional island can provide extra storage and counter space. Upstairs, find two generous secondary bedrooms and a full bath;
Modern Comfort in Quarry Lakes – 120 Springvale Drive, Amherst Discover stylish updates and easy living in this beautifully maintained home in the sought-after Quarry Lakes community. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a convenient half bath, this home combines function and comfort with modern finishes throughout. Step inside to find brand-new flooring that flows through the main
This custom-built log ranch welcomes you with a warm, open floor plan designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. Featuring three comfortable bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, the home offers spacious rooms filled with natural light and a layout that feels both cozy and expansive. The primary suite has a bath with jacuzzi tub and a 4 x 17 walk-in closet. A generous 29 x 12
Discover a rare 1.99-acre parcel in the highly sought-after community of Amherst, Ohio. This level, lot is ideally positioned and surrounded by a mix of established commercial and residential properties, offering excellent visibility and versatility.With easy accessibility and Light Industrial zoning, this property presents endless possibilities for development—whether for business expansion,
An amazing opportunity to own in Amherst's newest private community! The Pine Quick Move-In Home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,498 sq ft. of living space. This fully upgraded home features open concept layouts, included appliances, and low maintenance living. Perfect for easy homeownership. -Full basement -All appliances included -Lawn care and snow removal included -Community
Welcome to 97 Westwoods! This move-in ready 2022 manufactured home is located in the desirable Westwood Estates community in Amherst. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home offers a very modern look with a clean, contemporary feel throughout. The kitchen comes fully equipped with all appliances, making it perfect for easy everyday living. Additional highlights include a storage shed for
This fully renovated rental offers comfort, convenience, and space both inside and out. Priced at $1,100 per month, the home features brand new appliances, including a gas stove, and a fully serviced furnace and central air for year-round efficiency and peace of mind. Enjoy a large, private yard, back deck perfect for relaxing or entertaining, and a private driveway for off-street parking. The
Pinecrest Apartments located in Amherst, Ohio offers 1 and 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for rent. This community offers amazing amenities in these beautiful apartment homes such as free heat and water, fully carpeted units, ceiling fans, air-conditioning...the list goes on.
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