UMass Amherst off campus housing is spread across Amherst and the nearby towns of Hadley, Sunderland and, further out, Northampton. A room in a shared apartment typically costs somewhere around $700 to $1,100 a month, while a studio or one bedroom of your own often runs $1,500 to $2,200. Most students choose where to live based on the free PVTA bus routes, because a place on a good bus line can be a better deal than a cheaper one you cannot easily get to campus from.
The official UMass off-campus housing site lists hundreds of rentals and sublets at any time, and it is the safest place to start your search.
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Where UMass Students Live
North Amherst and North Pleasant Street are the closest areas to campus. Large complexes such as Puffton Village, Presidential Apartments and Brandywine sit here, some within half a mile to a mile of campus. Expect higher demand and faster-moving listings.
Downtown Amherst puts you near restaurants, shops and the town center, with a walk or short bus ride to campus. Prices here are usually on the higher side.
Sunderland, to the north, has several apartment complexes along the bus routes and often offers better value for the space. Many listings here are around two to three miles from campus.
Hadley, to the south and west, has more houses and larger units, which suit groups sharing a home. It is close to shopping along Route 9.
Northampton and South Hadley are further away but popular with graduate students who want a livelier town or quieter surroundings and are happy to commute.
What It Costs
| Room in a shared apartment or house | Around $700 to $1,100 per bedroom |
| Studio or one bedroom | Around $1,500 to $2,200 |
| Two bedroom apartment | Around $1,700 to $2,300 |
| Four bedroom house, whole unit | Around $3,200 to $4,250 |
These ranges come from current listings on the UMass off-campus housing site and move with the market. Many listings say "plus fees", so always ask what utilities and charges are on top of the rent.
The Bus Is the Key
The PVTA bus network links campus with Amherst, Hadley, Sunderland, Northampton and surrounding towns, and it is free for UMass students. Many listings advertise being "on the bus route" or a few minutes' walk from a stop, and that detail matters as much as the rent. Before you sign, check which route serves the address, how often it runs, and whether it runs late in the evening and on weekends.
Upfront Costs and Massachusetts Rules
Massachusetts limits what a landlord can collect before you move in. The law generally allows first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit of no more than one month's rent, and the cost of a new lock. Some listings ask for all three, first, last and security, so be ready for a large payment at signing.
Your security deposit must be held in a separate bank account, and the landlord must give you a receipt and a statement of the apartment's condition. At move-out, it must be returned with any lawful deductions itemized. Take photos of every room when you move in.
Rules on broker fees have also changed in Massachusetts, generally shifting the fee to whoever hired the broker. Ask any agent in writing who is paying their fee before you agree to anything, and check current guidance with UMass Off Campus Student Life.
Leases, Sublets and Timing
Many Amherst leases start in June or September and run for 12 months, which means you may pay for the summer. That is why the local sublet market is so active: students who leave for the summer rent their rooms to others, and students who only need a semester can find short leases. Our guide explains what subletting means and what to check before you sublet.
Good places near campus are often taken months ahead, so start looking early in the academic year for the following fall.
How to Search Safely
- Start with the official UMass off-campus housing site, which is designed for UMass students and lists rentals, rooms and sublets.
- Filter by distance and price, then check the bus route for each address.
- Ask what is included in rent, especially heat, which is a major cost in a New England winter.
- Tour in person or by live video before paying anything. Our list of questions to ask when touring an apartment helps you cover everything.
- Read the lease and confirm the upfront amounts match Massachusetts rules.
If you would prefer to live on campus, or are weighing the two, see our comparison of college dorms vs off-campus housing, and browse housing near UMass Amherst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do UMass Amherst students live off campus?
Mainly in North Amherst and downtown Amherst, and in the nearby towns of Sunderland, Hadley, Northampton and South Hadley, usually along PVTA bus routes.
How much is off campus housing near UMass Amherst?
A room in a shared unit is often around $700 to $1,100 a month, and a studio or one bedroom around $1,500 to $2,200, depending on location and what is included.
Is the PVTA bus free for UMass students?
Yes, UMass students ride the PVTA buses fare-free, which is why many students choose housing on a bus route.
What can a landlord charge upfront in Massachusetts?
Generally first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit of no more than one month's rent, and the cost of a new lock.
When should I start looking for off campus housing at UMass?
Several months ahead. Many leases begin in June or September, and the best places near campus are often taken early in the prior academic year.
Where can I find UMass Amherst off campus listings?
The official UMass off-campus housing website lists rentals, shared rooms and sublets for UMass students.
Do Amherst rentals include utilities?
It varies. Many listings say "plus fees", so ask exactly which utilities are included, especially heat.
Can I sublet my apartment near UMass?
Often yes, if your lease allows it. Many leases run 12 months, so subletting over the summer is common. Check your lease and get landlord approval.
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Final Word
UMass Amherst off campus housing rewards students who plan early and think about the bus as much as the rent. Start with the official UMass listings, compare Amherst, Sunderland and Hadley on total monthly cost including heat, know your rights on upfront payments in Massachusetts, and document the apartment's condition when you move in.