About This Property
Watson Farms is a public housing development in Amherst, MA that contains 2 units, both of which are accessible. The property serves as an affordable housing option in Hampshire County.
Waitlist Information
Waitlist managed by Amherst Housing Authority
Applications for State-Aided Public Housing can be submitted online via CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing) or by mailing/hand-carrying a completed paper application to the Amherst Housing Authority office. The waiting list for the specific 'Seventy Amherst Apartments' was last open on August 27, 2019, and is currently closed with no announced reopening date. Preferences for Seventy Amherst Apartments included current residents, municipal employees, employees of local businesses, and households with children in Amherst public schools, with selection by random lottery. Statewide, many public housing lists are currently open.
The Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List, used by Amherst Housing Authority, closed effective January 13, 2025. A limited preference for applicants experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness was implemented on July 31, 2020.
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated May 8, 2026
Property Details
HUD Inspection Score
HUD inspects properties on a 0-100 scale. Scores above 60 are considered passing.
Fair Market Rent - Hampshire County, MA
FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit in this area.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio/Efficiency | $934 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,115 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,375 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,669 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,954 |
Income Limits - Hampshire County, MA
Annual income limits by household size used to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs.
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $17,700
- Very Low (50%)
- $29,450
- Low (80%)
- $47,150
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $20,200
- Very Low (50%)
- $33,650
- Low (80%)
- $53,850
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $22,750
- Very Low (50%)
- $37,850
- Low (80%)
- $60,600
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $26,500
- Very Low (50%)
- $42,050
- Low (80%)
- $67,300
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $31,040
- Very Low (50%)
- $45,450
- Low (80%)
- $72,700
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $35,580
- Very Low (50%)
- $48,800
- Low (80%)
- $78,100
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $40,120
- Very Low (50%)
- $52,150
- Low (80%)
- $83,500
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $44,660
- Very Low (50%)
- $55,550
- Low (80%)
- $88,850
| Household | Extremely Low (30%) | Very Low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,700 | $29,450 | $47,150 |
| 2 Persons | $20,200 | $33,650 | $53,850 |
| 3 Persons | $22,750 | $37,850 | $60,600 |
| 4 Persons | $26,500 | $42,050 | $67,300 |
| 5 Persons | $31,040 | $45,450 | $72,700 |
| 6 Persons | $35,580 | $48,800 | $78,100 |
| 7 Persons | $40,120 | $52,150 | $83,500 |
| 8 Persons | $44,660 | $55,550 | $88,850 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent for affordable housing in Amherst, MA?+
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Hampshire County, MA is: $934 (Studio), $1115 (1BR), $1375 (2BR), $1669 (3BR), $1954 (4BR). Actual rent at subsidized properties like Watson Farms is typically 30% of household income or less.
How many units does Watson Farms have?+
Watson Farms has a total of 2 housing units.
What are the income limits for affordable housing in Hampshire County, MA?+
For a 4-person household in Hampshire County, MA, the income limits are: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): $26,500, Very Low Income (50% AMI): $42,050, Low Income (80% AMI): $67,300. These limits are set by HUD and updated annually.
What is the HUD inspection score for Watson Farms?+
Watson Farms has a HUD inspection score of 80 out of 100, which is considered good. HUD inspects subsidized housing properties to ensure they meet minimum health and safety standards. Scores of 60 or above are considered passing.
Is there a waitlist for Watson Farms?+
Public Housing waitlist is currently Open. Section 8 (HCV) waitlist is currently Closed. Waitlist status can change frequently, so check back regularly or contact the housing authority directly for the most up-to-date information.
How do I apply for housing at Watson Farms?+
Watson Farms is a Public Housing property. To apply, you can start by calling 4132560206, or visiting their website, or contacting the property management office. You may need to submit an application and be placed on a waitlist. Eligibility is typically based on income, family size, and other factors.
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
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