AMHERST, Mass.—This college town is bustling again, fueling hopes that the return of many students to its campuses will bring a collective sigh of economic relief.
Located in a rural part of western Massachusetts known as the Pioneer Valley, Amherst and surrounding towns depend heavily on their five colleges to drive the local economy. During normal times, students, their families and faculty frequent the nearby local stores, restaurants and hotels. Alumni, visitors and town residents come to the campuses for athletic competitions and other events.
