You'll never be disappointed if you always keep an eye on uncharted territory, where you'll be challenged and growing and having fun.
Local companies don't have to internalize their costs, and few actually do, but they tend to more often because the owners live there and they have to show their face in town, and their kids play with other kids.
That's when the great stuff happens, when you're not checking yourself all the time, being critical of yourself and what other people are doing.