I think local should cater to local tastes.
Like I moved up to New England from Austin, TX recently and can't really ride the same 6 months of the year. I need more of a fire trails/ CX bike. I dunno what kind of riding is big in Baltimore... tricks, fixed? I know some dude from there came up here for an Alley Cat early in the summer and smoked all the locals. Messenger? On a Lemond?
Anyway, I'd build bikes for your area. I'd pay $100 more for a local frame, no problem.