I don’t get it: Often, I have been contacted by job recruiters from out-of-town about local positions. Why wouldn’t a local company select a local recruiter? OK, for larger companies, you might say they’re exploring talent from across the country, perhaps. But, often these positions are for not-so-big co’s. Seems like such a waste to go to such extremes and just hope they find someone who can fill the position without much need for relocation, etc.
I’m don’t know what your definition of a not-so-big company is, but my SO was recruited for a job with a company that had maybe 60 people. We packed everything up, sold the house and moved 500 miles. So yes, smaller companies do hire people from outside the immediate area.