Southbridge MA for buying rental properties

[Wendy Forbes]

Hello Massachusetts investors - Do you have any thoughts on whether Southbridge, MA would be a good place for buying rental property? I am based in central Vermont, about 2 1/2 hours from Southbridge. I have a 4-unit rental property in a low-income area of VT as well as a 2-unit in the desirable college town of Northampton, MA. I am looking to purchase more solidly cash-flowing properties, but this time I would like to buy in an area that at least has the potential for appreciation. Do any of you have a sense as to whether Southbridge is on its way up, down, or holding steady? My son has been spending time there recently and thinks it shows a lot of vitality in the diversity of its inhabitants, as well as the mix of rural lifestyle with suburban amenities. I plan to check the area out thoroughly, but thought it might be useful to sound people out as to local impressions, pros, cons, possible changes on the employer front, other upcoming changes you may know about, better and worse areas, etc.

Thanks for any feedback you can offer!