We have some big college towns like Keene, Dartmouth and Plymouth etc.

I have found that property values in college towns do not appreciate much, so if you are not in it for the long term, then don't do it, you will damper the single family value.However, if you are a long term rent and hold, then go for it. 

It was a total different experience from our rural town we live in! 

We moved out the freeways to smaller towns as long as they had growing jobs, companies moving into the area.  10min to a freeway, 30 min to good jobs, decent schools, cute house in a neighborhood, never on a road with strips....Read my Buy a Bullet Proof portfolio paper file URL 1/2 way down on my profile.

at that price point owner occ resales are far and few between... those that can afford to buy homes wont buy that cheap of home since the area will be renter dominated and schools not that good.other wise any small little mid west town of 30k or under will have this. 

So I called an appliance repair man in town to ask if he’s ever seen this problem, to which he responded absolutely not, they just want a new fridge.

I will explore this as recommended. 

I am comfortable in the towns/cities that I am researching in Mass, I just wonder if I can do similarly well in Florida, Colorado, Texas, but with half the cost!?

I'm also entertaining the idea of staying put and just taking out a big HELOC, but my fear of getting stuck in this house and town is significant.....I don't gamble at all, and I don't watch sports.

And as another response mentioned, sellers are trying to take advantage of the out of town buyers every day.