How Do You Know Which Local Publishing Option Is Truly Worth Trusting?

I’ve been searching for book publishing near me, but I’m realizing that local doesn’t always mean reliable. How do authors determine whether a nearby publisher actually offers quality editing, design, and distribution? Are local teams more hands-on, or is that just a common assumption? And with so many online alternatives, does choosing a nearby publisher even matter anymore? I’m curious how others decide between local convenience and broader publishing options.