In the field of software development, location doesn't matter.
Especially when some of the most vocal companies are in the business of bringing people at a distance together. If they cannot manage remote workers, what does that say about their products?
Anecdotal experience. I've been working "big city" development jobs from the farm for nearly a decade. I have never had difficulty finding people who wanted to work with me.
Likewise, companies may be trying to hire people with skills that are rare in their area.