I agree with you! I grew up just next door in Sturbridge and recently moved back (partially because I literally can't afford rent anywhere in the country anymore, but also because MA is a good place to be) and I always thought Southbridge got way more shit than it deserves. Yeah, it can appear a bit shabby and sketchy in parts, but the people are good, genuine, and unpretentious. Mill Street Brews was cool while it was around and there's still a lot of great food for way less than you'd pay elsewhere. I think Southbridge would be fertile ground for someone with vision and lot of money to resuscitate the local economy. Independent businesses could survive there whereas it seems like they're getting squeezed out in other parts of the state and the town has a lot of the walkability and "vibes" younger people are looking for.