Does it make a difference in Search Engines if you host a website with a local web hosting provider?

This is part of a debate I’m having. I don’t think it makes and difference if I host a site locally or with a company 3000 miles away, but thought I’d check with the masses. Any thoughts?

Absolutely NO difference.

You can even host it at home IF your connection was fast enough to handle the traffic.

The only thing to look for in a hosting site is how fast a connection they have, and how much bandwidth per Month do they give you. What is there Up time. And of course Price and how reliable are they.

Simply The Best Web Hosting Company Period!