The offshore-versus-local question generates a lot of strong opinions and not much nuance. The honest answer is that both can deliver excellent work, and the right choice depends on your specific needs.
The case for offshore
Offshore virtual assistants often offer strong value and access to a deep talent pool. Time-zone differences can even be an advantage, work happens while you sleep, so tasks are done by morning. For clearly defined, documented work, this can be a powerful arrangement.
The case for local
Local assistants share your time zone and cultural context, which can matter for real-time collaboration, phone-based work, or tasks requiring nuanced understanding of your market. The tradeoff is usually higher cost.
What actually matters more
In practice, the offshore-local axis matters less than skill, communication, and management. A well-managed, well-matched assistant delivers regardless of location. A poorly matched one struggles no matter where they sit.
The managed middle ground
Working through a managed service removes much of the dilemma: the vetting, time-zone coordination, and quality management are handled for you, so you get the value without having to personally navigate the tradeoffs.