I fulltime and have had Dish for about 2-3 years, using my Winegard Pathway X2. I wanted automatic setup, portability (Think trees), and HD channels, so that meant DirectTV was a non-player.
Getting the local stations when I change locations is about as simple as can be. I just pull up the Dish website and use their 'chat' service. After they verify I am a Dish customer, I type in my new SERVICE location and 15 minutes later I have the local channels. Works every time.
* As an aside, I must say that I am always amazed how I can be set up in a very remote part of this great country and still have cell phone service, internet connectivity, and TV service just like anyone living in a large city.