Fear does sell. So does s*x and status (or loss therefore of). The more scared we are, the more we're willing to spend or listen to otherwise outrageous claims.
Well said. In fact, a move to the catskills will appeal to all three motivators. Since the closing of the big catskill resorts like Brown's and Grossingers, the catskill's have become much less exclusive in tone: even I feel upscale and attractive when visiting there.