why do some poker rooms have way softer competition than others

i’ve noticed a couple smaller poker rooms have just absolutely softer tables compared to others, like players limping every hand, calling down super light, making weird bets. i’m not sure if it’s just less experienced locals, or if it’s something about the way the rooms market themselves. maybe certain promos attract more pure gamblers than poker regulars.

i mostly play no limit holdem and the difference is pretty crazy. even at the same buy-in, one room feels like a minefield and another is just straightforward value betting. is this about the location, rake structure, or something else going on that i’m not seeing.