The Economy: How has it been in your area?

[thinkingdog]

Well, the global recession seems to be abating and things (at least in some places) seem to be improving with new jobs and housing prices starting to head upwards again.

I'm in the Capital Region (Edmonton; yeah, I know the Oilers suck!) in Alberta, Canada and our area, for the most part, has been insulated from any drastic job losses or major downturn in real estate. It helps that we have a lot of oil here, and although the energy industry and construction did take their lumps, it has been nothing compared to other places in the world. In fact, housing prices have gone up over this past year substantially, and a lot has to do with historically low interest rates (there's even talk of a housing bubble in Canada). Our unemployment has also been respectable (at about 7.5%).

How has it been in your neck of the woods? And are you seeing any improvements?

[Windy City Irish]

Chicago/Illinois is running a close 2nd to California in being a busted city/state.

[iggs111]

Originally Posted by Windy City Irish

Chicago/Illinois is running a close 2nd to California in being a busted state.

Took the words outta my mouth

[hblocal]

California is hurting bad. I can't complain though because if it wasn't for the recession, i would have never been able to afford a house in Orange County, which i was able to purchase about 6 months ago. I don't see much improvement and from what i hear more forclosures are going to hit the market.

[tw burke]

pittsburgh pa--car dealers are selling cars

[steel69]

Contractors in my area are hurting bad. They are taking work at cost, just enough to keep their employees working. Now is the time... if you have the $$ to get work done, because like I said, tradesman are cutting each others throats just to get work. Many of my friends are working out of town. Doing what they have to do!

[Lukester]

last year trades were strong in my area (Ottawa, Ontario) due to the 15% renovation tax credit

slow Jan-March, but now picking up

even when new home construction is down Home Renovation is always there (I do the latter as I've built up my clientele over the years)

don't really know about the other sectors as I hear mixed opinions