It’s
sometimes a good thing to look back, compare and then cogitate over
events. In the December 2, 2015 Federal
Reserve “Beige Book” report, it was noted that for the Fourth Federal Reserve
District, which includes western PA, sales of “new and existing homes rose
almost 10%” compared with a year ago.
And “nonresidential contractors reported continued strong activity” in
the commercial building sector.
On
the same day, the National Association of Realtors in its 2016 forecast
predicted Pittsburgh would be the second hottest housing market for millennials,
pushed out only by Atlanta and ahead of Austin, Boston and Nashville.
The
“Post-Gazette” reports that the millennial population of Pittsburgh is growing
faster than the national average, with researchers at Cleveland State
University’s [Cleveland!] Center for Population Dynamics saying “you could
argue that Pittsburgh is the fastest-rising metro in the country in its
population of college-educated 25-to34 year olds”.
And
WalletHub, one of those popular sites that provides so many “best of” lists,
has Pittsburgh pegged in the top 20 of Best Cities to Live ahead of Minneapolis
and Charlotte and right next to Washington, D.C. and Portland.
At
the same time, the Beige Book report quoted above also notes the following in
the Fourth District economy: “The steel industry continues to struggle against
an array of headwinds …”
How
many years ago was it that if the steel industry struggled, Pittsburgh was on
its knees. Increased housing sales? Growing population? Forget it!
Remember a generation ago when the expression was “if the US economy
gets a cold, Pittsburgh gets the flu”?
What a remarkable change has occurred.
Pittsburghers
have always been proud of their city – and with good reason – but I also
contend not proud enough. Now let’s take
some note of what has been wrought from our hills and river valleys. And note it with real pride.
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