Is Area Starting An Economic Rebound? We Think So

Is Highlands County's economy beginning to turn around? A growing number of people have that hunch, even though no firm numbers can prove it. To some of us it seems like things are looking a bit better. It's a gut feeling but there are a few signs that look promising. We hope that's the case, and a lot of whether it is or not is all about perception by residents.

Snowbirds are coming back to the area a little earlier this year. New shopping opportunities have people out and about, exploring new experiences and feeling good about things. There's just something in the air that feels positive, so we'll take that as a sign.

The housing market still is tight, with too many "For Sale" signs seen throughout the county. Construction workers and all the businesses that depend on construction still are hurting in Highlands County. This is the biggest area of concern because so many people and businesses depend on construction and home sales.

But when will it turn around? A lot of that has to do with how people feel about the economy. When people start feeling positive about the future and buy goods, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. More jobs are added, which adds more money to the economy.

Consumer confidence is everything when it comes to the economy. As home prices scale back from unrealistic highs just a couple of years ago, home buyers will re-enter the market. It will be slow at first, and then hopefully build. We aren't out of the woods yet, but perhaps we're starting to see the light after hitting bottom.

This area has so much going for it, the economy will certainly get better. It might not be white hot like it was, but we don't want it that way. We want good, steady growth. That's what works and is the best hope for sustained economic success.

Nope, no numbers are in from Washington, D.C., telling us we're officially on the upswing. But we think the area is headed that way. If we can just get others living here to feel the same way, then perhaps perception will become reality.