Every year in December, The Commercial Record publishes the results of our annual reader poll, conducted to determine who our readers think are The Best.
It’s a subjective measure of dominance; given choices in a variety of categories, readers select the companies they believe are “the best.” We have heard from a number of voters explaining their reasoning. Sometimes they vote for the best customer service; sometimes it’s the highest level of professionalism; they may even be voting for their own company. Not unlike municipal elections, sometimes it’s just because they like the company’s name.
The Best of The Commercial Record 2014 begins on page 14. Covering commercial and residential real estate, finance and general categories, there are companies and firms from every corner of Connecticut, representing every industry. From mom-and-pop shops we’ve never heard of to the biggest brokers in the state, it’s a comprehensive look at the many services the Nutmeg State has to offer its residents.
Connecticut is a little state and sometimes much maligned, but it has a lot to recommend it. From sleepy suburbs to big cities, single-family homes to microapartments, there is a housing solution for everyone somewhere in the state. Its proximity to New York City and Boston can’t be discounted. The weather is … well, it’s New England. But variety is the spice of life, after all. The business community is clearly a vital part of the landscape as well.
In a piece of good news, U.S. Census data recently found that the metro Hartford area is one of the best places in the country for young adults. With higher than average wages, lower than average cost of living and a variety of jobs in high-paying sectors, the city has become a lucrative job market for Millennial workers ages 18 to 34.
On the other hand, we close out the year on somewhat rocky footing in the housing market. In October (the most recent month for which data was available as this issue went to press), according to The Warren Group, publisher of The Commercial Record, single-family home sales rose 7 percent year-over-year, while median prices dropped for the eighth consecutive month year-over-year.
You win some, you lose some.
As Connecticut’s economic recovery continues to limp into 2015, there is much to be grateful for – charming communities, committed political leaders, a vibrant small business sector – and if all else fails, a scrappy Yankee mentality and a belief that it will get better, even when it’s December and the skies are a little dark.
The staff of The Commercial Record and The Warren Group wish all of our readers a safe and happy holiday season, and a bright new year.
