Anna Brandenburg
Anna came to Springfield from Portland, ME, where she was studying for a degree in library science. Prior to Portland, she had lived in New York City and Somerville, MA, and was a dedicated city dweller. When she got a job with the Springfield City Library, she chose a home that entailed a short commute with ready access to public transportation and good bicycling opportunities. She did not consider any communities outside the city proper. After renting a place in Forest Park for two years, Anna purchased a condo in the downtown McIntosh building in 2005.
Some of her favorite aspects of the city are the Museum of
Fine Arts at the Quadrangle and the downtown restaurants-- Theodore's, the
Sitar, and Virtuoso are some of her favorite spots. She also likes how close
she is to both urban city living and quiet country living. Although she is a
dedicated non-owner of a car, she enjoys visiting the Berkshires and Boston by
bus and with friends.
Anna has become the secretary of her neighborhood civic association and sits on the board of her condo association. She likes how accessible city officials are, and feels like she knows the administrative fabric of the city. Anna thought of Springfield as a stepping-stone at first, but now feels like she can build her life here. Her advice to people thinking of relocating? "Come! Visit the parks, visit the Quadrangle! Enjoy this truly diverse city!"