Michael and Sebastian Banks
Michael is a Springfield native who has lived elsewhere in the region for several years. In 2005, he saw an empty lot in the East Springfield neighborhood and decided to build a new home for himself and son Sebastian. Michael looked at both lots and existing homes in Chicopee and West Springfield, but preferred the location and cost of the Springfield site. The Colonial-style house was completed in 2006 and Michael says he doesn’t ever see himself moving.
Father and son enjoy bowling at a nearby alley, as well as the many fairs and festivals throughout the region – the Mattoon Street Arts Festival, Wibraham’s Peach Festival, the Glendi, and the Big E. The two also enjoy visiting the museums at the Quadrangle, when not playing X-box. Michael is also taking classes at STCC and enjoys the convenience of the campus as he enhances his professional standing.
What surprised the family most was the strong focus on quality-of-life issues by the current city government. Michael feels that the city is very responsive to its citizens.
Michael would tell people thinking about moving to Springfield that because it is such a diverse city, it is easy to find a home and a neighborhood that is just right for you. You can even build a house to be just the way you want it!