Springfield, Massachusetts

 Michael grew up in a Springfield suburb but was living in Amherst when he met Matthew, who also lived and worked in that area. In 2003 they bought a neglected Colonial Revival house in the Forest Park Height Historic District and its subsequent renovations won honors with the Springfield Preservation Trust. Michael works in software and application development but is also busy as a pianist, composer and music director. Like Michael, Matthew is also a trained musician and sings with Schola Nova, the Springfield Symphony Chorus, and elsewhere. He works as a librarian at the Springfield Central Library and is active in the Not Exactly the Oprah Book Club.

Matthew feels “Springfield’s housing stock is wonderful, and many of the neighborhoods are terrific with friendly, caring neighbors. The cost of living is low with convenient access to many other communities which interest us too. I also love my short commute which is about 10 minutes door to desk! Also the Springfield Symphony is a great pleasure and source of pride.”

Michael adds “I wanted to live in an historic district within walking distance to Forest Park, and I wanted friendly neighbors too.  The Forest Park Heights location is ideal, plus it’s close to the highway – very convenient to both Hartford and Northampton.  We were able to purchase a home here for what would’ve easily cost us more than double in adjacent Longmeadow.  And I love old houses, so living in the City of Homes sets me right within my element.”

 Both feel that their social life has expanded considerably since moving to Springfield and that the gay community is friendly, easy to find, and offers many social opportunities.