New Times Staffers Weigh In on Why They’re Not Leaving Phoenix Anytime Soon

— Jasmine Hobeheidar, assistant art director

Growing up in Phoenix, I remember feeling that this city was trying very hard to be like L.A. — much like the younger sibling following an older sibling in an effort to fit in.

I left Phoenix at the first opportunity, first for university and then for work. Although I would return to visit family and friends, I vowed never to move back. As Phoenix grew and searched to find itself, so did I, elsewhere. I was in a great situation in New York City, with a successful job, incredible friends and endless culture — museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, nightlife. A decade later, my wife and I had our first child. As a couple, our 800-square-foot apartment suited us fine, but soon we felt the walls caving in on us. My wife also grew up in the West with space and calm — both of which we wanted to provide our daughter. We also wanted her to have and know her family. So we decided to move back west.

We chose Phoenix, not just for family, not just for space, but also for the potential we saw in contributing to its culture. It may feel like there are random areas of interest with lots of space in between and that there are a lot of dots Phoenix needs to connect, but it will happen. It is happening. The possibility of becoming an entrepreneur is real here. Art galleries and theaters and gourmet restaurants have arrived. The Southwest no longer has to be defined by coyotes and kokopellis. "Never" was a word worth eating, as my eyes have finally opened. I see incredible opportunity for Phoenix to think big; hopefully, it will have the fortitude to think even bigger.

— Peter Storch, art director