My PHX Story: Katie Reifman
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My Phoenix Story: Katie Reifman

My PHX Story Katie Reifman

My Phoenix Story: Katie Reifman

I had bittersweet feelings as I drove eastbound through Los Angeles.

On the one hand, traffic was actually moving, which is rare in LA. On the other hand, these were my last moments in the city as a resident. I had just wrapped up a call with my best girlfriend. She was crying and told me that my departure was surreal and she chose not to accept it.

Saying goodbye to friends–and a city—is tough, but I was also excited for what the future held. As I checked my rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of the Los Angeles skyline behind me. It glistened with smog, as if to wave “goodbye.” This was over a year ago.

My Decision to Move

It took me a long time to get here. I say that both literally and figuratively. Leaving Los Angeles and migrating to Arizona was no easy task. As a Wildcat, I was familiar with life in the desert, but never in a million years did I think I would move back. I had the quintessential LA life: a great condo in the heart of Studio City, amazing friends that always had an ‘in’ to the hottest events around town, and a wonderful job that offered incredible perks.

My LA Life

My life back in L.A…

Despite all this, I never truly felt fulfilled LA instills a dream in its residents, one that always keeps them chasing the impossible. There’s always something better to be found. A better job, a trendier neighborhood to live in, a prettier wife, or girlfriend (or girlfriends), etc. The list goes on and on. This mindset is not only unrealistic, but poses impossible if one ever wants to, well, relax. Angelenos work to live and live to work, and nobody knows how to stop and smell the roses. That is why there is a massage shop on literally every corner in LA. But I digress…

Settling Down in Phoenix

Then one day, it finally happened. I call it my ‘Mariah Carey’ moment. I woke up, and said to myself, “I’m done.” I was over it. I literally couldn’t even. Within 6 months, I sold my condo, and had a job lined up, and a rental home in the Valley of the Sun!

This past year has been quite the adventure. Both my mind and soul have gone through the Los Angeles detox. I’ve learned how to say “hello” to people when I am grocery shopping. The first time somebody struck up a conversation with me at Trader Joes, I thought they were trying to pick a fight! I’ve also learned that it is okay to sit at home and relax.

Los Angeles instills an incessant case of “FOMO” no matter your age, gender, or location. I recently bought a house in the historic district of Coronado. I’ve fallen in love with the neighborhood. I’ve even started my own succulent garden. I’ve met my amazing neighbors who have welcomed me into this community with open arms.

Coronado district phoenix

My new home in Coronado.

The desert has become my sanctuary, and for the first time in my adult life, I have learned how to breathe. I love downtown Phoenix; I couldn’t live anywhere else. It is like a little slice of Los Angeles without the traffic, smog, attitude, or high price tags. And it’s so much cleaner!

There is a sense of pride here that makes you want to show off what we have and push to make it even greater. The restaurants, bars, art galleries, and most importantly, the people, are what make this city beautiful. I have no desire to leave. When my LA friends come to visit, they are shocked to see what a wonderful city I now call home. I already have one friend that is planning his own migration out here.

Like I said, it took me a long time to get here…and I am okay with that.

Katie Reifman
katiereifman@yahoo.com

Katie Reifman is a Phoenix expat from Los Angeles CA. She is an account executive for Benefit Cosmetics who enjoys make up artistry, traveling the world and live music events. The only thing Katie loves more than decorating her historical home is her rescue dog Bruce Lee and of course, an impromptu taco party.

8 Comments
  • Heather
    Posted at 10:24h, 19 July

    What an incredibly honest and touching article! Moves are always second-guessed because it takes incredible commitment and courage! You, girl, have both!

    • Katie
      Posted at 19:13h, 19 July

      Thank you so much Heather! I really appreciate the positive vibes! 🙂

  • Bobby
    Posted at 11:01h, 19 July

    Awesome piece. You sum up the Phoenix vibe pretty well. Glad to have you in the hood and excited for the future of this city!

    • Katie
      Posted at 19:14h, 19 July

      Thanks Bobby- I really appreciate it. I put my heart into this piece. I really love it here.

  • ACRoRo
    Posted at 13:05h, 19 July

    LA is gross. There’s a reason why the stereotype of a typical Angelino is ‘vapid materialistic douchebag’. I don’t know how anyone can live there. Well, congrats on getting out I guess.

    • Katie
      Posted at 19:17h, 19 July

      Hello! Whereas I wouldn’t go as far as to say LA is gross- it has many beautiful features- Malibu is stunning, and the hiking is superb. Unfortunately, too many people ruin a good thing with their big egos. I lived there 30 years (born and raised), and have amazing memories. I am so happy I grew up there and gained a big city perspective in my formative years. I am happy that I am here now, however I would not have appreciated it without living there first. Cheers!

  • Daniel Clark
    Posted at 07:42h, 20 July

    We met you on the Coronado Home Tour The house you renovated was almost one we bought. It looks great! Welcome home.

  • Patrick Jordan
    Posted at 10:11h, 20 July

    Well done Katie! Glad I got to meet you on the home tour last year. Coronado rocks! Join us for neighborhood Assoc meetings first Thursday if each month.