What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Stefanie Carson

Published: 05/05/2023

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born and raised in Southern California, but I’ve lived in Greater Phoenix since 2007. I’m the youngest of five girls and one boy. I have two teenagers, two cats, an adorable cockapoo and a rambunctious boxer. Needless to say, there’s always something fun and exciting happening in our household.

What city or town do you live in?

Since moving to Greater Phoenix in 2007, I’ve lived in southeast Chandler, north central Mesa and now call northwest Chandler home.

Where are you originally from and what brought you to Arizona?

My family grew up in North Hollywood, California. Following high school, I lived in Orange County for college and moved to Chandler in 2007, shortly after my oldest was born. The main motivator for moving to the region was the affordable cost-of-living and an opportunity to be close to family that had migrated here over the years who were also in search of a better cost-of-living compared to Southern California.

Where do you currently work and what is your job title?

I’ve worked for GPEC since 2015. I started as a graphic designer. Over the years, I’ve grown to love the mission of the organization and I’m passionate about the work we do. In early 2022, I was promoted to Art Director. I oversee all things brand related, making sure GPEC always looks its best.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Greater Phoenix on the weekends?

On any given weekend, you can catch my partner and I at a local farmer’s market, kayaking down the Salt River just 30 minutes east of our house, exploring art exhibits, trying out local restaurants, catching a concert at The Van Buren, or searching for new local coffee shops.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

One of my favorite local restaurants in the east valley is Republica Empanada. They serve Latin American comfort food, but it’s their jalapeño popper empanada that makes my heart sing! They also make a great fresh margarita.

What’s something that has surprised you about Arizona?

Leaving the lush landscape of Orange County and driving into the Phoenix Valley in the dead of August heat, I was terrified I had made a mistake. The desert seemed so brown to me at first. But the longer I’ve lived here, the more I’ve fallen in love with the subtlety of the Sonoran Desert.

The way the wildflowers color the landscape in spring, the cacti blossoms that welcome summer, the monsoons that crawl across the valley, leaving behind the most breath-taking sunsets, makes Greater Phoenix a truly magical oasis, that only reveals itself to those who are willing to look.

Please include anything else you would like to add:

Greater Phoenix has become my home in every sense of meaning. From the friends I’ve made here, to the awesome schools my kids have attended, robust employment opportunities, year-round amenities, affordable cost-of-living, and low natural disaster threats, I really can’t think of a better place to live and raise my family.

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