What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Evan Rao

Published: 05/01/2026

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am an undergraduate student in urban planning at ASU, and will be continuing at ASU for a master’s degree in planning. I am a native of Tempe and enjoy experiencing the local arts and the outdoors.

What city or town do you live in?

Tempe

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

I work as a Research and Analytics Intern at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council!

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

I really enjoy checking out different restaurants or seeing a movie.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

Right now I find myself going back a lot to Bombay House in Tempe!

What’s something that has surprised you about Arizona?

Definitely the diversity of climate and ecosystems within the state. There are a ton of scenic hiking trails around Greater Phoenix, and I’ve always enjoyed experiencing snow up in Flagstaff during the winter.

Anything else?

Since I’ve started working in Downtown Phoenix, I’ve become a lot more curious about checking out restaurants and other attractions here! I haven’t spent a ton of time downtown outside of work and would definitely love to change that.

 

 

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