What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Jairus Gallegos

Published: 11/19/2021
Updated: 02/09/2023

How long have you lived in Greater Phoenix?

Since 2013

What city do you currently reside in?

Scottsdale

Where are you originally from and why’d you decide to move to Arizona?

I was born in Albuquerque, NM and lived there until I was 7 years old. I then spent my formative years living in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA and moved to Arizona for my four years of high school.

If you graduated from college, where did you attend and what was your degree?

I received my Bachelor of Urban Planning from Arizona State University in Spring 2021 and I’m set to receive my Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning in Spring 2022.

Where do you currently work and what is your title?

Research Analyst at GPEC

What do you like to do in Greater Phoenix on the weekends?

My favorite thing to do in Phoenix is to attend spring training games or Diamondbacks game. There’s no shortage of weekend activities when you can see all four major sports teams right here in Phoenix.

What’s your favorite restaurant and why?

Oregano’s Pizza is my go-to place for thin crust pizza in Arizona.

What’s your go-to staycation spot and why?

I really like Cottonwood, Jerome and Prescott. They are close enough to be just a short drive away yet far enough to have much cooler temperatures regardless of the season.

How do you stay “cool” in the Arizona summers?

Besides just staying inside, I enjoy visiting my extended family in northern New Mexico to escape the heat.

What do you like about our winters and why?

The longer I live here the less I like the snow and cold, and yet if I did want snow and cold, it is only a couple hours away.

What do you love most about living in Greater Phoenix?

I love the southwest. Greater Phoenix provides the best all-around benefits of a large city while still feeling like a midsize city with easy access to outdoor activities.

Please include anything else you’d like to share about what makes Greater Phoenix so great.

Phoenix is in a great geographic area with easy access by car to New Mexico, Southern California, and Nevada and to the rest of the world through the America’s friendliest airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor.

 

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