What's unique about Greater Phoenix is how different each of our communities are, yet still so connected. Every city seems to have its own personality, even though they are no more than 20 minutes away from another!

What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Julia Tatom

Published: 11/13/2018
Updated: 10/09/2019

What is your first and last name?
Julia Tatom

How old are you?
20

What current city do you reside in?
Tempe, Arizona

How long have you lived in Greater Phoenix?
20 years (my entire life)

Did you grow up in Arizona?
Yes

Why’d you decide to stay?
I decided to stay because I received an offer to attend Arizona State University that I just couldn’t refuse. Greater Phoenix is my home, and once I was accepted into ASU honors program, I had a valid excuse to stick around!

What college/university did you graduate from and what’s your degree?
I am currently attending the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and majoring in marketing and economics.

Where do you currently work and what is your title?
I currently work at Greater Phoenix Economic Council as a Marketing and Communications Intern.

What do you like to do in Greater Phoenix on the weekends?
I am all about exploring the state on weekends. My favorite thing to do on a lazy Saturday is float down the Salt River with friends. On days where I’m feeling a bit more adventurous, I love spontaneous day trips to visit some of Arizona’s most famous landmarks, like the Grand Canyon or Horseshoe Bend.

What’s your go-to staycation spot and why?
It has become a tradition that a large group of my friends and family all book a weekend getaway at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix. Their Oasis waterpark is always fun for our younger vacationers, and I can’t get enough of their spa!

What’s your favorite restaurant and why?
Growing up in Arizona, I was raised on Mexican cuisine. I’ve traveled all over the Greater Phoenix area in search of the best Mexican restaurant, and my favorites are Moreno’s Mexican Grill in Mesa and Carolina’s Mexican Food in Phoenix.

How do you stay “cool” in the Arizona summers?
During the summer, I love taking advantage of the (indoor) live music events occurring throughout the season. Venues such as The Van Buren, Crescent Ballroom, and Valley Bar are some of the best places to watch new, local bands perform live and up close!

What do you like about our winters and why?
Phoenix winters are my favorite time of year. The weather is perfect throughout the entire season, and some of Phoenix’ most iconic traditions occur during this time, like Zoolights and the Tempe Marketplace ice rink.

What do you love most about living in Greater Phoenix?
I love the established community within Greater Phoenix. Although the city is large and growing larger, the people who live here are passionate about interacting with local residents and creating opportunities for involvement and culture. I have discovered first-hand how interconnected Greater Phoenix is, and I am able to easily find things in common with almost everyone I meet, whether it’s a mutual friend, high school, or college professor.

Please include anything else you’d like to share about what makes Greater Phoenix so great.
What’s unique about Greater Phoenix is how different each of our communities are, yet still so connected. Every city seems to have its own personality, even though they are no more than 20 minutes away from another!

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