$352,766Average Value$241Average Price per Sq Ft50Homes For Sale
A county seat in Southwest Idaho with a historic heart
At the junction of the Snake and Payette Rivers on the Oregon-Idaho border, Payette balances between rural agriculture and urban conveniences. The seat of Payette County, this small city of 8,100 residents feels more like a town, thanks to abundant available land, green spaces, community festivals and a revitalized downtown shopping area. Payette began in 1883 as a construction camp for the Oregon Short Line Railroad. A lumber mill shortly followed, and the city still maintains strong ties to transportation services and manufacturing. “We have a growing population in the city, and that creates challenges for the city government because of more strain on its services,” says Jeff Williams, a Broker with Coldwell Banker Classic Properties and former mayor of Payette. “It’s also a challenge for a small community to have commerce and transportation. Transportation gets people through the area fast and safely, while the government wants people to stop and shop. Payette is a transportation crossroads, and there are events with vendors downtown, like Cruise Night. People come out and enjoy each other’s company.”
An abundance of land in Payette cultivates a tightly knit agricultural community.
Residents and tourists alike enjoy local eateries like the Sundance Saloon in downtown Payette.
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Historic and contemporary housing in Idaho’s Treasure Valley region
Most of Payette’s housing was built between 1970 and 1999, although new construction is ongoing throughout the city, thanks to large amounts of available land. Numerous houses were also built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Preserving historic buildings is important to the city, and homeowners take maintaining these houses seriously. In fact, Payette is well-known for its numerous Queen Anne-style Victorian-era houses. Over 89% of housing consists of manufactured homes, townhouses and two-to-three-bedroom single-family homes. Appreciation rates in Payette are lagging behind the nation, with the city’s residences losing two percentage points over 2024. Homes sell for a median price of $350,000, close to the national median.
Larger families will appreciate the spacious layouts of modern craftsman and ranch style homes in Payette.
Smaller families will find rows of craftsmans bungalows and cottages in downtown Payette.
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Parks, the Apple Blossom Festival and worship centers
The city has over 50 acres of community green spaces spread over nine parks and trails. The Payette swimming facility in Kiwanis Park has two full-size pools and a wading pool. The Payette River Greenbelt runs approximately one-half mile before ending at Payette Greenbelt Pond, a swimming area. The Snake River is a hot spot for jet skiing, fishing, rafting and boating. It’s easily accessible through Centennial Park’s North End Marina. Scotch Pines Golf Course is open to the public and features a driving range, chipping and putting greens and a remodeled clubhouse.
Held each year during the second week of May, the Apple Blossom Festival offers live concerts, a beer garden, carnival rides and a fireworks display. Other community events are held at one of the city’s numerous Protestant, Catholic and Latter-day Saints worship centers throughout the year.
With over nine parks throughout Payette the indoor outdoor swimming pool is a year round favorite.
The Snake River runs along the northwest edge of downtown Payette.
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A revived downtown, locally owned eateries and Ontario Marketplace
In 2015, the city invested in revitalizing its downtown Main Street area. The pedestrian-friendly shopping district is part of a preservation program, in conjunction with The National Trust for Historic Preservation, that promotes heritage tourism. Small, local businesses selling antiques, flowers, hardware, crafting supplies and groceries are spread over the blocks surrounding North 8th Street. National quick service chains and family-owned Mexican restaurants, coffee houses and grills dot South Main, South 16th and North 8th Streets. Ontario Marketplace is an expansive shopping center adjacent to Walmart in nearby Ontario. It features national retailers, big box stores and quick-service restaurants, 5 miles from Payette.
Families will love dining at Keystone Pizza in revitalized downtown Payette.
Find local retail shops at the north end of Payette.
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Local schools and Treasure Valley Community College
Payette Joint School District #371, which has a C-minus rating from Niche, oversees four schools for prekindergarten through 12th grade. It has a developing technology program, providing students with access to Chromebooks and iPads. Seven miles southwest, Treasure Valley Community College has served the region since 1962. It offers two-year degrees and professional certificates across dozens of concentrations.
Students from Pre-K through 12 can attend schools in the Payette school district 371.
Treasure Valley Community College in nearby Ontario offers two year degrees and professional certificates.
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Industry, employment and Valley Family Health Care
Manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and warehousing are Payette’s most prominent industries. Companies like Seneca Foods, Panic Plastics and Iron Hart Services provide employment opportunities in the city. Valley Family Health Care operates medical and dental clinics throughout the region.
Seneca foods in downtown Payette is the cities largest employer.
Find local health care from Valley Health located in south Payette.
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Interstate 84, Snake River Transit and Boise Airport
People in Payette typically drive, although downtown and different subdivisions are very walkable. Around 6 miles southwest, Interstate 84 provides access to the West Coast, while U.S. Route 95 leads north to Weiser and south to Fruitland and Parma. State Highway 52 bisects the city as 18th Street follows the Payette River for 54 miles before crossing into Oregon. Snake River Transit operates the No. 1 bus route that passes through Payette. Boise is 55 miles southeast, while Boise Airport is 59 miles away for nationwide flights.
Rain shadows, natural disaster risks and FBI crime data
Payette's summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and sometimes rainy. However, the city rests in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, so there’s rarely over 10 inches of precipitation annually. Payette County faces wildfire and poor air quality risks. Residents are encouraged to wear masks during air advisories and keep brush away from their homes to reduce potential wildfire fuel. According to FBI crime data, the city’s overall property crime rate decreased steadily from 2020 to 2023. Violent crimes, on the other hand, dropped sharply from 2021 to 2022 before rising again in 2023. Still, the city’s overall crime rate was below the national average, according to FBI data released in 2023.
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
Video By
Timothy Cerva
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Payette, ID sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Payette, ID over the last 12 months is $349,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This timeless mid-century Cape Cod home has been so well cared for and maintains it's historical attributes. Light colored hardwood floors throughout the well lit living room into the formal dining area with built in hutch and into the spacious main floor bedrooms. Kitchen features original pediment, solid wood cabinetry and updated laminate counter tops with SS sink and faucet. Basement has a
Spacious 7-Bedroom, 4-Bathroom Home with Mother-in-law quarters in a Tranquil Small-Town Setting. Nestled at the end of a quiet road in a charming small town, this beautifully remodeled 7-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offers an extraordinary blend of comfort, space, and privacy. One of the only 7 bedrooms in the area, with room to add an 8th bedroom! This home boasts a thoughtful design with modern
Rare Find! Building lot for under $100,000! Gently sloped lot on the edge of town. Lot can be purchased and bring your own builder or the seller can build your home. Lot size gives you plenty of space to build a large home and still have a large backyard with room for RV parking. Don't miss this opportunity.
$1500 PER MONTH UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1st, then it moves to $1750 per month. Home completely remodeled with new cabinets, appliances, flooring & paint! Four bedrooms & separate laundry. Master is on the main level with dual sinks in the master bath. Good sized living room open to dining area. Partially fenced yard. New storage shed. Concrete area for off street parking. Brand new lawn & gravel areas!!
Come check out Bear Homes "Harmon" floor plan in the beautifully designed Park Crossing community. This home comes with BIG living areas, deluxe kitchen has stainless steel appliances, undermount sinks, and all kitchen cabinetry comes with soft close hinges and dovetail cabinet drawers. Gorgeous finishes throughout, including Quartz in the kitchen and bathrooms and Luxury Vinyl Plank surfaces
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
