Nicknamed the "Heart of Arizona," the small town of Payson is set in just about the center of the state. This is what's known as Rim Country, close to the Mogollon Rim of the Colorado Plateau and surrounded by the mountains, lakes, pines and desert of the almost 3 million-acre Tonto National Forest. “I love living here because I can go fishing, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding,” says Payson resident Kathy Justesen, a Realtor with West USA Realty. “Everything is so close. In 15 minutes, I can be on the water or hiking in the forest.” Wildlife sightings are common, according to fourth-generation Payson native Hannah Lusk, an agent with ERA Young Real Estate and Investment. “Elk cross the street and roam the town,” she says. “I'll commonly see them lying in my neighbors' yards on my way to work."
Many of Payson’s nearly 17,000 residents are either retirees or live in the community part time; according to Lusk, those still in the workforce commonly commute 90 miles to Phoenix. “There are a lot of second homeowners here who want a cabin in the woods or just a place to escape from the summer heat in the Valley,” Justesen says. “A lot of people from out of state are also purchasing a second home here for when they retire. The weather is pretty mild, so we have four seasons and we’re about 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix in the summer.”
A wide range of housing options to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles
As of late 2024, Payson’s median home price is nearly $435,000, up 2% from the previous year and compared to Phoenix's $441,000. Payson's average home value is $438,000, compared to the nation's $554,000.
Homes in Payson date as far back as the late 20th century and options include manufactured homes, townhouses and condominiums, as well as sprawling luxury builds on acreage with mountain and forest views. There are also undeveloped lots for buyers who want to build custom homes.
Many housing options near Payson's city center include condo's and townhomes.
Payson also offers residents sprawling luxury builds on acreage with mountain and forest views.
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Abundant recreation opportunities between Tonto National Forest and community parks
Surrounded by the vast wilderness of Tonto National Forest, Payson residents have tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The lakes and tributaries of Tonto National Forest are stocked with trout, and there are dozens of trails through groves of Ponderosa pines and up in the White Mountains. The Tonto Apache Tribe who lives adjacent to Payson are descended from one of several prehistoric tribes who called the forest home; signs of some of these prehistoric civilizations are still found throughout the forest at various archaeological sites.
The 82-acre Rumsey Park is Payson’s largest park, where residents can work up a sweat at its many sports facilities, practice tricks at the skate park and cool off in the community pool. Locally referred to as the “Jewel of Payson," the 43-acre Green Valley Park has plenty of open space and three fishing lakes, and hosts community events like the town’s summer concert series and Fourth of July fireworks.
Locally referred to as the “Jewel of Payson," the 43-acre Green Valley Park has plenty of open space and three fishing lakes, and hosts community events like the town’s summer concert series and Fourth of July fireworks.
The Tonto Apache Tribe who lives adjacent to Payson are descended from one of several prehistoric tribes who called the forest home; signs of some of these prehistoric civilizations are still found throughout the forest at various archaeological sites.
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Western-themed community events, including the nation's oldest continuous rodeo
The town’s Western culture is a point of pride for the community. Residents gather several times a year for shows put on by Payson Pro Rodeo, the oldest continuous rodeo in the country, which has been entertaining locals since 1884. "They have all types of events like tie-down roping, bareback bull riding and Mutton Bustin' where kids jump on the back of sheep, which is really fun to watch," Lusk says. "They raise money and give it to multiple non-profits, so those that attend aren't just there for the rodeo, they're supporting the community."
Each September at the Fiddle and Food Truck Festival, Payson hosts Arizona’s State Fiddling Championship, inviting residents from all over the state to enjoy the talents of fiddlers of all ages.
National grocery, retail and dining chains mesh with locally owned shops and eateries
Most stores and restaurants are concentrated along State Route 87, known locally as Beeline Highway, and Highway 260, which intersect at the center of town. Residents can stop into fast food restaurants and familiar national chains for a bite to eat, though most of the town’s dining options are locally owned. Many of the local eateries serve hearty comfort fare in a cozy and casual setting that caters to the town’s down-home crowd.
Safeway, Bashas’ and Walmart are the local go-tos for groceries, and while there are a handful of big-box chain stores, the town’s retail market is dominated by locally owned antique, consignment and shops with eclectic offerings.
Basha's is one of a few options that the residents of Payson to buy groceries.
Payson residents enjoy a quick bite to eat at the national chain restaurant, Chili's.
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Flexible and online learning options in the Payson Unified School District
The Payson Unified School District earns a B-minus from Niche and serves about 2,300 students across one high school, one middle school and two elementary schools. Payson High School offers online learning and flexible hybrid scheduling options through the Payson Center for Success. Eastern Arizona College also has a satellite campus in Payson.
Payson High School offers online learning and flexible hybrid scheduling options through the Payson Center for Success.
Julia Randall Elementary School receives a B rating from Niche and sits at the corner of the three lakes in Green Valley Park.
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A local bus line and access to Beeline Highway
State Route 87, locally known as Beeline Highway, runs north-south through the center of town, leading about 90 miles southwest to Phoenix. Via the Beeline Bus, residents can travel throughout Payson and to the nearby communities of Star Valley and Mesa Del Caballo. Payson is home to the Banner Payson Medical Center and the general aviation Payson Municipal Airport; for commercial flights, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is roughly 80 miles away.
A recent decrease in overall crime
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, reported incidents of violent crime in Payson decreased by 38% between 2022 and 2023. Reported incidents of burglary also decreased by about 23% during this time, though larceny increased by about 39%.
Written By
Lauren Schott
Photography Contributed By
John Williams
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Keri Reidhead,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Spacious 2,678 sqft 3 bedroom, 2 bath site built home sitting on a .38-acre corner lot with MOUNTAIN VIEWS in Payson, AZ. The additional BONUS room serves perfectly as a home office, media hobby room, or extra gathering area.Recent updates include a newer roof and newer HVAC system. The corner lot provides added space and flexibility for outdoor living, gardening, or simply enjoying the fresh
Create lasting memories in this Rim Country HavenMove-in ready and energy-efficient, this home features numerous recent upgrades, including new solar panels, HVAC system, water heater, and roof (2019). Enjoy peace of mind and long-term savings from day one.This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offering 2,840 sq. ft. of comfortable living space is perfectly suited for large
Located in a highly desired neighborhood within walking distance to Rumsey Park, this beautifully remodeled home offers quality craftsmanship and modern upgrades throughout. The property has undergone a complete renovation. Recent improvements include brand-new windows & sliders throughout the whole home, a new roof, a new AC unit, and new drywall. The fully updated kitchen features new custom
Custom-built home on over two acres in Payson's highly regarded Forest Edge community, set at the foothills of the Granite Dells with views of both the Mogollon Rim and surrounding mountain ranges. This single-level residence offers a split floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, designed for comfort, privacy, and easy living. Hardwood floors run throughout the main living areas, while large
This cute, clean, quaint cul-de-sac house is ready for you to call home or home away from home. Or it could be a great Air BNB/vacation getaway should you choose to purchase it with all the furnishings. The grounds consist of a beautiful plum tree and well taken care of yard. Outdoor storage room, covered parking and large covered patio perfect for enjoying the cooler mountain weather. Freshly
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Discover your dream mountain retreat in the heart of beautiful Payson, Arizona!This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is move-in ready and bursting with charm--perfectfor those craving the ultimate mountain lifestyle! Step into the expansive living room featuring acozy stone-clad fireplace, soaring vaulted ceilings, and rich warm wood accents that instantlywrap you in that welcoming cabin feel
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Domino's anchor Rim Plaza. Terrific Traffic Counts and Visibility. Placement on Monument sign with your Business Logo / Name. Negotiate your term of lease and enjoy the Location!
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Fully Remodeled 3-Bedroom Home with Den/Office & 2 Baths. This beautiful home, located just 1-2 miles from town center. Primary bedroom has a king-size bed, private bath with dual sinks, standalone tub, walk-in shower, and large walk-in closet. Home is a split floor plan with two additional bedrooms and bath on the other side of the home for extra privacy! Guest Rooms: one has a queen bed the
Your Opportunity to Lease a Beautiful Home in the Cool Pines of Payson, Stainless Appliances, Custom Cabinets, Quartz Counters, and 2 Private Decks with Beautiful Mountain Views that make you feel your floating in the Pines. Located in Prestigious, Quiet Alpine Village just 4 minutes from Walmart, and Town. Split Floor plan with 3 bed/2 baths up and a 700 Sq Ft Heated/Cooled Bonus Room down for a
Completely remodeled and ready to enjoy, this ground-level 2-bed, 2-bath condo in the sought-after Four Seasons community brings the good vibes from the moment you walk in. With 1,350 sq ft of open living space, stylish tile floors throughout, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace, it's equal parts modern farmhouse and mountain retreat. Step out to your private covered patio and soak in all four
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Welcome to your mountain retreat in beautiful Beaver Estates! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a fully fenced lot with stunning mountain views and frequent elk sightings. Inside, an open-concept kitchen flows into the bright living area, complete with included appliances -- refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Stay comfortable year-round with three efficient mini-split
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MAIN HOUSE FURNISHED for rent on horse estate in town. Great room with wood floors, furnished with comfortable furniture, TV, fireplace, eat in counter to large kitchen. Dining table, french doors, tile and large rugs. Very large master suite with walk in shower and closet, king bed. 2nd bedrm has queen bed, and bath has tub/shower. Exit off master to garden.Covered patio in front and large back
Enjoy the enchanting beauty of this home in the Christopher Creek area bordering the National Forest. This is a warm and charming cabin fully furnished with all modern amenities. Sit among the tall pines next to the Tonto National Forest with front & back patios. This cabin comes with 2 furnished bedrooms; one includes a comfy queen-sized bed & a second bedroom geared towards the kiddos. This
Prime Medical Office Building for Lease - Beeline Highway, Payson, ArizonaPositioned on the highly visible Beeline Highway in Payson, Arizona, this 8744 sq ft medical office building is situated on a 1/2-acre lot with abundant parking and excellent exposure.Main Level:The main level, accessible at ground level from the east, includes 15 exam rooms, two restrooms, a spacious waiting area, x-ray
Jim JakubekBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Advantage Realty - PAYSON
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