Up-and-coming, full of history and conveniently located
The city of Payson has historically been overlooked in favor of its neighbors to the north – though recent developments and an influx of new residents is changing that. The city’s motto – Home to Adventure – remains as accurate as ever, with abundant outdoor recreation found amidst the surrounding mountaints and nearby Utah Lake. And while the more than 23,000 residents in Payson are outside the major job and cultural hubs of Provo and Salt Lake City they are rewarded with larger, more affordable housing options. “It’s becoming more and more popular, and a lot of that has to do with how convenient it is to places like Provo and how relatively affordable it is in comparison,” says Scott Walters, Realtor with Best Realty USA and longtime resident of the area. “People here would rather have the big house they’ve always wanted and commute 15 minutes to work on I-15.”
A bird's-eye view of Payson and Mount Loafer reveals the town's charming cityscape.
The Payson Community Pool is a popular recreational facility that offers a refreshing escape from the Payson city sun.
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New developments alongside established builds
The median price for a house in Payson is $470,000, which is less than in cities further north. “One of the most appealing parts about Payson is the price,” says Walters. “The average person is easily going to save anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 on a home here compared to nearby.” Neighborhoods such as Heritage Village offer single-story cottages and ranch-style builds, while Canyonway features modern contemporary two-stories. Multi-million-dollar homes sit nestled along the foothills of Mount Loafer.
The new townhomes in Payson are a testament to modern living and contemporary design.
This ranch home's modest and unpretentious style blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance in Payson.
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Soon-to-be home of the Mountainland Technical College Payson Campus
The Nebo School District serves Payson families and earned a B rating from Niche. It operates eight schools within the city. Payson High School is being rebuilt with construction set to be complete by the time the 2025 school year starts. Mountainland Technical College, which will open a campus in Payson in August 2025, will feature programs in culinary arts, automotive tech, digital design and more.
Payson High School is a prestigious educational institution that serves as a beacon of learning and personal growth for the students of Payson.
Payson Junior High School is located in the Payson neighborhood.
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Abundant outdoor recreation all around
Memorial Park is home to a large pavilion that connects six pickleball courts to the playground and an outdoor stage that hosts seasonal concerts. The Gene Hillman Recreational Complex is the home to baseball, softball and soccer fields. Just a block north of that is the Payson Community Pool, with slides, a fun zone and a pool for doing laps. Venturing out of the city the Mt. Nebo Loop features several scenic points along its path. Lincoln Beach, about 12 miles north on the shores of Utah Lake, is also a popular destination. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Payson Temple features neoclassical architecture set against the backdrop of nearby mountains.
The amphitheater in Memorial Park stands as a cultural centerpiece, providing a venue for community events, performances, and gatherings.
The picnic table at Nebo Loop in Payson is situated in a picturesque setting surrounded by the beauty of nature.
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Spend a night out in Historic Downtown Payson or commute to Provo
Historic Downtown Payson is a two-mile stretch of old-timey rowhouse buildings staring straight at Mount Loafer, where longtime businesses such as Eli’s Old School Ice Cream and Soda Shop still operate. Along Main Street, Payson’s Market is a popular spot for groceries, while Walmart anchors Payson’s main shopping center and is accompanied by several casual and fast-food chains. Just west of Main Street, the Huish Theatre features live entertainment and community events. Spanish Fork, Provo and Orem feature big box retailers and malls.
The Vault Axe Throwing in Payson is an exciting and unique recreational destination.
Payson Market is a vibrant and bustling grocery store that caters to the needs of the local community.
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Community spirit is strong in Payson
Memorial Park is home to two end-of-summer events, the first of which sees thousands of fresh Alaskan Salmon flown into the city for Salmon Supper. This longstanding annual tradition occurs every August, the highlight being fish seasoned and grilled on wire racks. A few weeks later, the week-long Onion Days festival celebrates the crop that helped the community thrive at the turn of the 20th century.
Grab a racket and hit the courts in Memorial Park, located in the Payson.
Memorial Park is a great place to get outdoors in Payson.
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I-15 gets commuters where they need to go quickly
A short commute north on Interstate 15 will take residents to Spanish Fork, Orem and Provo, all of which are within 25 miles of Payson. The Provo Airport sits 17 miles away via I-15 and offers domestic flights along the West Coast, while the Salt Lake City International Airport is just over 60 miles from the community. The Mountain View Hospital is just east of Main Street.
Low crime rates that continue to lower
According to FBI data, Payson is below state and national averages for both violent and property crime, with recent numbers continuing to trend downward.
The Payson area is at moderate wildfire risk, and insurance rates may be elevated as a result.
Written By
Gerald Withers
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Aiken
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Branden Kirk,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Payson, UT sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Payson, UT over the last 12 months is $430,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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