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.”
The bird's eye view of Payson and Mount Loafer is a sight to behold. From above, you can appreciate the charming cityscape of Payson.
The Vault Axe Throwing in Payson is an exciting and unique recreational destination. The facility features well-maintained throwing lanes
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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.
The 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. The facility features well-maintained throwing lanes
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.
Memorial Park is located in the Payson neighborhood.
Memorial Park is located in the Payson neighborhood.
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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
Denise Martin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Payson, UT sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Payson, UT over the last 12 months is $320,000, down 34% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Be sure to click on the tour button to see the 3D tour. Nestled in a serene, quiet neighborhood, this stunning 7-bedroom, 5-bathroom fully custom home, built in 2025, offers 5,040 square feet of luxurious living space with breathtaking mountain, lake, and valley views. This residence has a chef's kitchen, featuring high-end appliances and exquisite finishes. Features and upgrades include, quartz
OPEN HOUSE 9/13/25 FROM 10-12. Stunning Payson home with breathtaking views and a spacious mother-in-law apartment with private entrance. Recent updates shine throughout. Bonus room with half bath, main floor living, RV/boat parking, and wrap-around porch add comfort and charm. Square footage figures are provided as a courtesy estimate only and were obtained from county records. Buyer is
Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home, boasting 2,970 sqft of beautifully updated living space on a spacious 0.21-acre lot. Enjoy a home in an established Payson neighborhood. The 5 bedrooms provide flexibility for family, guests, or a home office to suit your lifestyle. This home offers the modern conveniences and finishes of new construction while maintaining its small-town
Beautiful, 2,700 sq. ft. townhome, offering a perfect blend of space, convenience, modern living and rustic feel. Located in a quiet, sought-after neighborhood. This home is ideal for those seeking both tranquility and accessibility. Spacious primary suite with separate tub/shower and large walk-in closet. Children/guest bedrooms are also generously-sized. Basement has one room framed and
Beautiful home inside & out in a great neighborhood. Main floor living with LVP flooring in living room and dining area. Nice kitchen with oak cabinets, new Corian countertops, tile backsplash & tile flooring. Amazing primary suite with manufactured hardwood flooring, with separate tub & shower, double sinks & large walk-in closet. Second bedroom upstairs was being used as office and walks out to
Build your dream home here in this quiet established Elk Ridge neighborhood! Get away from your daily grind and enjoy the stunning mountain & valley views, wildlife, & peaceful ambiance of mountain living. Enjoying this secluded living is even better knowing that you are just minutes away from the beautiful Gladstan golf course & about 10 minutes from freeway/shopping access.
Basement apartment available in Payson. Updated with stainless steel appliances, tile, carpet, two tone paint, windows, and much more. Two bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. Laundry in unit with washer and dryer included. Basement apartment gets 1 spot in the garage and 1 uncovered spot. Tenant is responsible for 40% of all utilities including sewer, trash, water, electricity, gas, and landscaping.
The Residence at South Haven Apartments in Payson City welcomes you to a brand new community! Payson, located just 17 miles from Orem and 5.3 miles from Spanish Fork, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and stunning mountain vistas. Each floor plan at The Residence is meticulously crafted to offer a carefree, enjoyable lifestyle for everyone. Inside your one, two, or three-bedroom
The Retreat at South Haven Apartments in Payson City is an independent living community for active adults 55 and better! Just 17 miles from Orem and 5.3 miles from Spanish Fork, The Retreat combines small-town charm with breathtaking mountain views. Our spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes are thoughtfully designed for those who want the freedom to live life on their own
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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.
