Payette, Idaho, a small city of 8,100 residents, is situated at the junction of the Snake and Payette Rivers on the Oregon-Idaho border. Known for its balance between rural agriculture and urban conveniences, Payette features a revitalized downtown shopping area and numerous community festivals. The city has a rich history dating back to 1883, with many homes built between 1970 and 1999, alongside historic Queen Anne-style Victorian-era houses. Housing options include manufactured homes, townhouses, and two-to-three-bedroom single-family homes. Payette boasts over 50 acres of green spaces across nine parks and trails, including the Payette River Greenbelt and the Payette swimming facility in Kiwanis Park. The Snake River offers opportunities for jet skiing, fishing, rafting, and boating, accessible through Centennial Park’s North End Marina. The annual Apple Blossom Festival in May features live concerts, a beer garden, carnival rides, and fireworks. Downtown Payette, revitalized in 2015, is pedestrian-friendly with local businesses and eateries. Ontario Marketplace, 5 miles away, provides additional shopping options. Payette's crime rate is below the national average, with a steady decrease in property crimes from 2020 to 2023. The city is well-connected via Interstate 84, U.S. Route 95, and State Highway 52, with Boise Airport 59 miles away. Payette experiences hot, dry summers and cold, sometimes rainy winters, with less than 10 inches of annual precipitation due to its location in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains.
