We've lived in Payson for over 15 years, and in that time Payson has gone from 8,000 something to near 16,000 population. We are STILL very much a small town. We can't go anywhere without running into people we know (best to allow time to stop and chat in your plans). Especially at the Wal-mart Supercenter.

We loved raising our children in a small town. WE knew their teachers, the schools' Principals, the School Superintendent. And what's more, THEY KNEW US and who our kids were. That's not very common these days. People all over town knew our kids by sight. My husband always told them that they couldn't get away with anything- someone who knew them would see!

The pace of living is slower in a small town, people DO take time to chat. We find that those who move here from the "big city" tend to slow down and adjust after awhile. The traffic is fairly light (except on Friday afternoons in the Summer when all the people in Phoenix seem to come North). People call me who are moving to Payson and ask "how close is that house to the hospital (or school or the Casino or where ever they will be working). I just laugh and tell them anywhere in town probably isn't further away than 10 minutes.

The Town has activities for the community such as 4th of July Fireworks. Main Street merchants have "First Friday" (of the month) Art Walks complete with music and food. There are activities for all tastes and proclivities. I'll be posting about some of them in time.

In short- we think Payson is a great place to live. -Close to the Valley, but w/o the traffic and heat and ozone alerts, -close to the cooler mountains, but not as cold or as much snow. -small enough, but with some amenities and close to the big city when we want it.  

 

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