Payson Is My Home

Payson, Arizona is my home, to be more specific, and what a beautiful home it is! I was born in Arizona as were my five children and we wouldn't trade it for any other place in the world!

Payson is the most wonderful town to live in. It is fairly small with a population of approximately 15,000 people. Most of these people are friendly Christian people that love it here too. Payson has great schools for the kids, both public and private, with lots of sports and positive programs for the children to get involved in. Our Parks and Recreation Department has activities and sports for children and adults so it is easy to get involved and stay active. The College (E.A.C.) is also a great place to check out because they offer a variety of classes for young and not as young, and the staffs there are wonderful help for getting everyone in the classes that are right for them.

Another neat thing about living in a small town like Payson is the traditions that the people here preserve. We are home to the “Worlds Oldest Continuous Rodeo,” every August the town becomes Rodeo America as restaurants and businesses all over town dress up and endorse the big event. It is a lot of fun for the whole town. This August will be the 122nd Annual Payson Rodeo event. The Zane Grey Cabin was recently rebuilt at Green Valley Park and it is a great tourist attraction. The original Zane Grey Cabin stood out in the forest on the Rim for over 100 years but was burned down by the Dude Fire about 15 years ago. Lots of fundraising was done and in 2005, a replica of the Zane Grey Cabin was rebuilt at Green Valley Lakes in the center of town.

The greatest parts of living in Payson, Arizona are the majestic forests all around us. Within just a few miles, you can be in the most beautiful places on Earth. Some of my favorites include the Tonto Natural Bridge, it’s a great hike and you can stand under a waterfall, or Washington Park. If you've never been to a tropical rain forest this is the next best thing with lush green vegetation and a river that flows through from a natural spring. Let's not forget Fossil Creek or Horton Springs both which will never cease to amaze you, and Roosevelt lake is only 30-40 minutes away. Payson is the place to live if you love outdoors; it’s not too cold in the winter nor is it too hot in the summer. You can drive up the Rim at sunset, you’re bound to see some elk or deer, and almost every night we have the most amazing display of stars in the sky you'll ever see!

Payson, Arizona is the ideal hometown for anyone looking to get out of the city or off the farm. It's a great middle ground with a variety for almost any lifestyle. The people here are friendly and the climate is next to perfect. There are plenty of retirement or family communities, as well churches and group organizations. In a nutshell, Payson, Arizona has something for everyone!