Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Payson, Arizona is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,708 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Payson could be considered less diverse than other cities. Based on an average age of 60, Payson appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Payson. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Payson can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Arizona, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Payson, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like health & safety, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Payson has received a livability score of 65/100. This score is ranked in the 63rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Payson has received high marks for housing (B+). The bad news for Payson, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (D-) and crime (D).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Payson, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.52% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Payson excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Payson is actually affordable. The median home price for Payson homes is $252,700, which is 42.8% higher than the Arizona average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Payson, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 31.4% higher than the Arizona average.
| Statistic | Payson | Arizona | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.9% | 76.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 15.7% | 10.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 2.0% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 2.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.0% | 5.7% | 4.6% |
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