Looking to correspond with some one in the Payson area (Phoenix: environment, hotel)

[Dancintree]

Hello everybody,

This is my first post here. I was delighted to find this site. My wife and I are looking at moving to the Payson area sometime in the semi distant future (1 to 2 years) and I would like to converse with someone from the Payson area. We currently live in south west Michigan and love it here except for the over abundance of snow. We got blasted with 15 inches yesterday. We live on almost 50 acres that includes a pond stocked with fish. It truly is a life style that we enjoy most of the year but my wife has pulmonary health problems and it's getting harder for her to endure the extreme cold in winter and high humidity in summer. We are just entering our 50's and as my wife's health deteriorates it is becoming harder for her to do the things she loves like gardening, feeding the birds (during winter) and general up keep on such a large piece of land.

I have been looking online at the Payson area because it seems to be the closest to the kind of environment that we enjoy here like rural open spaces, cooler than Phoenix, lots of trees, water recreation, LESS SNOW but still has 4 seasons.
We are artisans and create pieces from fallen branches like candle holders, flower vases and something I call "memos from the branch office" which have sayings on them. I am also a woodworker with 35 years experience making furniture, cabinets, entry ways, passage doors and windows. I hold a builders liscense and have done remodeling for just as long. Our latest venture has been creating a line of cremation urns for pets and we use a laser engraver to personalize them so I feel we can bring something of value to the Payson area.

If someone from the area would like to correspond with us it would be great to hear from you.

Kurt and Julee

[paysonite]

Hello, I am a Payson resident and have been for several years. What can I help you with?

[Dancintree]

Hi,

I thought it would be nice to correspond with someone who lives in Payson since we are looking at moving there. Your thoughts, opinions and observations would be helpful. While the internet is very helpful it's better to talk with someone who lives there.

We would like to join a community where we could grow a business yet still enjoy a rural atmosphere. We have that here but my wifes health makes it difficult to enjoy the extremes of brutally cold winters and steamy humid summers. This winter we have had almost 10 feet of snow!

I would like your and anyone else who might like to contribute, impressions of Payson (good or bad) so that we can make an informed as possible choice.

Is Payson business friendly? It appears to be tourist oriented, is that the case? Are the residents receptive to newcomers? Is city government progressive or unprogressive? That kind of information would be helpful.

Also, its always nice to meet new people.

Kurt Sallaz

[paysonite]

Hello again, Payson is a beautiful friendly town. We are approx. 1 hr north of the Mesa/Phoenix/Tempe area. We are also approx. 1 hr south of Flagstaff and about 1 hr east of beautiful Sedona. (actually almost anywhere you go in Az it is beautiful) Have you ever been to Az? Payson is in the Tonto National Forest at an elevation of approx. 5,000 feet. Mild winters,yes it snows but its gone within a few days because of the sun. Summers are in the low 90s with low humidity. Nights in the summer cool to about 60. Payson is somewhat of a tourist town, people from the valley regularly come here. Payson is more of a pass through though. They stop here to get their groceries and then travel on to their destinations. This is a modern clean town that has it problems just like any other area. Currently there are many vacant stores that have gone under apparently because of the high rents. Its an issue that occasionally comes up in The Payson Roundup newspaper, that you can read online. You mentioned you have extensive building/carpentry experience, you would do very well here in that business.

[paysonite]

One more note.....Payson is a progressive town, however we are trying to SLOW growth and keep it slower.

[Dancintree]

Thanks much,

Your imput is helpful. We have much the same situation here. Tourist town, high turnover due to high rent, 2nd homes owned by Chigagoans and slow economy. House values have come way down very quickly here- to a more "normal" level. Building has slacked way off.

As far as growth goes, I believe managed growth is important but finding the balance between "I got mine but you're out of luck" and enthusiastic "Yeah, we need the jobs and tax revenue" is a slippery slope.

Kurt

[Ponderosa]

Maybe you should consider around Pine/Strawberry a little north of Payson. These are more destination places where potential customers stop and get out to take in the atmosphere and shop.

[Dancintree]

Yes, I'll do that. I have looked at some of the real estste offered in these towns on line but haven't found much on the towns themselves. Maybe they're too small to showcase? I like the idea of living outside of larger towns where its more quiet. That is my situation now although it seems that population is starting to trickle in where I live. The same seems to be happening in Az too. I read that the sunbelt has experienced huge jump in population since 2006 and it causes me to wonder if sustainability is at risk? Can the state keep up with the influx and still provide basic services? Water, power, sanitation and all that?

[Elklady]

Hi Dancintree,

In case you are still following this thread I thought I would jump in.

Payson was my home for two years prior to jumping ship to find water. I had lived in Tucson for many years and when I retired, moved to Payson.

Payson is a wonderful, small town. I found the majority of people to be friendly. I lived in a wonderful small neighborhood that was very welcoming to newcomers. There are many opportunities to volunteer in the community and get to know people. The scenery is beautiful, lots of places to hike, camp and fish nearby (30-60 minutes). The one experience I had in the ER was pleasant. I was treated quickly for a "plugged ear", although it didn't work, and ended up making an appointment with an ENT doc. Since you are into "crafty" items, Payson is the best place to be. They host many festivals and events year around where you could sell your wares. Shopping is adequate and Phoenix is a short enough drive where you can buy anything not available in Payson. (Chain stores - Home Depot, Super Walmart, Safeway, Basha's, Walgreens, Stage, Blockbuster, fast foods) There is a nice Indian Casino/Hotel that offers gambling and some entertainment at times. The town puts on a variety of free concerts in the park on most Saturdays during the summer which is a real treat. I didn't see the racism referred to in another thread, and never saw any skinheads. I'm sure most residents would enjoy new businesses opening (residents need to buy local!). With the proper funding/reserves I would think one could make a go of it. Lots of wildlife and I adored watching the elk. I find a lot more positive than negative about Payson, but I'll share a few challenges that I'm aware of.

Someone on another post was concerned about scorpions and rattlers. Yes, there are both, so you need to watch carefully. I had a scorpion sleep with me one night - was stung twice on my torso, but luckily other than pain and numbness, I survived. It does affect people differently.

With the right attitude, the small town politics can keep you entertained. Water is a problem and water use is monitored (watering on alternate days, no hand car washing, no grass planting, etc.). Wildfires are something you always keep in the back of your mind. Housing prices are at a premium and building lots are getting scarce since most of Payson is surrounded by National Forest. It's hit and miss on housing areas - be sure to drive around before hurrying to buy. Sometimes you drive through depressed areas to get to nice ones. Yes, there is a drug problem, but I don't know where there isn't a problem anymore. Highway 87 from the south backs up during spring/summer on Fridays afternoons but locals know ways to avoid the traffic. With the elevation being at 5000 feet the altitude may affect your wife's health, so check that out too.

Well, that's about it for now. I must say I love Payson even more since I left, and most likely will be returning home to Payson in the very near future. The positives far outweigh the negatives. Sorry for being so long winded! Let me know if I can answer anything else that comes to mind!

[backtochitown]

Originally Posted by paysonite

One more note.....Payson is a progressive town, however we are trying to SLOW growth and keep it slower.

LOL at 'we'...there are plenty of people up here, who are not part of 'we', trying to spur growth on so this town can advance somewhat and create industry other than tourism/service!