Payson is situated near the exact center of Arizona in Gila County.
The distance from Payson to Phoenix is the same as it is to Flagstaff, approximately 90 miles.

A three-tiered community of Swiss-alpine, old west, and contemporary ambience, Payson was founded in 1882 as Union Park.
The post office was established in 1884, and the town incorporated in 1973.

Payson's Economy:
Includes tourism, retirement, relocations and business with a "High Quality of Life" profile and geared to light industry. Arizonans and visitors migrate to Payson from the south in the summer and from the northern states in the winter to enjoy the milder climates. Vacationers continue to increase, enjoying the vast recreational areas.

Scenic Attractions:
Payson is surrounded by rolling hills with mountain vistas. Creeks and trout streams flow from the Mogollon Rim. A 35-mile drive with 7 lakes throughout the area provides hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. Payson also has the distinction of being in one of only three pure air ozone belts in the world.

Local Attractions:
include the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Shoo-Fly Indian ruins and archaeological site, Rim Country Museum, the Tonto Fish Hatchery, a town-wide Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and the 45-acre Green Valley Park lake system. The Payson Airport also has a recreational fly-in campground, a unique facility in Arizona.

Local Events:
Payson hosts the "World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo" in August and the spring rodeo which takes place in May. The "Festival Capital of Arizona" season begins with a May Classic Auto Show and Swap Meet, an "Old Timers Rodeo" and a Country Music Festival in June. There is also the Rodeo and Parade in August and a State Fiddlers Contest in September. In between these festivals are many other exciting local events.

The Payson Airport:
The Payson Municipal Airport is owned and run by the Town of Payson. It is located on the north side of town on Airport Road. (CTAF 122.8). There is a 5,500 foot runway which is lighted and offers tie-downs, maintenance, fueling, scenic flights, flight instruction, charter service and the Crosswinds Restaurant. Adjacent to the runway is a unique fly-in campground. For more information call the Airport Manager at 928-474-2005.