We have enjoyed living in the high Sonoran desert just north of Tucson fo the last 15 years. The camping in Arizona is nothing short of awesome and we often spend our summers in the mountains beating the heat. This year has set records almost daily for high temps and little to no rainfall {the Monsoon has been a no show... Grrr}. We live in a nice senior community but have to keep our Class C, cargo trailer and Rzr SXS at a nearby commercial storage facility.

I always longed to find some property where I could house my toys on site and enjoy a higher elevation in a smaller community. On Friday I made that happen.

After researching at least 100 properties and finding virtually all of them already subject to pending offers {the real estate market for mountain property has gone off the chart since the Covid crisis} I found a gem and managed to out bid a ball offer and still get a smoking great deal and we will close escrow in 3 weeks.

Our new home is in Payson, a small town of 15,000 people located almost exactly at the geographic center of Arizona {76 miles north of Phoenix/Mesa} at 5,000'. The property is .57 of an acre and the smallish {1,407 square foot 3 bedroom 2 bath} house comes with two garages, a two car attached and a free standing 18' X 30" unit in back that is simply screams "Man Cave!"

The motorhome and trailer are too tall for interior storage but with two separate driveways I have plenty of room to park them both with the Rzr, my truck and motorcycle residing in the new Man Cave and my brides car in the attached garage. Payson sits at the base of the Mogollon Rim {which is nearly 8K'} and is about halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff.

The property is nicely treed with huge pines some over 70' as well as, Oak, Juniper, Spruce and Manzanitas. A seasonal stream flows through the front yard and yet we are just a mile or so from what passes for "Downtown" Payson. We will have deer and Elk wandering the property {leaving their unique calling cards} on a nightly basis.

There is a large heavily built gazebo in the back yard of our new place and I will be moving my Jacuzzi from the current house to the back right corner of the gazebo. It will cost me $750 to have it delivered the 160 miles up to Payson but it is just a year old and we love it. A new one would be $8K so the $750 is doable and I won't have to move it. I'll be bringing my BBQ and adding a nice outdoor bar, hell it even has a ceiling fan and multiple power outlets ensuring it will likely be "Party Central".

We are both so excited and can't believe our good fortune in being able to make this happen. Lots of work to be done to complete our relocation but looking forward to the challenges given the rewards that are sure to follow. our current house goes on the market on October first and my Realtor is very confident the sale will be a slam dunk given the red hot real estate market we are currently enjoying. I don't need the proceeds of that sale to close on Payson so no pressure there.

Yes, I would love to post pics and have a bunch but since Photobucket took my pics hostage and I continue to refuse to pay the ransom I have no way to post. If anyone out there could help me out I could emaIl a few if you could get them posted here. The property is gorgeous and I'd love to share with everyone.

Wooo Hooo!!!

Congratulations on your new digs.

It's nice that you're staying in our great state.

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Paul
Salome, AZ

Congrats.......

we too are working to flee the Burbs to the higher elevations of the Laurel Highlands ( only 2900 ft.)....... we got just over an acre on a lake about 3 years ago...... and only 12 miles from our ( my folks since 1963) mountain cabin on the western slopes of the Eastern Continental Divide.

So the joke is where will we spend the night the mountain cabin or the lake house ????? .......

Enjoy

Best wishes to you and your bride in your new digs.

Congrats on you purchase, I can only imagine...

We recently moved to Temple, TX and to be perfectly honest, once the kids are done with high school I'll be leaving here!!!

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Jorge

Sounds idyllic, Capt. Steve.

I guess, because I'm so old, my
only concern would be medical
facilities, ease of reaching them
and emergency services, etc.

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Ubi Est Mea

Congrats on finding your dream home.

I'm blown away that Payson is now 15,000 folks. That's a huge town by my standards. I bet it has stop 'n' go lights now.

When I was stationed at Luke AFB in Glendale, Payson was a very neat "little" town to visit on the weekends during the hot season (February - November). Sounds like it's become too popular for my liking, but it's sure not as big as Tucson.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Congrats. I have family and hunting buddies in Strawberry. Payson is a great base for hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. up on The Rim.

I love the Payson area, close enough to Phoenix and far enough away at the same time. When hubby was alive we were looking at property there but with him gone I'll just mooch off the relatives when I need a winter break. Choices of Prescott Valley, Gilbert, Chandler, Los Vegas, Burbank CA, Covina CA. I can make the rounds!

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Super Snooper

I checked and the VA has a clinic right in Payson. I won't have to drive all the way down to Tucson or go to the VA in Phoenix.

Update:

I was just on the computer tracking down the nearest Tractor Supply store as I will be purchasing a nice Liberty 30 gun safe and want them to deliver to our new place. Turns out they are one mile north of us. While I had that screen up I noticed that the VA Clinic is one half mile north of our place. guess I'll actually just be walking to the clinic... don't ya just love it?

About 1985 my ex and I visited her aunt that lived in Payson. Spent a week there and we fell in love with the place and even looked at a couple homes there. Beautiful area. I only had 5 years on the job, here in OH at that time and had the itch to try something else or stay for the long haul. In the end, the ex didn't want to move that far away from her folks and we stayed in OH. Still question that decision.

Ain't nothing better than finding something you really want. Be safe and happy.

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Just a shooter

Thank you for trusting me with your pictures.

Looks like a very nice secluded property, congrats again on the purchase

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Jorge

JJEH, Jorge you DA MAN!

Thanks for posting my pics. Now folks can actually see what I am so pumped about.

Steve

That is awesome.

That works. My only issue is that given the failure of the monsoon the last few years, how well will the trees survive? Then there's the spectre of wildfires.

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Release the Kraken

Covet, covet, covet! Congratulations!

We had some neighbors here outside of Houston living a couple doors down from us for about 20 years. They moved to Colorado several years back now. Lovely home on the side of a mountain, but it is at 9000 feet. They get a LOT of winter up there. 5000 feet sounds much more doable to me. Enjoy your new place. It sounds wonderful.

I lived in Arizona in 1971-2, south of Willcox, in Kansas Settlement. Lots of neat history, over 4000 ft. in elevation, and lots of mesquite. I would like to go back and visit someday. I understand the farming has drastically changed since I lived there, short on water.

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Kevin in Oregon

Capt. Steve, you sound so excited! I know the feeling. We left Chandler for Payson in '04, and sounded just like you! I was amazed at how many people that posted are aware of this little mountain town 90 minutes north of Phoenix. Have been fairly content here for the last 16 years knowing we had cooler summers than the Valley.

It is a great spot to get a dose of all four seasons, fortunately none too extreme as a rule. Hope the Mrs. isn't a serious shopper as there is none here, as in mall-like. We have Wal-mart and Home Depot and Ace Hardware for "chains". Fountain Hills-an hour away-is the next option. And if you're ill, "go down the hill" (that being to Phoenix hospitals) is the usual common wisdom. Local hospital is just so-so. Glad you found a VA here, of which I was totally unaware.

Upside, is that there is a great shooting range just south of town, I'm sure you'll have a membership there soon. You are near to many camping areas of the state. Do you ski? White Mountains are just a few hours away. You can put a boat out on Woods Canyon Lake, only 35 minutes east.

Yes, the Elk are all about, they will be seen right in town and leaving their "calling cards"-also known as "Elk Duds". Don't plan on planting anything out front, because they will nibble roses and destroy most flower beds along with the javelina who will pull up any bulb you put in the ground (don't ask how I know).

You can get anywhere in Payson 10 minutes or less. However, summer/holiday weekends will clog up those "stop 'n go" lights but you'll soon figure out the back roads to get around town.

Congrats on new place, looks super. Hope it works out well for you. If I can help with any other local information shoot me a PM. Happy moving!

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2 Blessed 2B Stressed

I've lived in AZ for almost 50 years and I'm so happy to hear about your find. AZ mountain property is getting hard to find and when you do, you can sure pay through the nose!

ASU had a major campus expansion planned for Payson but I believe that fell through.

Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Doug

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I only take a knee for God

Chik a boom,

Thanks for the kind words and great info and I'm sure I will be picking your brain for more. I assume you were referring to the Jim Jones shooting range and while I have not gotten down there yet it is on my short list of places to check out.

We have been camping for years up on the Mogollon Rim as well as all of the other great spots from Flagstaff to Sedona, Cottonwood, White Mountains etc. no wonder we fell in love with this area. What part of town are you in? Our new place is on Mud Springs Road about half a mile south of 260. The Va Clinic is on 260 due north of us next to Culver's.

I don't ski anymore, did many years ago but that was when I had better {much younger} knees. We were just up to Woods Canyon Lake for 4 days of Forrest Service back road riding on our Rzr about 2 weeks ago. I'll look to you for info on the riding closer in to town as nothing beats local knowledge.

The sellers husband is a contractor and has offered to hook me up with Payson's finest for any projects... and there will be more than a few but I'll probably call on you for referrals as well. Need to add a 30 amp hook up for the motorhome and probably widen my south driveway to better accommodate parking the coach. Might even get crazy and have the driveways paved. Building out my man cave is going to be a lot of work but at the same time a lot of fun. I'll start with a nice workbench and storage and go from there. Might even have room for a decent pool table.

Thanks again, I'll be in touch.

Correct. Talk was that ASU really had no intention of being here; was mostly the former mayor's dream.

Yes, Jim Jones is the local shooting range. Check out Tonto Rim Sports Club on line for their activities.

Am familiar with South Mud Springs Road. Funny enough, to get to our place, it is off of North Mud Springs-pretty much across from the VA. We are behind (north of) the community college on 2 acre horse properties.

Fortunately, have never had a need for a contractor so not too familiar with any-sorry!-am sure your sellers husband will have good info. Sounds like you have a lot of fun projects ahead-congrats!

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2 Blessed 2B Stressed

Congratulations Steve! My wife and I looked at Payson for retirement but I found work in carson city, so thats where we'll be. 5000 feet in elevation seems to be the sweet spot. Unless you're in Montana..

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

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I used to be disgusted..

OP here with the latest update:

We closed the 18 day escrow right on time yesterday without a hitch. Drove the 500 miles {+/-} from Angel Fire {but not before the requisite trip up to Red River for the Smoked Brisket breakfast Burrito smothered in Hatch Green Chile sauce at Shotgun Willies on Wednesday morning... but I digress} to Payson on Thursday so as to complete the preclosing walkthrough which went fine. By 1030 yesterday morning I had the call confirming the recording and the deal was done.

My new Liberty Revere series 30 gun safe was delivered and installed yesterday morning. Had them bolt it in using 4, 3/8" X 4" lag bolts in a secure location so now it is time to load it up. Thanks so much for all of your support. While we still face the Herculean task of moving, everything is lining up nicely.

Our current home is on the MLS under "Coming Soon" and I will release it for sale on October first. Homes in our area are selling in just a few days and there is already a lot of interest. My goal of walking away with more money from this sale than we just spent looks very doable at this point. Film at eleven!

Congrats! Obviously, you have your priorities.
Welcome to cooler temps.

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2 Blessed 2B Stressed

I just tried to PM you but your mailbox is full. I'll try again later.

Steve

Welcome neighbor. We moved up here from Gilbert in 1998 and love it. The elk are singing now. Had a cow elk and yearling doing the landscape trimming yesterday. They do a good job but sometimes get carried away. The only drawback to living here is the traffice on the weekends in the summer. Get a map and learn the side streets that you can use to stay off of the Beeline and Highway 260. Again, Welcome.

Capt Steve, I have owned and moved two hot tubs and assisted with three others. Drain the water out of your tub first, it will be a lot easier to lift and tote.

Lmao, thanks.

Apologies, Steve. Cleaned up my act-room for you now.

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2 Blessed 2B Stressed

For the electrical work, I have had great luck with "Spartys Electrical" and for a general contractor try Poor Boys. Stay away from the local handyman types.

We are now settled into our new home {more or less}. The movers came on Tuesday morning and those two guys {from Two Guys and Truck Moving} busted their humps, arriving at 9, it took about 2.5 hours to load all of furniture and the 60 boxes in the garage.

The trip up to our new home was a 3+hour ride and then another 3 hours of unloading and reassembling the furniture and setting everything up. I'm sure the 3 hour ride home went quickly as I tipped them both a $100 bill {each} for the extraordinary effort they put into this job... which was much appreciated.

My bride and I have been attacking the boxes in the garage with a vengeance and after two full days are down to about 30 or so left to go through/empty. Just to make things interesting I managed to kick our very large/heavy coffee table while barefoot... yep, broke the #2 toe on my right
foot. After a couple of days it has gone completely purple/nearly black. If you have been there, done that you know there is really not much that can be done.

Got out the first aid kit from the RV and fortunately had a good metal, four prong splint. Wrapped it up supported by the splint and taped it to my big toe to minimize movement. Yes, it hurts like hell but with a lot of Ibuprofen and periodic icing it will heal eventually. About the only other thing I need to do is stay off of it but that is just not an option right now....arrrrg!

All in all one hell of an adventure and we could not be happier with our new home. Lots of work yet to do but considering I pulled this off in 28 days from "Hey honey, let's sell this place and find a nice house up in the mountains" to done deal we live here was a pretty ambitious undertaking. Our old place is now officially on the market with Open Houses running through the weekend.

Paula, aka Chik a Boom, stopped by the other day to welcome us to Payson and we look forward to getting together again soon. Chuck, the guy who delivered/installed my new gun safe told me about the local veterans bike club and last night while enjoying a cocktail on the back patio the pres, "Shaggy" and his lady stopped by to welcome us to town and extended an invitation to check out the club... "Veterans Helping Veterans". I am looking forward to that just as soon as I can complete this move by retrieving my Indian from Tucson {currently stored in my snowbird neighbor's garage}.

Thanks one and all for your support, it has really meant a lot...

That’s wonderful, Steve. Amazing that you were able to bring it off so quickly! Congrats!

We celebrated our one year anniversary 4 days ago, wow, where did that year go??? After getting all of our stuff up here the real work began and for a couple of old folks {69 and 70} we seriously went to work.

Near the top of the list was trimming and clearing the property, neighbors reported that it had not been fire safed for 10+ years. With my cargo trailer and truck we have made 24 trips to the brush pile at the local land fill. The first 12 trips were nothing but pine needles and oak leaves and weighed in at 6,000# +. Serious tree trimming followed as we got the driveways and the rest of the property opened up.

The prolonged drought had weakened the trees and when we got 2.5' of heavy wet snow at the end of January I lost two Oaks and a Juniper along with extensive damage to another dozen or so {8 - 10" limbs were breaking like kindling which of course generated a bunch more tips to the brush pile.}
I did manage to harvest/salvage a full cord of Oak and Juniper hardwood which has now seasoned nicely and we had our first fire in the wood stove since last March on September 30th.

I got a smoking good deal on having the driveways paved, one is 25 yards the other 55... Eighty yards by 12' wide and 3" thick for $6,000. At age 69 humping my 875# Indian Springfield on the gravel driveway probably was not going to end well.

I added a lot of landscaping and even a garden enclosed with Elk fencing {7.5' high}. I have two cherry trees, a dwarf Jonathan Apple, a Bartlett Pear, 2 Blackberry and 2 Raspberry bushes all of which are thriving. This year we finally had a great Monsoon. Since the middle of July we have had 12" with more coming on Tuesday. Happily the fire danger has vanished like a fart in the wind and even the drought numbers are looking much better.

We put a major remodel on the kitchen with new walnut cabinets and granite countertops and the two bathrooms are next for renovation. The house was the proverbial diamond in the rough but after just a year we have it polished up nicely.

Our old house in Tucson sold quickly and when the financial dust settled I came up $245 short of breaking even. In the 51+ years we have been married we have never been happier and are looking forward to many more great years up here on the mountain.

Life is good!

Congratulations on your progress and an obvious happy life.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

.57 acre ? will all your vehicles fit on your property ?

looks like a very nice place to me.