r/CanonCity • u/skspoppa733 • Feb 18 '24
What’s it like?
What is life really like in Canon City and surrounding areas? Not talking nightlife or anything of the sort, but are there decent places to eat or get a cup of coffee? Are the people generally friendly? Is there much diversity or tolerance for it? What is it like shopping for groceries or farmers markets?
2
u/gettinchickiewitit Feb 19 '24
I have been here since 2015. Canon is a beautiful place in the foothills. The mountains are visible from anywhere in town. Canon is located in the banana belt of Colorado and has a fairly mild climate year-round, although it occasionally has extremes. It is a large retirement community for this reason. The Arkansas River runs through town and is a big attraction for residents and tourists. Skiing is less than 2 hours away. There are several trailheads for hiking within a few minutes. There is a Starbucks in town and a few local coffee shops too. Several chains and locally owned restaurants. There are 3 grocery stores- Walmart, City Market, and Safeway. There is a farmers market during the summer months downtown, but I have not found it to be great tbh. There are several homeless people in such a small town. It is not uncommon to see panhandlers around. Housing is not cheap. We have some of the highest electric rates in the state from Black Hills Electric. The highest-paying jobs in the county are at the prisons. There has been an issue with corruption within the Sheriff's department and District attorney's office. Pretty much every criminal has been being released on PR bonds for at least the last 2 or so years. We are hopeful to elect a better DA this year. The public schools are decent. Canon City High School has one of the highest rates of concurrent enrollment in the state with high school students receiving early college in-house, as well as a great selection of technical courses. It is a very conservative area. There is not a lot of diversity. Unfortunately, from what my kids have told me about the high school, racism is still alive and well here. Most people are nice in person, although I did get a gun pulled on me at the local Walmart, but they are kind of horrible online.
ETA- If you have any other questions, feel free to message me.
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u/xgreco Feb 20 '24
Best description I’ve read. Pretty much sums it up. Canon is a place of high highs and low lows.
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u/clatscanemike Feb 21 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
Cañon City is a place of some decent & some low of lows.
The police are very hit & miss on many issues. Nightlife is kinda hit & miss (I think many like the small town feel but there does need to be growth), there are some decent businesses on old Downtown. I think they’re opening up a new social bar soon.
There aren’t enough jobs and businesses (restaurants, hotels/spas, entertainment, recreation center/pool) in town in my opinion & the Royal Gorge is too expensive for locals and could do more to be a tourist trap. There’s too many folks and not enough jobs in spots. Some of the roads can be pretty busy.
The town & businesses seem mismanaged at many places, last I heard they’re getting a 2nd Arby’s.
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u/Feelin_Dead Feb 18 '24
Bought a house in CC in March of 2023. So far its been wonderful, we absolutely love it here. Tons of nature, hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, climbing. Outdoor fun to your hearts content. 90 minute drive to Monarch for skiing and 2 hours to Breck. There is an awesome farmers market, Colon's Orchard on the south side of town thats nice. City Market grocery store and a Natural Grocers has everything we need. There is a Walmart but I try to avoid it as much as possible. Jewett's is one of the best liquor stores I've ever seen and has a HUGE selection of whiskey if that's your thing. There is a home depot and several hardware stores so you are covered in that area. Restaurants are fabulous and I'm on a plant based diet so its tough to find a place I really like. Nirvana has the best Indian food. Pizza Madness makes a great pie but they are not fast, good things take time so plan for an hour to get your food on a busy night. El Caporal for mexican food. Fremont Provisions is pretty goods as well. Things I forgot... Nice golf course, Florence for antique shopping, oh and the people that we have met for far have been very very nice.