Corrections-focused community that is home to 11 prison facilities
The county seat of Fremont County, Cañon City is a sleepy southern Colorado community of about 17,000 residents. Situated 40 miles south of Colorado Springs and 40 miles west of Pueblo, the city has a decidedly small-town feel despite being a reasonable driving distance to major urban centers — Denver is only 115 miles north. “This is a nice, quiet area. The people are friendly, the community is helpful, and we have unbelievable outdoor amenities,” says Realtor/broker John Liese of Pikes Peak Dream Homes Realty, who has been listing and selling in the area for nearly a decade and made it his home in 2020. Home to the Museum of Colorado Prisons, Cañon City is a corrections-focused community famously home to 11 correctional facilities — seven state and four federal prisons. “A lot of people that live around here work at the prison facilities, but we do get people from all over moving to this area for different reasons,” Liese says.
Cañon City is home to 11 prisons, 4 federal and 7 state, making the Department of Corrections one of the cities biggest employers.
Visiting the Museum of Colorado Prisons is uniquely a Cañon City experience.
1/2
Discounted home prices compared to the Colorado median
In early 2025, the median home price in Cañon City was around $425,000, compared to $400,000 nationally and over $600,000 in Colorado. "A four-bedroom, three-bath home here may be around $360,000, but in Colorado Springs, it's going to be $100,000 more," Liese says. Some of the oldest real estate around the downtown historic district was built in the late 1800s, but there is a mix of housing from different eras, including new housing developments like the one at Four Mile Ranch Golf Club. "New housing developments have started to take off. It's not like we have 400 homes on a sprawling development, though, it's more like 20 homes at a time," Liese says. "This is a high-desert area, so the vast majority of the newer stuff will be the stucco ranch-style home." Some of the most expensive properties are off Forge Road and Tanner Parkway in the city's southwest section, while the majority of homes are around the downtown area.
Home sizes and styles vary widely in Cañon City.
These Cañon City craftsman style homes are very similar, you completely different.
As Cañon City grows, new homes are popping up northeast of downtown.
1/3
Eating and shopping in and around Canon City
There are commercial stretches along Main Street and Fremont Drive around downtown Cañon City. “Downtown, you’ve got something like eight restaurants in four blocks, everything from pizza to Mexican or fast food. And there are a few dining spots next door in Florence, so you don’t have to drive to Colorado Springs or Pueblo for a meal,” Liese says. There is a Safeway and Walmart for stocking up on groceries and essentials, as well as a couple of shopping plazas, but residents have to travel for a more robust retail experience. “You are 35 minutes from the mall and Pueblo and less than an hour from shopping in Colorado Springs,” Liese says.
The Owl Cigar Store is a Cañon City legend that serves up some scrumptious burgers and milkshakes.
Stepping into Cañon City's Owl Cigar Store is like taking a trip back in time.
1/2
Playgrounds and pavilions at Centennial Park
Cañon City has a handful of community parks that feature sports facilities, playgrounds and pavilions. Centennial Park is the city’s crown jewel and home to annual events like the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival and Arbor Day. Situated in a mountain bowl along the Arkansas River, the city has boundless outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking to fishing and hunting. “There is a ton of fishing, camping and whitewater rafting in the area. You can follow the river all the way into the mountains for some of the most gorgeous scenic fishing you can imagine,” Liese says. It’s under 5 miles from downtown to hiking at the trailhead in Temple Canyon Park.
Centennial Park is one of the more popular parks in Cañon City.
Let the kiddos run off some energy on the playground at Centennial Park.
Centennial Park has many areas to enjoy a picnic.
1/3
Art in the Park is held each summer
Cañon City has a full calendar of seasonal events for a town of its size. "From May until October, there is literally always something to do," Liese says. In the spring, there is the Antique and Classic Car Show at the Abbey and the Music & Blossom Festival. Summer brings Art in the Park and the annual Fourth of July Celebration. Boo at the Bridge and the Turkey Trot are highlights of the fall, and the Christmas Parade of Lights and tree lighting ceremony occur in November and December.
Cañon City celebrates Halloween with the "Boo on the Bridge" event.
There are local events throughout the year in Cañon City, few bigger than the Music & Blossom Festival.
1/2
Easy drives to nearby Pueblo and Colorado Springs
Cañon City has direct access to U.S. Route 50, which connects to Pueblo to the east. Colorado Springs is about 45 miles north via State Route 115. “They just widened 115 over the last few years, so now there are enough passing lanes where you don’t get stuck behind big trucks the whole way. It’s a much easier drive to get there,” Liese says. There isn't much in the way of public transportation, but Fremont County Transit operates limited bus service in the city, and other curb-to-curb options are available. The closest major airport is Colorado Springs. CommonSpirit — St. Thomas More Hospital is the city’s primary medical facility.
Cañon City schools
The Cañon City School District is graded B-minus by Niche. The district has 11 schools and serves approximately 3,500 students.
Washington Elementary School of the Cañon City School District RE-1.
Most students in the area will complete their public education at Cañon City High School.
Cañon City Middle School serves grades 6 through 8.
1/3
High-mountain desert climate with less snow than areas nearby
Cañon City has a semi-arid high-mountain desert climate with four distinct seasons categorized by warm summers in the mid-to-upper 80s and winters in the 40s. Drastic temperature swings from day to night, and moderate precipitation is typical throughout the year. “In terms of snow, we don’t get a lot here because we’re at a lower elevation. We might get five inches of snow here, which would be a lot, but 15 minutes south, they might have three feet,” Liese says. “The climate here is interesting. We don’t get as hot or cold as Pueblo and Colorado Springs; temperatures are milder, and when it snows, it melts quickly.”
Wildfire is the predominant environmental concern in Cañon City, which encourages fire mitigation efforts and education among homeowners. The landscape is known to be dry and packed with vegetation that can erupt under certain conditions. Some insurers are leaving the state due to wildfires and rising costs, which means higher rates. For those at extreme risk, the Colorado FAIR Plan is in place for buyers otherwise rejected for coverage. FAIR Plan policies are known to be particularly expensive and have more limited coverage.
Crime statistics for Cañon City were not immediately available.
Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Photography Contributed By
Karl Brewick
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Chudzinski,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Canon City, CO sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Canon City, CO over the last 12 months is $334,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1005 Phay Ave. Come take a look and see the potential for yourself. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath tri-level in Cañon City offers 1,666 finished square feet of living space across three levels, giving you plenty of room to spread out and make it your own. Set on a .26-acre lot, there's space to garden, entertain, or simply enjoy the extra elbow room that's hard to find these days.The home
Welcome to 1037 Phay Ave, a spacious 2,303 sq ft bi-level home offering 3 bedrooms and 2 baths in Canon City. Situated on a corner lot spanning 0.30 acres with a beautifully landscaped front yard, this property offers great curb appeal plus RV parking, a storage shed, and a small retrofitted shop space perfect for hobbies or extra storage.Inside, you'll find generous room sizes throughout,
Discover the timeless charm of authentic Santa Fe architecture in this one-of-a-kind 2-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on .47 acres in a peaceful Cañon City setting. Offering 1,517 sq ft of beautifully crafted living space, this home is filled with character, featuring handcrafted Saltillo tile floors, stunning latilla ceilings with exposed vigas and corbels, a cozy kiva-style gas fireplace with
Welcome to 1411 Chestnut, a true gem in the heart of Lincoln Park, offering over half an acre of beautifully maintained land with an exceptional home and auxiliary building. One of the most exciting features is the detached 42’ x 80’ auxiliary building, offering endless possibilities. Outfitted with its own full kitchen, 3⁄4 bath, hookups for a washer and dryer, and independent heating and air
451 Thunder Trail is back with a brand new roof! This exquisite mountain horse friendly retreat perfectly situated between Westcliffe & Canon City. This 35-acre property offers the best of Colorado living, unmatched privacy, stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, & a thoughtfully upgraded home. The 2,968 SF residence features 3 spacious bedrooms & 2 beautifully remodeled bathrooms on
Come see this recently remodeled mobile home in a park. Virtually everything is new inside. Very nice mobile home park close to all shopping in downtown. Come by and see this.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch-style home located in the highly desirable Dawson Ranch HOA community of Cañon City. This spacious home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and Colorado lifestyle living. The main level features a large, inviting living room filled with natural light, creating an ideal space for entertaining or relaxing. The
Discover comfort and convenience in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home located in the heart of Caon City, Colorado. Step inside to find a warm, inviting living space enhanced with modern amenities while maintaining its classic charm. The spacious kitchen features stylish updates perfect for everyday cooking or entertaining. Two comfortable bedrooms and a refreshed bathroom offer cozy
Luxury living awaits in this well-maintained home located in the prestigious Cranberry Park subdivision. Featuring a spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet and a large master bath, this split-design property offers the utmost comfort and privacy with bedrooms on opposite sides. Enjoy the convenience of a walk-in shower, gas fireplace, central air, forced air heat, and a vaulted ceiling. The
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath HUD- mobile home located in the desirable Lamplighter Mobile Home Park in Canon City. Built in 2019, this modern home features a spacious open floor plan with a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas—perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy the outdoors in your fully fenced yard—ideal for pets, gardening,
Why you’ll love 720 B: $3,000 SELLER CONCESSION to help with interest rate buy down or lender Closing costs. But there's more - This upper-level, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1-car garage condo has gorgeous mountain views from the only second floor, covered balcony where you can sit down to enjoy them without blocking a fire lane, while you’re grilling a great steak outside; Professionally painted
is back with a brand new roof! This exquisite mountain horse friendly retreat perfectly situated between Westcliffe & Canon City. This 35-acre property offers the best of Colorado living, unmatched privacy, stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, & a thoughtfully upgraded home. The 2,968 SF residence features 3 spacious bedrooms & 2 beautifully remodeled bathrooms on the main level. The
Flexible, Spacious Main Level Space in a Prime Business Location on Main Street in Canon City. The Property is centrally located 1 block off Highway 50 with easy access to and from any part of town. Near a host of restaurants, businesses, schools and shopping, the options are wide open for this property. Formerly a long running local salon. Infrastructure still exists for this or a related
Set in Dawson Ranch with mountain and foothill views, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers a flexible layout, generous indoor living space, and outdoor areas designed to enjoy the setting. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area with vaulted ceilings, wood-look flooring, updated lighting, and natural light. The kitchen is a standout with granite counters, abundant
Move right into this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home that offers comfortable living, thoughtful upgrades, and plenty of space both inside and out. Step inside to discover a bright, inviting interior featuring fresh paint, updated flooring and finishes, and a functional layout designed for today's lifestyle. The stunning kitchen offers soft-close cabinetry, a gas range, tiled
Property Id: 2749357 Charming spacious single floor 1bdr 1 ba. house 1 yr. minimum lease, large living rm and extended office windowed space, large kitchen, rustic style bdr. with exit door to outside, lovely large atmospheric backyard rock water fountain to enjoy while sipping your morning coffee, calming, meditation etc & a wrk shed and sitting etc area. 1 shed with lots of
Escape to your private cul-de-sac home in highly desirable Dawson Ranch neighborhood. This three bedroom 2 bath home has open concept living, dining, and kitchen area that serves as the ultimate hub for entertaining or relaxing in the living room with the cozy gas fireplace or sitting at the window seating admiring the mountain views. The kitchen offers functionality with a massive storage
Welcome to this inviting rental located in an established neighborhood of Cañon City. 1613 N 7th Street offers comfortable living with a functional layout that’s easy to make your own. Enjoy being just minutes from downtown, shopping, dining, schools, and parks while still having the peace and privacy of a residential setting. This property is perfect for tenants looking for a convenient
Home was recently remodeled and has 2 bedroom with an office that could be a 3rd bedroom or additional space. Large galley kitchen with laundry room off the back. A must see home! May allow 1 small dog, with a deposit and pet rent, on a case by case basis. Please inquire on your pet prior to applying.Deposit is set off background check. Please see our policy at: .
Welcome to this charming 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Home in Lincoln Park, nestled in a quiet neighborhood near trails, the river, and downtown Cañon City, CO. This delightful home boasts a large living area bathed in natural light, two spacious bedrooms, and a full renovated bathroom. Step outside to enjoy a large, fenced backyard complete with a private deck—perfect for morning coffee, weekend
This 3 bedroom 1 3/4 bath ranch style house is located in the Lincoln Park area of Canon City. There is an over sized 2 car garage with room for storage. A grass yard and flowers and a sprinkler system to water the lawn. There is a large family room and a covered porch on the back of the house. Central air and a pellet stove are included in this house.
This charming and cozy mobile home has recently updated flooring, two bedrooms, and one and half bathrooms with washer dryer hook ups. The property features plenty of living space, great neighbors, and has direct access to Mountain View Park in Northern Canon City. Rent is $1050.00 and that includes water, sewer and trash. Deposit is $1050.00 depending on credit.1 Pet is welcome with
*Now Available*1513 Greenwood # 2 is half of a spacious duplex with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large dining and kitchen spaces. There are 2 living rooms - one upon entering and one at top of stairs in between bedrooms! There is also a nice narrow fenced backyard with small concrete covered patio! Located centrally in Canon City near all Cafe Belay, Natural Grocers, Fremont Fitness,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
