Park Center offers mountain views and rural living near Cañon City
Park Center is a rural community located in central Colorado’s high desert, just north of Cañon City. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with sagebrush and ponderosa pines, it offers sweeping views in nearly every direction. Outdoor recreation is plentiful, with several expansive regional and state parks nearby, including Royal Gorge, one of Colorado’s deepest canyons. Park Center is primarily residential, except for a lumber mill and an excavation company, so residents will have to head to Cañon City for groceries, dining, and entertainment. “It’s slower-paced, rural living," says Realtor Tyson Cool of Properties of Colorado, who was born and raised in Cañon City. "There aren’t a whole lot of shops or restaurants, but it’s really close to the city. A lot of younger people move out here for the outdoors."
Mountain views surround Park Center with vistas in nearly every direction.
North Park Center features homes on parcels that can reach 35 acres.
1/2
Spacious lots and single-family homes in a quiet setting
Park Center has a wide range of single-family housing options, from modest ranch-style homes and contemporary houses to farmhouses and manufactured homes. Lot sizes typically range from a half-acre to an acre, offering plenty of privacy and space for large gardens and garages. “As you go north in Park Center, you’ll see parcels that are up to 35 acres, very large properties. Most of the homes out there were built between the 1970s and 1990s,” Cool says. The community has a rural, relaxed character with very little traffic and noise, and expansive views of the surrounding ridgelines. Prices range from $200,000 to $600,000, although there are some large, upscale properties with acreage that can list for $1 million to $1.5 million.
Larger homes sit on half- to one-acre lots across Park Center.
Park Center offers contemporary options on modest lots.
1/2
Trails, parks and river walks offer year-round outdoor fun
Residents have easy access to local trails, including the Old Skyline Drive Trail, a mile-long out-and-back trail that climbs to the top of a rocky ridge overlooking Cañon City. Mountain View Park sits just south of the community and offers a skate park, a playground, soccer fields and plenty of green space. For river recreation, locals head to the Arkansas Riverwalk Trail, which winds alongside the river as it passes through Cañon City’s downtown area. The region’s most celebrated park is Royal Gorge, about 15 miles away. Known for its canyon views and famous bridge, it draws thousands of visitors every year. “It’s really popular for hiking, kayaking and whitewater rafting,” Cool says.
Drive the one way 2.8 mile scenic route with breathtaking panoramic views at Skyline Drive.
Enjoy the spectacular views at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
1/2
Dining and shopping options are just minutes away in Cañon City
While Park Center does not offer dining or shopping options, it's only 4 miles to Cañon City’s historic Main Street. This walkable downtown district is filled with century-old storefronts, local eateries, watering holes and boutique shops. Pizza Madness, one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, has been voted best pizza in the county for 10 years straight. Main Street is also home to World’s End Brewing Company, a busy craft brewery and burger joint. Locals can head down Royal Gorge Boulevard for major grocery chains and big-box stores like Walmart, City Market and Safeway.
World’s End Brewing Company anchors Main Street dining in Cañon City.
Whitewater Rooftop Social in downtown Cañon City offers mountain views from the patio.
1/2
Harrison School and Cañon City High serve most students
Students can start their education close to home at Harrison School, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade and receives a C-plus from Niche. The next step is B-minus-rated Cañon City High School, where educators put a strong emphasis on career and post-secondary learning. The school enrolls more than 90% of its students in courses that earn them early college credits. For an alternative, students and families might consider Mount View Core Knowledge Charter School or Canon Exploratory School.
Park Center residents are served by the Harrison School, where current enrollment is 603 students.
Cañon City High School hosts local teens for secondary education in Park Center.
1/2
Limited public transit and long drives to major cities
Most residents of Park Center will need a vehicle to get around. Fremont County operates a limited bus service with no fixed route or schedule. It’s about 50 miles to Colorado Springs, the nearest major city, or about an hour-long drive. The nearest major airport is Denver International, about 130 miles away. Those in need of medical care won’t have to travel far — it’s only 2 miles to St. Thomas More Hospital, the main medical center for Cañon City.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Jeffrey Knight
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Swearingen,
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
Brand-new home to be built on 0.77 acres in north Canon City. An open family room with accent walls flows into a custom kitchen with a serve-across wet bar, generous counter and cabinet space, and a wood-accent coffee bar. The dining room sits just off the kitchen and a sliding glass door opens to the backyard.The primary suite fits a king set and includes an ensuite with double vanities, a
Designed & built by the builder as his retirement home on 11.76 acres with the foot of the Rocky Mountains starting in the backyard. Professionally landscaped with 15 ditch shares to irrigate 6 acres of alfalfa & hay. Paid-off solar panels atop an insulated 2400 sq ft detached garage/shop with 2 garage doors, dust collection & built-in compressed air systems. Outdoor dining area & covered outdoor
Do not miss out on this beautifully curated ranch-style home on lovely Rockafellow Avenue, where your own private sanctuary & stunning view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains await. Custom built in 2020, this masterpiece offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living spaces, & a fully finished basement. This finished basement is like a second home: it boasts a bar w/ a full-size refrigerator & sink,
Discover an exceptional opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind home that seamlessly blends elegant living with breathtaking natural beauty. This stunning 3,600-square-foot masterpiece features 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 beautifully updated baths and 2 large living spaces, all situated on 12 acres in town, just minutes from everything you need. Perched on a bluff, the home provides unobstructed views of
Set against a backdrop of beautiful mountain views and open Colorado skies, this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and functionality on 4.27 acres. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful country retreat, room to spread out, or a property that supports your hobbies and work-from-home lifestyle, this property offers the flexibility to make it your own.
Take notice of this great home on well over an acre of ground. North Canon with vistas of Canon City and the Southern Wet Mountains. Situated a few blocks from Canon City schools and close to some of Colorado's finest adventure trails. This great home is a superbly maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom rancher. Attached 2 car garage and detached 36' x 24' barn/shop with power and water. Great covered
Escape the city and enjoy country living with plenty of space for horses, animals, and outdoor activities—all while being just minutes from downtown Canon City. This unique 4-bedroom home in North Canon offers comfort, functionality, and outstanding equestrian amenities.The spacious primary bedroom features an oversized walk-in closet and a convenient half bath. On the opposite side of
Extensively updated and situated on 20.14 acres with an additional adjoining 18.85-acre parcel included in the sale, this exceptional property offers nearly 39 acres with a rare combination of space, functionality, and convenience just minutes from Cañon City. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a non-conforming 4th bedroom that can be used as an office, hobby room, or additional flex
A truly beautiful home with great views in all directions.. Nearly one acre with a 4-bed, 3-bath, 2356 sf home, all on one level, that has been meticulously cared for in and out. Two living and family areas, a bonus computer/office room. Hard wood flooring in the kitchen area with nice LG appliances, lots of cupboards and a pantry. Large open concept throughout with vaulted ceilings, gas
Welcome home to this beautifully updated tri-level offering comfort, style, and exceptional outdoor amenities. This move-in ready home features three bedrooms, including a convenient bath off the primary bedroom and a bath serving the additional bedrooms.Recent updates provide peace of mind and modern finishes throughout, including a new electrical panel, new washer and dryer, new luxury
Beautiful Spanish-style rancher with stunning views and timeless curb appeal. A charming courtyard entry creates a warm welcome and sets the tone for this thoughtfully designed home. The fully fenced property features additional backyard privacy fencing, convenient RV parking, a 10' x 12' storage shed, and low-maintenance xeriscaped landscaping.Lovingly maintained over the years, this
Welcome to one of the last remaining large acre lots in Canon City, offering an exclusive chance to build yourdream home in a highly sought-after location! This expansive 3.6-acre lot boasts AS zoning, providing a versatilecanvas for your vision on the edge of Canon. Investor special with higher comp values in the neighborhood,especially for new builds! Park Center water available.
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
Mobile home located in the quiet country area within minutes of town. This great spacious home has 2 bedrooms (one is a master suite) and 2 full bathrooms. Features a large open concept living room and dining room. Freshly remodeled mobile is ready for roommates' or a family that needs the space. The laundry room is conveniently placed off of the kitchen. Part of a small mobile home community
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.
