Cañon City sits at the mouth of the Royal Gorge, where the Arkansas River carves through one of the deepest canyons in North America. Median home prices run roughly $318,000 — less than 60% of Denver's median. Multiple fiber providers deliver gigabit speeds across the city. The schools are strong, the healthcare is local, and the community calendar is full year-round. This is not a pitch — it is what the data says and what residents experience every day.
About Choose Cañon City
A City of Cañon City Initiative
Choose Cañon City is an economic development initiative of the City of Cañon City, Colorado. This website exists for one reason: to give you the honest, practical information you need to decide if Cañon City is the right place for your next chapter.
We built this resource because the people searching for a new home, a place to start a business, or a community to raise a family deserve more than a tourism brochure. They deserve real data, real stories, and a clear picture of what life here actually looks like.
Cañon City sits at the mouth of the Royal Gorge, where the Arkansas River carves through one of the deepest canyons in North America. Our community of 17,000 residents has been here since the 1860s, and we have spent that time building something worth finding: a place where your cost of living does not consume your quality of life, where outdoor recreation is a daily reality and not a weekend escape, and where your neighbors still know your name.
Everything on this site — the neighborhood profiles, the cost of living data, the school information, the job resources, the community directory — is maintained as a public service by the City of Cañon City. We are not selling anything. We are showing you what is here and letting you decide.
Choose Cañon City is a City initiative, but the community it represents is built by a network of organizations that work together to make this region stronger. These are the partners whose work shows up throughout this site and whose doors are open to anyone considering a move to the area.
Whether you are exploring Cañon City as a potential new home, researching the area for a business relocation, or just have questions this website did not answer, we want to hear from you.
For general inquiries about living in or moving to Cañon City, reach out using the contact information below. For specific questions about starting a business, we will connect you directly with the right people at FEDC or the Chamber.
If you are planning a visit to explore the area, we recommend stopping by the Visitor Center at the Gateway Depot first. They can point you toward neighborhoods, introduce you to local business owners, and help you experience Cañon City like a potential resident, not just a tourist.
Fremont Economic Development Corporation
FEDC leads business attraction, retention, and expansion for Fremont County. Their Economic Homesteading and Rural Reshoring initiatives help entrepreneurs and companies take root in the Royal Gorge region. If you are thinking about starting or relocating a business, FEDC is your first call.
402 Valley Road, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 275-8601
fremontedc.com
Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance
The Chamber serves as the connective tissue of the local business community. Their Gateway Depot & Plaza houses the Visitor Center, coworking offices, and event space. They organize the Farmers Market, Christmas Parade, and networking events that keep the community connected.
816 Royal Gorge Boulevard, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 275-2331
royalgorgechamberalliance.org
Cañon City Schools RE-1
The school district serves pre-K through 12th grade across eight schools with the smaller class sizes and personal attention that families move here to find. Above-average graduation rates, 20+ AP courses, and concurrent enrollment through PCC.
101 N. 14th Street, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 276-5700
canoncityschools.org
Pueblo Community College — Fremont Campus
PCC operates a full campus in Cañon City offering associate degrees, workforce certificates, and continuing education without leaving town. The SBDC at PCC provides free business consulting for entrepreneurs.
812 Royal Gorge Boulevard, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 296-6100
pueblocc.edu/Fremont
City of Cañon City
Official city government — services, council meetings, permits, utilities, parks, and community programs. The Office of Economic Development operates from City Hall and supports new business formation directly.
128 Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 269-9011
canoncity.org
Fremont County Government
County services including property records, motor vehicles, elections, assessor, court information, public health, and veterans services. Most county offices are located on Macon Avenue.
615 Macon Avenue, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 276-7300
fremontcountyco.gov
Start a Business
FEDC provides free guidance on permitting, zoning, available incentives, and commercial properties. Whether you are relocating an existing business or starting from scratch, this is your first conversation.
402 Valley Road, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 275-8601
fremontedc.com
Visit in Person
The Royal Gorge Region Visitor Center at the Gateway Depot is the best first stop if you are exploring the area. Local staff can point you toward neighborhoods, introduce you to business owners, and help you see Cañon City like a resident.
816 Royal Gorge Boulevard, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 275-2331
royalgorgechamberalliance.org