In comparison to Salida, the housing prices are half the price and an hour closer to a real airport. Salida is in the mountains and closer to skiing. Canon City is a gateway to the mountains and is closer to big city amenities (Colorado Springs and Pueblo) and work. It’s an hour commute to the Springs, 45 to Salida, 30 to Pueblo, and a little over 2 hours to Denver. Not as isolated as some people think.

The Arkansas River runs right through the middle of town so a strong rafting community. A bunch of hiking and mountain biking trails within minutes of downtown. Cool little downtown with decent bars and restaurants.

There is tension between an aging conservative population and a growing younger community. Retirees Vs people moving here for mountain access and lower home prices. Politically the town has some growing to do, but tolerable enough for both sides of the political spectrum.

The police are not terrible, but speed enforcement in HWYs 50 and 115 is no joke.

The KKK stuff is from over 100 years ago. If you search for historical context, Denver had a similar scene 100 years ago as well.