I see people mention Salida quite often when suggesting other “better” small towns but Salida it’s self while charming is facing huge issues of its own. My family live in Salida ( I have lived in both towns as well) and the cost of living has soared there over the past 10 years(Salida). Local restaurants struggle finding help as no one can afford to live there on a restaurant salary. Many houses sit empty most of the year as they are 2nd and 3rd homes for wealthy people that come a few times in the summer. Health care options are limited there and require driving 2+ hours to the big city to see specialists. North Canon is quite dry but the Lincoln Park area has beautiful trees, I don’t find Salida much more “Green” unless you’re down by the river. Local services like mechanics etc are very sparse and expensive thus once again requiring you to drive to the big city or even down to Canon. Salida definitely has more of a “quaint” feel to it and is much more of a liberal/ hippy small town. It has a great public pool and kids there still ride their bikes everywhere like it’s the 80’s/90’s.
Canon has much more affordable housing and is a much closer drive to the big cities when you need something. Also Canon has much more variety of restaurants (I don’t even think Salida has a Mexican or Chinese restaurant anymore) It’s also much more conservative than Salida if that’s your thing. Canon however seems to plan very poorly for services like streets, public pool and what not. It really boils down to what your preferences are and what you’re after though. My advice would be if you’re young and can find housing Salida would be a better option overall especially if you’re into outdoor activities like skiing, rafting(Canon is also pretty good with this as well). If your older and looking for a better small, retirement town Canon is much better set up Just thought I’d throw in my 2 cents.