Canon City, CO, United States

Capital City

With a population of just over 17,000, Canon City is a small, sleepy town that relies heavily on its prisons and tourism industry. The tax burden is heavy, thanks to the city's many state and federal correctional facilities. And while the climate may be milder than nearby Grand Junction, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, with the city's name alternating between "Canon City" and "Cañon City" over the decades. Unless you're drawn to the area's unique geography, outdoor recreation, and historic charm, this cheerful "prison town" may not be the best fit.