Living in Folsom, CA

Top Schools • Lakes & Recreation • Historic Charm • High-Value Real Estate

Folsom is one of the most sought-after places to live in Northern California, blending strong schools, master-planned communities, outdoor recreation, historic charm, and major career opportunities. Known for Folsom Lake, the Johnny Cash Trail, family-oriented neighborhoods, and a thriving dining and shopping scene, it attracts families, professionals, executives, and relocation buyers from the Bay Area and beyond.

Located along Highway 50, Folsom provides easy access to Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Placerville, and Lake Tahoe while maintaining a high quality of life and long-term real estate stability.

Why Buyers Choose Folsom
Top-ranked public schools
Master-planned communities and new construction
Folsom Lake, bike trails, golf, and outdoor living
Historic district dining and boutique shopping
Major job centers including Intel, health care, finance, and tech
Family-friendly neighborhoods and amenities
Strong property values and long-term investment appeal

School Districts and Education
Folsom is served by Folsom Cordova Unified School District, one of the top-performing districts in Northern California.

Highly rated schools include:

Elementary Schools: Empire Oaks Elementary, Vista del Lago Elementary, Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary, Russell Ranch Elementary, Gold Ridge Elementary
Middle Schools: Folsom Middle School, Sutter Middle School
High Schools:
Folsom High School – Known for advanced placement programs, STEM, performing arts, athletics, and championship football
Vista del Lago High School – Highly ranked for academics, engineering, digital technology, biomedical programs, and college preparation

Private and charter options nearby include St. John Notre Dame, Phoenix Charter Academy, Capital Christian School, and others.

Popular Neighborhoods in Folsom
Empire Ranch – Golf course living, gated sections, newer homes, close to schools
Briggs Ranch – Established homes, larger lots, mature landscaping, family-friendly
Broadstone – Close to Palladio shopping, parks, Intel campus, freeway access
American River Canyon – Custom estates, gated areas, proximity to trails and historic district
Folsom Ranch (Russell Ranch) – New construction community with modern floorplans, trails, future schools
Historic Folsom – Character homes, walkable streets, cafés, boutique shops, and Old Town charm

Whether you prefer lake views, new construction, gated communities, golf frontage, or low-maintenance living, Folsom offers a wide range of residential options.

Restaurants, Dining, and Lifestyle
Historic Folsom District is the heart of local culture, featuring farm-to-table restaurants, boutique storefronts, wine bars, coffee shops, and seasonal events.

Popular local dining spots include Scott’s Seafood on the River, Sutter Street Steakhouse, Snooks Candies, Hop Sing Palace, Karen’s Bakery, Back Bistro, Manderes Tap House, Gaslight Co. Coffee & Wine, and Folsom Biergarten.

Nearby, the Palladio at Broadstone offers upscale dining, Whole Foods, retail shopping, gym, theater, and outdoor event spaces.

Outdoor Recreation and Activities
Folsom offers one of the most recreation-rich lifestyles in Northern California.

Folsom Lake – Boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, beaches, horseback riding, hiking, and lakefront camping
American River Bike Trail – 32 miles of waterfront trail access connecting to Sacramento, popular for biking, running, and walking
Johnny Cash Trail – A scenic trail with art installations celebrating Folsom’s history and legacy
Golf options include Empire Ranch Golf Club, Granite Bay Golf Club, Mather Golf Course, and others

Additional local amenities include dog parks, athletic centers, sports complexes, skate parks, winery tours, live music events, and holiday festivals.

Real Estate in Folsom
Folsom offers everything from starter homes and townhomes to luxury custom estates, lakeview properties, executive homes, and new-construction smart homes.

Golf course homes – Primarily in Empire Ranch and custom gated sections
Lakeview and river homes – American River Canyon and properties near Folsom Lake
Custom estates – American River Canyon North, Hillcrest, Beacon Heights
Gated communities – Hillcrest, Los Cerros, Lexington Hills
New construction – Folsom Ranch, Russell Ranch, Iron Point, Empire Ranch newer phases
Luxury townhomes and low-maintenance living – Near Palladio and Historic Folsom

Strong long-term appreciation, high rental demand, excellent schools, and quality planning make Folsom one of the most stable and desirable real estate markets in the Sacramento region.

Considering a Move to Folsom?
Whether you’re relocating, investing, or comparing Folsom to El Dorado Hills and Rancho Murieta, we help you evaluate neighborhoods, schools, lifestyle amenities, and current market trends to find the right property.

Commercial Land Luxury
Serving Folsom • El Dorado Hills • Rancho Murieta • Greater Sacramento