Folsom

Situated just minutes from the sparkling blue waters of Folsom Lake and the expansive State Park, Briggs Ranch offers easy access to the great outdoors. Sloping streets that reveal views of tree-spotted hills around gentle curves offer tranquil Californian landscapes. “Briggs Ranch is one of the most desirable areas to live in Sacramento County,” says Deborah Stafford, a local Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate who has 20 years of experience. “It’s a very well-established, higher-end neighborhood. It’s close to endless amenities and Historic Folsom.” Surrounded by nature and 25 miles from the vibrant streets of Sacramento, Briggs Ranch offers the classic suburban lifestyle with a twist. Sloping residential roads give way to numerous subdivisions, including Briggs Ranch, Willow Creek Estates, Rancho Diablo and Wild Way Court. Winding streets with narrow sidewalks showcase various architectural styles, from new traditional to Split-Levels to the popular Californian L-shaped ranch-style home. “People tend to stick around,” says local Realtor Wendy Milligan who has over 30 years of experience, and their decades-long devotion to the area is illustrated by their careful landscaping. Crafted mainly in the late 1980s and 1990s, these houses are unified by their natural color scheme, which echoes tones of beige from rich coffee to light sand and come with a half-million to $1.2 million price tag. Some streets, like Briggs Ranch Drive, have dedicated bike lanes, while attached garages and private pools are standard features. The Folsom-Cordova Unified School District serves the community and scores outstanding ratings on Niche. Within walking distance is the A-rated Folsom Hills Elementary School. Students also may attend the A-rated Folsom Middle School and the A-plus-rated Vista del Lago High School, which Niche ranks as the No. 3 best public high school in Sacramento County. The district’s School Choice program allows middle and high school students to apply for admission to another school. Residents have easy access to three popular neighborhood parks but are also steps away from the many trails in Folsom Point State Park. “Briggs Ranch is surrounded by some beautiful areas, but Folsom Lake is a huge draw,” Stafford says. A boat ramp offers easy access to Lake Folsom for a day on the water, while others can fish along the banks. For green hues over blues, Elvie Perazzo Briggs Park features sports courts for a friendly game of basketball or beach volleyball and a playground. B.T. Collins is another hilly park with a vibrantly colored playground, but this park offers more shady spots to picnic, like a 9-hole disc golf course and greenways. Joggers and bikers can head east along the Oak Parkway Trail, which merges with the Johnny Cash Trail around Downtown Folsom. Fitness enthusiasts can also opt indoors for a workout at Crunch Fitness. Nearby grocery stores include 99 Ranch Market and Raleys along Blue Ravine Road. For organic produce, stores like Trader Joe’s and Sprouts Farmers Market are about 2 miles away along East Bidwell Street. Major retailers like HomeGoods, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Petco can also be found here. Numerous chains and local eateries are scattered around Briggs Ranch. Saturday morning breakfast runs are easy at Posh Bagel or head to Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters for a light breakfast sandwich and handcrafted brew. For a cold margarita, happy hours are packed at local spots like Folsom Tap House Sports Bar & Grill and Mexquite Mexican Restaurant. Locals can also indulge in the healing warmth of pho at Pho Mimia. Folsom holds numerous annual events that range from 50 mile races to outdoor concerts. “There’s just a lot of activity. Downtown Folsom has events almost every weekend, especially in the summer,” Stafford says. Every Thursday from June to September, locals can enjoy live music at the Zittel Family Amphitheater about 3 miles away in Historic Folsom during the Summer Twilight Concert Series. Another notable event is the Folsom Pro Rodeo. Held over the Fourth of July weekend, residents and visitors alike can saddle up and enjoy an authentic Western experience that ranges from bull riding to live music, food vendors and firework displays. Briggs Ranch is mainly a car-dependent area. However, some bus stops are nearby along Blue Ravine Road. Other main roadways include East Natoma Street and U.S. Route 50. Commuters have about a 25 mile drive to Sacramento or a 4 mile drive to the Historic Folsom Station to catch the Gold Line. Those looking to travel further can book a flight at Sacramento International Airport, about 35 miles away. Other essential establishments include Mercy Hospital of Folsom, 2 miles away, and surrounding houses of worship. Johnny Cash’s famous song Folsom Prison Blues originally put this city on the map, as the Folsom Prison, Folsom Women’s Facility and the California State Prison are clustered less than 3 miles away. Yet its proximity doesn’t faze homebuyers. “It’s well hidden and historical so no one really minds it. People really enjoy visiting the area. There’s even the Folsom Prison Museum,” Stafford says. The Johnny Cash Trail, a hiking trail on the outskirts of the prison grounds, is another attraction that leads to sweeping views of Folsom Lake. Even with its proximity, Briggs Ranch earns a crime score of 3 out of 10, slightly lower than the national average of 4, according to the CAP Index.

Resting along Route 50, 23 miles from Sacramento is the neighborhood of Broadstone. “This is a newer and growing neighborhood,” says Nehal Shah of Real Estate Source Inc., who has made over 65 sales in the area. “The neighborhood is still quiet, but a lot of new businesses have come into the area, making it feel less secluded.” Broadstone has plenty of green spaces from homes with large backyards to plenty of large trees in the neighborhood. “There seems to be a park everywhere you turn,” says Shah. Broadstone is a community that values education, with some of the top schools in the state. Just under 99% of residents have a high school diploma and over 58% are college graduates compared to the national average of 34%. Kids in Broadstone attend the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, one of the top districts in the Sacramento area. The first stop is Gold Ridge Elementary, which has an A rating on Niche. Next is Sutter Middle School, which also has an A rating on Niche and was ranked as the fourth-best school in the county. Teens make their way to Folsom High School, which has a perfect A-plus Niche rating and was noted as being one of the top schools in the state for college prep and athletics. The school won the 2023 football state championship and has produced professional football and baseball players. Home styles and prices vary greatly in the area, but many homes are newer builds. “The majority of the houses in Broadstone were built after 2000, so you don’t have a lot of structural damage,” says Shah. On the north end of the neighborhood, ranch-style builds with stucco facades begin around $500,000, while homes further south towards Route 50 are in the $800,000 range. On the eastern edge, newer builds that have a Craftsman style and acreage can range over $2 million. There are a few townhomes in the neighborhood, but the majority of properties are single-family homes, with over 75% of the population owning their homes. Houses sit away from major highways and are located on quiet residential streets. Large yards provide the opportunity for gardening, while wide sidewalks make it easy for dog walking. There’s no shortage of recreation in Broadstone, beginning at John Kemp Community Park. The largest park in the area has lighted fields for youth sports, open grass areas for play and an outdoor volleyball court. In addition, a spray park was recently added along with a skate park and pups can run at Fido Field Dog Park. Smaller parks like Kentfield Park and Windsor Park feature basketball courts and playground areas for children. During the colder winter months, locals head to In-Shape Family Fitness for an indoor workout, while Palladio Cinema has the newest releases for cinephiles. At Seaquest, residents can interact with otters, sloths and many more creatures from sea and land. For fun outside the neighborhood, Folsom Lake is just a short drive to the north. Shopping is easy in Broadstone, with plenty of big box chain stores available for groceries and more. Off Bidwell Street, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods and Costco all have locations. For clothing and much more, Palladio is an indoor/outdoor shopping mall that also hosts community events like outdoor yoga throughout the year. Diners can grab an upscale meal at Iron Horse Tavern, or grab a small bite and happy hour cocktail at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. Friends with Benedicts Mimosa House is a favorite brunch spot with dozens of avocado toast and eggs benedict recipes on the menu. Public transportation in Broadstone is run by the City of Folsom. The Folsom Stage Line bus system has frequent stops along Broadstone Parkway and Palladio Parkway, while the area also has access to a light rail system. Route 50 is the southern border of the neighborhood, providing a quick route to Interstates 5 and 80 to the southwest. Route 50 can also take residents to Sacramento in 40 minutes.

In the Sierra Nevada foothills and on the bank of Folsom Lake sits the luxury neighborhood of Empire Ranch Village. While home prices may be high, locals are also big on fun. “People move here to be close to the lake and Empire Ranch Golf Club, which is one of the best public courses in the area,” says Jeanne Peterson of Lyon Real Estate, with over 100 sales in the Folsom area. “I’ve been out on the lake three times already this week and am going again after work this afternoon because when the weather gets warm, that’s where we all get together.” Empire Ranch Village sits about 23 miles from Sacramento, so many residents commute into the state capital for work. The neighborhood has top-rated schools and holds a 1 on a scale of 1 to 10 for violent crime on the CAP Crime Index, compared to the national average score of 4. Folsom Lake serves as a prime recreation spot in the summer months. The Lake has sandy beaches, swimming areas with lifeguards on duty and is ideal for boating and fishing. Those who don’t like to be in the water can still enjoy the views while hiking or horseback riding on the many trails around Folsom Lake. Inside the neighborhood limits, Nisenan Community Park has something with everyone with a playground for children, basketball courts and sports fields. Parkgoers can cool off in the summer at the newly installed spray park. Residents hit the links at Empire Ranch Golf Club, which features a public championship 18-hole course and can get a workout in at Orangetheory Fitness. Kids in Empire Ranch Village attend the highly-rated Folsom Cordova Unified School District. “All throughout Folsom, the schools are great, but this pipeline is really special,” says Peterson. Families on the neighborhood’s south side will send their kids to Russell Ranch Elementary, while those north will attend Empire Oaks Elementary. Both schools have an A rating on Niche. Next is Folsom Middle School, which has an A rating and was named the top public middle school in Sacramento County. Teens attend the relatively new Vista Del Lago High School, which opened in 2007. One of the top schools for college prep in all of California, Vista Del Lago, has a perfect A-plus Niche rating. Empire Ranch Village is a newer neighborhood, where most of the homes were built after the year 2000. Home styles vary from traditional ranch-style builds to massive six-bedroom Mediterranean builds to two-bedroom condos on the southern edge of the neighborhood. Condos range from $400,000 to $500,000, while single-family houses start around $750,000 and range up to $1.5 million. Many homes have nice views of the golf course and it is common for private pools to be in the backyards. Houses are situated on quiet roads away from highways and have wide sidewalks for dog walking and exercising. Multi-car garages and modest yards make parking and lawncare easy. Diners head to the west side of the neighborhood for plenty of authentic offerings off Natoma Street. “Depending on where you live, restraunts and shopping can be walking distance from your home,” says Peterson. Mexquite Mexican is an upscale twist on authentic cuisine and is an ideal spot for a happy hour margarita. Mimosa House is a local favorite for weekend brunch, and Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters is popular for its specialty lattes. Sushi fans can head to Hisui for a selection of specialty rolls. For groceries, Raley’s is a convenient option right off Natoma. Retail shoppers can head just a few miles away to Folsom Square Mall. The Sacramento Regional Transit District has a bus system that serves Empire Ranch Village and the rest of Folsom. The fixed routes pick up with frequent stops on Natoma Street. For those who wish to drive, Route 50 provides quick transit into Sacramento.

Three miles from historic downtown Folsom, Natoma Station is the quintessential California suburb: people walk their dogs along rows of Spanish-style homes, and a lack of thru traffic caters to families or anyone looking for a quiet life. Even more ideal is their access to A-rated schools and large recreation areas, such as Willow Creek and Lake Natoma. Plus, Intel Corporation houses a million-square-foot facility to the south, and its 6,000 researchers make it the largest employer in Folsom. These Spanish ranch-styles and two-stories were mostly built in the 1990s, but they’ve often been renovated. Tight yards and narrow pools are common, and abundant trees provide privacy from close-by neighbors. “It’s an older part of Folsom, but it’s got a nice grouping of houses,” says Mark Speelman, a Realtor and former real estate appraiser with 20-plus years of experience. “It has a lot of trees, which is different than a lot of communities in the city. Some of the newer areas don’t have them, whereas in Natoma Station, they’re very mature. There are a couple of streets in there that are just beautiful.” Three-bedrooms range from $530,000 to $610,000, while four-beds are likely upwards of $700,000. The average home value has risen by 21% in the past three years, topping out at $680,000 for March 2024. The market has started turning quickly here, too, as the average home now sells in 14 days; this is 28 days quicker than the national average. Natoma Station Elementary School, on the northern side of the neighborhood, is rated an A by Niche and ranks in the top five public elementary schools for Sacramento County. These 500 students are guided through social-emotional practices, such as monthly challenges focused on character development, and these methods have been proven to increase academic achievement by 11 percentile points. Toward historic Folsom, Sutter Middle is also rated an A by Niche and ranks in the county’s top five middle schools. It was also recognized as a California Distinguished School for 2024. Folsom High, just east of Natoma Station, is rated an A-plus by Niche and serves 2,700 students. Its football team won the state championship in 2024, and its campus hosts the Folsom Jazz Festival every year. Right next to the elementary schools, the lawns of Natoma Station Neighborhood Park are popular with kids, families and anyone looking for some outside time. Its northernmost softball and baseball fields are in the backyard of Kids Inc. Preschool, and its western tennis courts are accessible via Natoma Station Drive. The neighborhood’s two mini parks, Deer/Rabbit and Bigfoot, feature public art and playgrounds, and they’re in walking distance of most houses. Moving north across Folsom Boulevard, Willow Creek Recreation Area has 1500-plus acres of hiking, camping and fishing, and its boat ramp provides access to Lake Natoma. This lake — more of a wide tributary — is just downstream from the American River, and kayakers can paddle 5 miles north toward Folsom Lake. While a dam blocks direct access to this 12,000-acre reservoir, they can drive east to Folsom Point State Park and put in there. Trout and bass fishing is another option, or they might try the 32-mile-long bike path that connects to other county parks. West of the suburb, Folsom Premium Outlets has over 80 designer and casual stores: Coach is neighbors with Forever 21, and a Nike Factory Store shares a wall with Perfumania. Shoppers can take a break at the area’s Cinemark or visit one of the area’s fast-food restaurants. While there are a couple sit-down places here, foodies can drive two miles up Folsom Boulevard for local fare. Thai on Tap, Curry Club and Tao’s HotPot & Shabu are among several options here. Nearby Mel’s Diner has been around since 1947, and it caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner. The old-timey storefronts in downtown Folsom may evoke the Wild West, but these boutiques and outdoor patios are a lot calmer than they were in the 1850s. Now, Sutter Street attracts tourists and locals alike, and Natoma Station residents can travel here for their fix of local events. Year-round farmers markets on Saturdays and occasional plays at Sutter Street Theater can keep them busy; they might attend a summer concert at Zittel Family Amphitheater or visit one of five galleries. While most residents have personal vehicles, the Sacramento Regional Light Rail provides service along Folsom Boulevard, and this Gold Line leads 20 miles into Sacramento. “A lot of people come from downtown into the outlet mall,” says Realtor Mark Speelman. “But it’s nice if you live in Natoma Station because you can take the Lightrail to work.” Drivers can use Route 50, also known as the El Dorado Freeway.

American River Canyon is a well-established community with quite the view. Located in Folsom, 24 miles northeast of Sacramento, American River Canyon sits on the banks of the American River between Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake. “The great thing is you have the view of the river, but you don’t have to worry about the river flooding because of the neighborhood’s elevation,” says Amy Aoyama of Morris Williams Realty, who has over 15 years of experience in the area. “It’s a great spot for people who love nature with the trees and water everywhere you look.” It’s also a great spot for residents who want to plant roots in the area. Well over 50% of residents are homeowners in American River Canyon, and 25% of the population is over the age of 65, which is higher than the national average. The massive Folsom Lake State Recreation Area provides plenty of summer fun. Located just a couple miles north of the neighborhood, the massive Folsom Lake is popular for water sports, fishing and boating. Those looking to stay on land can hike, horseback ride or camp on the trails surrounding the lake. Lake Natoma borders the neighborhood to the east. This smaller lake is great for kayaking and swimming. The neighborhood features a large, densely forested area on the banks of Lake Natoma where locals can hike or set up a picnic. The Lew Howard Park, located in the neighborhood, is an ideal place for locals to shoot hoops, hit the tennis courts or explore a playground. Bikers and hikers alike will enjoy the Hinkle Creek Nature Area is on the southern tip of Howard Park and features over 36 acres of trails in the heart of the neighborhood. Anytime Fitness, located off Madison Avenue, is an option for an indoor workout. Most of the homes in American River Canyon are on quiet streets that often end in cul-de-sacs. They range from ranch-style homes to tri-levels to large Mediterranean-style builds. Prices can range from $550,000 to over $2 million, but most homes are in the $800,000 ballpark. “These are established homes, mostly built in the 1980s,” says Aoyama. “It’s an extremely well-maintained section of Folsom, and the huge trees really add to the color of the neighborhood.” Parking will not be an issue as homes have driveways and attached multicar garages. Most homes are on large lots with spacious yards large enough for private pools. While the majority of housing is single-family, there are a couple of apartment complexes sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Early risers won’t be disappointed with the abundance of breakfast spots located along Folsom-Auburn Road. Mario’s Early Toast offers a brunch menu with a full bar for mimosas and Bloody Marys. Julian’s Patisserie and Café has sweet and savory crepes with specialty coffees and an outdoor patio. Pete’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is a relaxed spot for lunch and dinner with American classics and plenty of beers on tap. Locals can make a short drive across Lake Natoma or use a wooden pedestrian bridge to reach the Folsom Historic District, which is home to dozens of eateries and boutique stores. “In the summer, it’s really easy to take the pedestrian bridge over to Historic Folsom for dinner,” says Aoyama. Grocery shopping is easy with Raley’s and Safeway locations west on Madison Avenue, and the Folsom Premium Outlets have endless retail options just a few miles south. Kids attend the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District beginning at Carl H. Sundahl Elementary. Niche gives Sundahl Elementary an A rating and named it the seventh-best elementary school in Sacramento County. Next is Sutter Middle School, which also holds an A grade on Niche. Teens attend Folsom High School, which has an A-plus grade on Niche. Folsom High is known for its fierce football program, which took home a state title in 2023 and has five titles since the 2010 season. Route 50 is located just south of American River Canyon, providing access to Sacramento and Interstate 80, which opens the rest of Northern California. Sacramento Regional Transit buses offer routes to downtown Sacramento as well as local routes.

Sitting on the banks of Lake Natoma, Folsom Central – home to the Historic Folsom District is a vibrant retail and restaurant haven 23 miles northeast of Sacramento. “There are so many options, and the nightlife is amazing,” says Judy Collinsworth, District Manager of the Folsom Historic District Association. “The streets are filled with shoppers in cute boutique stores during the day, and it’s a whole different scene at night with a younger crowd packing the pubs and restaurants.” Many of these shops and eateries are along Sutter Street, where building facades are saloon-themed, paying homage to the old western vibe of the city. Oftentimes, Sutter is closed to vehicles, and string lights brighten the pedestrian walkways. Many homes are within walking distance of Historic Folsom, but the area also features public parking areas. The district features a mix of newer places to shop and eat, while others have been around for generations. Hop Sings Palace is a local favorite and the oldest restaurant in Folsom. “The food is amazing, but people go for the owners and waiters, too,” says Collinsworth. “They remember your order if you’re a regular and even recognize your voice on the phone for take-out.” Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse is where foodies go for fresh seafood in a white tablecloth setting. Powerhouse Pub has live music every night, including live band karaoke on Tuesdays, and Samuel Horne’s Tavern is a watering hole with an old-time feel. There are plenty of boutique shops along Sutter Street, including Dorthea’s, a year-round store specializing in Christmas memorabilia like Nutcrackers, ornaments and lights. “It’s been here forever, and people remember coming as a kid and can now bring their own children,” says Collinsworth. Hat shops, candle stores and much more are featured along Sutter. The Folsom Station Farmers Market is a year-round affair in Historic Folsom, taking place each Saturday morning beginning at 8:00 p.m. One mile east is the Folsom Square Shopping Center, where locals can grab groceries and more at Trader Joe’s and Target. Folsom Central has plenty of events for locals throughout the year. The largest is the 65-day Christmas celebration, which features an ice rink, tree lighting and even fake snow falling down Sutter Street. There’s also the Hometown Parade, which is open to anyone who wants to create a float. “The only requirement is no boring floats, and people always rise to the occasion,” says Collinsworth. The Summer Concert Series brings free live music to the Folsom Amphitheater for 13 straight Thursdays beginning in May. Locals can exercise at the Johnny Cash Trailhead, which serves as the beginning of a 2.75-mile biking and walking trail on the neighborhood’s north end. Just a block from Folsom Central is the Folsom Public Library, which hosts events, book clubs and movie showings. Lake Natoma borders the neighborhood to the west and provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking and swimming. Most homes in Folsom Central are classic, ranch-style and tri-level homes built in the post-war 19050s boom. These houses sit on gridded, residential streets southeast of Historic Folsom. Lots are narrow but allow for large backyards, which are shaded by mature trees. On-street parking may be necessary, as driveways and garages are hit-or-miss in the neighborhood. Houses are in the $525,000-$700,000 range, and many are multi-family homes being rented out by investors. In addition, there are apartment complexes near Historic Folsom, as over 50% of the population rents in the neighborhood. Buyers should be aware that there are some flooding issues for homes near the water. Kids attend the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, beginning at Theodore Judah Elementary, which holds an A rating on Niche. Sutter Middle School also has an A grade on Niche and was named one of the top five public middle schools in Sacramento County by the service. Teens head to Folsom High School, which holds a perfect A-plus grade on Niche. Folsom High students can join a jazz band that took a field trip to New Orleans in 2023 or participate in the school’s annual Folsom-Bration art show, which is open to the public. Locals can utilize the Historic Folsom Shuttle Service for rides throughout Folsom Central. The neighborhood is just a couple miles north of Route 50, and residents can be in Sacramento in 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Sacramento Regional Transit bus stops are frequent in Folsom Central for those who would like to use public transportation to get into the state capital.