Living in Folsom, CA offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities, with the convenience of being close to major urban centers. Located just northeast of Sacramento, Folsom is known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and vibrant community life. The city’s historic district, with its Gold Rush-era architecture, offers a glimpse into California’s past, while its modern developments provide all the conveniences of contemporary living.
Folsom’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from casual eateries to fine dining. The city’s historic district and Palladio at Broadstone are popular destinations, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The annual Folsom Pro Rodeo is a highlight of the year, bringing the community together to celebrate with rodeo events, live music, and family-friendly activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Folsom provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Lake Natoma, offer scenic spots for hiking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The nearby American River provides additional opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Folsom is also known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Folsom Live Music Festival and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the community spirit. The city’s proximity to Sacramento means that residents can easily access the amenities of a major city, including theaters, museums, and professional sports venues.
For those considering a move to California, Folsom offers a perfect blend of historical charm, outdoor beauty, and urban convenience. Whether you're drawn by its parks, community events, or easy access to Sacramento, living in Folsom, CA provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Located in the state of California, Folsom is a mid-sized city with a population of 79,584 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Folsom is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Folsom is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Folsom could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Folsom, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Folsom has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 82nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Folsom has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), education (B+) and housing (A). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Folsom. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (D) and cost of living (F).
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 139 crimes per 100,000 residents, Folsom has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Folsom, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.42% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Folsom, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Folsom an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Folsom can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Folsom is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Folsom come in at $558,900, which is 36.6% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Folsom, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 26.6% lower than the California average.
| Statistic | Folsom | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.4% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.8% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.9% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.2% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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