The bustling riverside community of Folsom is a testament to how a city can grow, but still maintain a small-town feel. In the past decade this historic city has evolved as more companies have come into the area and more people are choosing to purchase homes there due to the diverse and rich quality of life. Tucked just beneath the Sierra Foothills and 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento, Folsom boasts endless outdoor amenities, sophisticated shopping, high-ranking public schools and a great location, just an hour and a half drive from both Lake Tahoe and San Francisco.
Homes in Folsom range from magnificent 5,000+ square-foot estates overlooking the American river to classic ranch-style homes on tree-lined streets to quaint 100 year-old bungalows in the historic district. Folsom has a rich and interesting history dating back to the 1800s. Its first residents were the Maidu Indians, hunters and gatherers who lived off the bounty of the American River. When the Gold Rush era arrived, miners and settlers came in and commercial growth established the area.
The heart of Folsom lies in its historic district and the main avenue Sutter Street, which is home to a plethora of charming restaurants, galleries, antique stores, boutiques and old fashioned candy shops. Sutter Street is also the location of many artisan fairs, events, farmers markets and an art walk on the second Saturday of each month.
If you love to live in a place ripe with history, Folsom is for you. The Historic Folsom Powerhouse, finished in 1895, was the first electrical generating station transmitting high-voltage, AC current to Sacramento. The building and remains much as it existed when it was replaced by the Folsom Dam in 1952. Also, the Folsom History Museum set in an original 1860 Wells Fargo & Co. Assay Office, offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.
With a foundation built on that kind of California history, Folsom's future is a solid one. A very diverse cultural and business community is represented including computer software, professional services, retail, lodging, real estate, restaurants, investment and communication and technology based home office entrepreneurships in addition to a host of independent businesses.
Folsom's outdoor opportunities rival it's business success. The American River, which runs through the city, draws picnickers, bicyclists, swimmers, fisherman, equestrians and rowers which are able to enjoy the amenities much of the year due to the warm climate.
However, the American River is just the launching point to the wonder of Folsom's outdoor playground. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers water skiing, sailing, swimming and fishing and is one of the most visited locations in the California State Park system. There is also a campground at the Beal's Point access, which has a boat ramp, beach and picnic area.
In addition to outdoor activities for children offered, Folsom also proudly boasts the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, located at the Folsom City Park this unique zoo is home to animals who can no longer live in the wild. The Park also has a new state-of-the-art library, train ride and is one of nearly 40 parks in Folsom including a sports complex and an aquatic center.
In February 2010, the average sales price for a single family home or condo in Folsom was $327,534. This information is gleaned from MLS sources, and while deemed reliable, is not guaranteed.
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