Folsom California real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

As you cross the Rainbow Bridge - which spans the sparkling American River - or drive through the tree-lined shade of Folsom Boulevard, you can't help but be struck by an essential element of Folsom: It's pretty here. In fact, with its miles of beaches, unique bridge crossings and rolling hills, Folsom often reminds people of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Located about 20 miles east of the city of Sacramento, in Sacramento County's easternmost corner, Folsom is indeed considered the gateway to the Sierra. The foothill county of El Dorado, famous for its wineries and apple orchards, is just minutes away; and South Lake Tahoe, with its gambling casinos, winter ski resorts and summer recreation, is only 90 miles to the east.

Folsom is bordered on the north by Folsom Lake, an 18,000-acre, man-made lake that draws more than four million visitors a year, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The town also is intersected by a wide stretch of the American River called Lake Natoma, which is ringed by walking, biking and equestrian trails. Both bodies of water are places to sail a boat, catch a fish or find a quiet, sandy spot to swim or sunbathe. Folsom has miles of preserved wetlands and creeks-also bordered by developed trails-and an abundance of beautiful views.

Originally a gold mining town, and the site of the first passenger rail system west of the Rockies, Folsom is steeped in a rich and colorful history. The Historic District - or Old Town as it is also called - consists of fine homes and historic landmarks from this era, as well as the city's original downtown, now an eclectic collection of antique stores, gift shops, art galleries and restaurants

Folsom's other attractions include an excellent public school system and an exceedingly low crime rate; in fact it is the lowest in all of Northern California, according to FBI and Department of Justice statistics. It has a stable local economy, with the city of Folsom maintaining balanced budgets, including surpluses and reserves, for the last four years. City leaders are also widely respected for allowing business and residential development to proceed, but in a controlled and thoughtful manner.

All of these components have resulted in Folsom becoming the fifth fastest-growing city in the state, with the population increasing from approximately 12,000 in the early 1980s to nearly 48,000 today.

Whether you're looking for a Craftsman bungalow framed with old roses, or a modern two-story with a river view, you can find it in Folsom, where there is a wide variety of home choices. One thing all of Folsom has in common, however, is a sense of small-town community.

It is also centrally located, just 20 miles to downtown Sacramento, 90 miles to South Lake Tahoe and 100 miles to the Bay Area. It is a good investment, with a strong housing market and a median home price of $200,000 in July 1997, according to the Sacramento Association of Realtors.

Once you've decided on Folsom, however, there is still a myriad of choices regarding what and where to buy.

Located on the north side of the river, the American River Canyon area contains some of Folsom's most expensive and prestigious neighborhoods. An early developer was Elliott Homes, which bought American River Canyon North in 1987, started developing custom lots and installed the landmark waterfall entrance to the neighborhood. In 1989, Elliott built the 120-unit, walled and gated area known as the Cascades, and continues to sell custom lots for luxury homes today.

Home prices in this part of town are generally above $300,000, with some million-dollar properties occasionally available. Many of the most expensive homes are custom built and may include swimming pools or river views.

This area has easy access to the American River Parkway bike and walking trail, which runs along Lake Natoma and eventually leads to downtown Sacramento. There are also several parks, including Lew Howard Memorial Park, which is on a hill with stunning views and mature trees and is the site of a new community center.

Directly across the Rainbow Bridge, on the south side of the river, is the Historic District of Folsom, also known as Old Town. This area includes Folsom's "Nob Hill," several historic mansions built in the 1880s, but in general the older homes in the Historic District are smaller - carefully maintained bungalows and cottages that include large lots, landmark trees, mature landscaping and attractive front fencing.

Unfortunately, homes in the Historic District are rarely for sale, and when they are available, often sell for premium prices. Even homes that need work usually do not sell for less than $150,000, and well-cared-for, remodeled or more recently built homes go for much more.

In fact, brand new homes are actually more readily available in this part of town than are older homes. Several developers have bought up lots in the historic neighborhoods and built new "Victorians." There is a small subdivision known as The Preserve, located near the intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Natoma Street, and the neighborhood features old-fashioned houses with large front porches, paned windows and recessed or back alley garages.

Amenities in the Historic District include walking distance to Sutter Street, with its frequent street fairs, Thursday night farmers' market and eclectic collection of shops, art galleries and restaurants. The Central Business District of Folsom, located on Riley and East Bidwell streets, is close by and offers a variety of stores, restaurants and both Raley's and Food Source food markets.

The Historic District is also bordered by Lake Natoma, along which bike and walking trails have recently been paved and extended to connect to the American River Parkway trail on the north side of the river. Several neighborhood mini-parks exist, featuring play areas for kids and tennis or basketball courts. Also in the Historic District, the Folsom City Library is located on Persifer Street.

As you head out East Natoma Street, there are several residential communities located near Folsom Lake, the largest of which is Briggs Ranch. Built in the early to mid-1990s, homes are generally large, with three-car garages, and sell for the low $200,000's and up. Unique features of the area are historic streetlights, paved bike trails and many mature oak trees. Recreational areas include nearby Folsom Point, which provides beach access to Folsom Lake, and B.T Collins Park, which is set on a hillside with views of the surrounding valley and features a children's play area shaded by oaks. Convenient shopping is located at the Ralph's Food Center at Natoma Street and Blue Ravine Road.

Just down Folsom Boulevard from the Historic District, in the southwest corner of Folsom, is Natoma Station, a sprawling master-planned community that began development in 1989. Prices vary widely, from starter homes in the high $100,000s to large cul-de-sac or view homes selling for well over $300,000.

Unique features of the community include historic streetlights and, in the original neighborhoods, distinctive sculpture and artwork at street entrances. There are several parks with children's play equipment, and a site adjacent to the Natoma Station Elementary School features the city's new roller hockey facility.

Also contained in Natoma Station are the Folsom Premium Outlets, the Folsom 14 Century Theaters and several chain and fast-food restaurants and two hotels, the Hilton Gardens and the Larkspur Landing. The area is close to Lake Natoma, the Central Business District and the Historic District, and has easy access to Highway 50.

Located adjacent to the Central Business District are several existing residential neighborhoods. The oldest homes in this area sell in the high $100,000s, and some early subdivisions, such as Willow Creek East Estates and The Shores, can also be good deals for home buyers, featuring medium-level prices, large lots and mature trees. Even more recently built, yet much more expensive, is the neighborhood of Los Cerros, located just off East Bidwell Street. It consists of winding streets, view lots and large custom homes with three-car garages, many of them custom built.

Also located in Central Folsom are several new home developments. One is Prairie Oaks, a 397-acre master-planned community that will eventually consist of 11 neighborhoods developed by various builders, such as Larchmont, Morrison and US Homes. Home prices begin in the mid $200,000s, and the area will include 17 acres of parks, 112 acres of natural wetlands and open space, and six miles of walking and biking trails. Bordered by Blue Ravine, Prairie City and Iron Point roads, the area is quite close to Intel Corporation and the new Folsom High School.

Several other developments are selling along Sibley Street and Glenn Drive, such as California Hills and Diamond Glen - a gated, active adult community. The developments vary in price, from the high $100,000s to over $200,000. All include preserved open space, neighborhood mini-parks and proximity to Lembi Park, slated for expansion by the city in the near future.

Also located in east Folsom is Broadstone, a 1,600-acre master-planned community being built entirely by Elliott Homes. Since 1991, 800 homes have been constructed in distinct residential villages with a wide variety of prices. Broadstone is authorized for 2,000 single family homes and 650 apartment units, and build-out should occur in the next few years.

Amenities include a 32-acre community park, an elementary school and the 38,000-square-foot Racquet Club, which features tennis and basketball courts, two swimming pools and a fitness center. The area contains 300 acres zoned for office space and is the site for the power center and regional mall, scheduled to break ground soon.

Lexington Hills lives up to its name: An area of rolling hills in the most eastern part of Folsom, the neighborhood features a variety of houses built in the early '90s, some of which have exquisite views of the Sacramento Valley. Prices in the area begin in the $200,000s, and homes are generally large with three-car garages, some of them custom built.

The neighborhood features a wetland refuge and several parks, including the newly designed Prewett Mini-Park that has a unique castle-like play area for children. Lexington Hills is close to Mercy Hospital of Folsom, the Folsom Lake Center community college and the Central Business District. Directly adjacent to Lexington Hills is a new development called The Parkway. Built along the Humbug-Willow Creek corridor, the master-planned community has several different builders. It includes 200 acres of natural open space, 30 acres of parks and miles of walking and biking trails. All residents belong to the Parkway Homeowners' Association, which maintains front yards and provides private security.

Welcome to Empire Ranch, Folsom's only master planned golf community. In harmony with nature's artistry, Empire Ranch has been designed to offer unparalleled master planned living with an excellent Folsom location, dramatic views, and a captivating environment.

Empire Ranch offers a spectacular setting situated on 1,738 acres of rolling hills enhanced by scattered groves of majestic oak trees. This beautiful, natural setting, which will one day be home to more than 3,000 families, is planned for many on-site amenities, including championship golf, schools, parks, trails, shopping and plenty of open space.

Nestled at the lower end of the rolling green Sierra foothills of Placer County is Granite Bay, located on the western shore of Folsom Lake. The Granite Bay area has all the benefits of metropolitan living, while still incorporating a somewhat rural feel. We bring you closer to nature, surround you with history and give you the opportunity to explore the lifestyle of country living with big city convenience.

Officially, the Granite Bay community encompasses an area of approximately 24 square miles of developing countryside. The boundaries generally are Dick Cook Rd. to the north, Sierra College Blvd. on the west, Folsom Lake to the east and the Sacramento county line to the south. Granite Bay is 8 miles from Roseville, which is the largest city in Placer County, and 23 miles from our state capitol, Sacramento. It is a friendly, fast growing and planned resort-oriented community in the unincorporated area of Placer County.

The central location of Granite Bay makes it a very desirable place to live. It is close to employment centers in Roseville, Sacramento and Folsom. Granite Bay quickly became a favorite homesite for working professionals employed at nearby corporations like Intel, Hewlett Packard, and NEC.

In 1987 the Placer County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution naming Granite Bay an officially designated unincorporated community. Shortly thereafter the Municipal Advisory Council of Granite Bay was formed. The council, which is one of the most respected in the county, passes their ideas on to the Placer County Board of Supervisors.

Another major draw is Granite Bay's proximity to recreational areas locally as well as in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the San Francisco Bay area. Douglas Blvd. and Auburn-Folsom Road, the primary east-west and north-south roads in the area, provide access to Folsom Lake State Recreation area, which has a full range of water oriented activities. Folsom Lake State Recreation area features an 18,000 acre man-made lake with water skiing, horseback riding, nature studies, camping and picnicking.

Shaded by a heavy canopy of oak trees with natural outcroppings of granite boulders decorating the landscape, Granite Bay is also an equestrian area. Signs can be seen warning motorists of horses crossing the road on their way to or from the riding trails in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.

Golfing enthusiasts can tee off at Granite Bay Golf Club's fabulous 18-hole championship golf course. The course integrates the natural beauty of the terrain, while providing beautiful views of the snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. A well-appointed clubhouse complete with restaurant and bar allows golfers to relax and enjoy themselves after a round on the green.

Climatic conditions have played a significant role in the area's attractiveness as a place to live. Warm summers and mild winters generally characterize the climate. The annual rate of precipitation averages 25 inches. Approximately 90% of the average rainfall occurs in the six-month period extending from November to April. The area does experience ground fog during winter months.

Granite Bay is experiencing some of the fastest growth in Placer County. There are approximately 18,000 residents in Granite Bay at the present time. Projections for 2000 are 21,000 and 23,000 for 2010.

The Granite Bay housing market is primarily single family homes. There are all varieties of homes and neighborhoods. Some areas are comprised of custom homes; some have views of the lake while other neighborhoods are gated. There are a variety of rural residential settings as well as some rural/hobby farms, as housing moves away from the main traffic corridors.

Prices range from the high $200,000 range to over $1,000,000. The average sales price of a home in Granite Bay is $359,839, while the median home value is $331,730 and the median household income is $58,737.

There are several elementary schools, two junior highs and one high school within Granite Bay. There are also several junior colleges and two universities within commuting distance.

A sheriff's substation, completely staffed by volunteers, was established in Granite Bay in 1995. The crime rate is on of the lowest in California and residents intend to keep it that way by making reporting crimes easier and more personal.

Dr. Ronald L. Feist - Superintendent
5477 Eureka Road
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: 916-791-4939
FAX: 916-791-5527

Willma E. Calvitt School ( 7-8 )
Janet A. Schimpf, Principal
7200 Fuller Drive
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: 916-791-4152
FAX: 916-791-7414

Excelsior School ( 4-6 )
Patty Newborn, Principal
2701 Eureka Road
Roseville, CA 95746
Phone: 916-780-2701

Olympus Jr. High School ( 7-8 )
Rick L. Schrichfield, Principal
9625 La Croix Drive
Roseville, CA 95661
Phone: 916-782-1667
FAX: 916-782-1339

Ridgeview Elementary School ( 4-6 )
Becky Bickford, Principal
9177 Twin School Road
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: 916-791-3477
FAX: 916-774-2707

Eureka School ( 4-6 )
John Montero, Principal
5477 Eureka Road
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: 916-791-1115
FAX: 916-791-5464

Greenhills School ( K-3 )
Mary Brooks, Principal
8200 Greenhills Way
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: 916-791-4230
FAX: 916-791-4212

Oakhills School ( K-3 )
David J. Dominguez, Principal
9233 Twin School Road
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: 916-791-5391
FAX: 916-791-6484

Robert J. Tomasini - Superintendent
1750 Cirby Way
Roseville, CA 95661
Phone: 916-786-2051
Fax: 916-786-2681

Granite Bay High School
Ron Severson, Principal
One Grizzly Place
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: 916-786-8676
Fax: 916-786-0766

As you enter El Dorado Hills, notice the serene, picturesque landscape of oak-studded rolling hillsides. This is a haven for those who must work in the city, but choose to live in this elegant, upscale bedroom community. That you don't readily see this lovely community from the freeway, attests to the true community spirit which supports carefully planned growth in quantity and quality!

El Dorado is the Spanish word for "a place rich in gold and opportunity". You simply need to look around you to see what those first settlers saw and why they named this beautiful area El Dorado Hills! First developed in the early 70's, El Dorado Hills saw its population soar in the late 80's.

El Dorado Hills continues to grow, but it is managed growth. According to the Chamber of Commerce, current population is estimated at 17,826. El Dorado Hills is an unincorporated area of El Dorado County and is governed by a five-member Community Services District board that oversees a myriad of issues.

The location of El Dorado Hills, just beyond the Sacramento County line, makes it a very desirable place to live. It makes the commute to employment centers in Roseville, Sacramento and Folsom accessible. El Dorado Hills has quickly become a favorite place to live for working professionals employed at nearby corporations like Intel, Hewlett Packard, and NEC.

Another benefit is El Dorado Hill's proximity to recreational areas locally as well as in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the San Francisco Bay area. Most anywhere in this community, you are only minutes from Highway 50 or Green Valley Road, the primary east-west corridors in the area. Green Valley Road provides access to Folsom Lake State Recreation area, which has a full range of water oriented activities. Folsom Lake State Recreation area features an 18,000 acre man-made lake with water skiing, horseback riding, nature studies, hiking, backpacking, camping and picnicking.

Following Highway 50 to the east you can find action-packed white water and snow skiing adventures as well as thousands of acres of lakes, rivers, streams and wilderness. The American River, flowing down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offers a blend of relaxing calms and thrilling rapids.

El Dorado County boasts world class downhill skiing facilities as well as endless miles of stunning cross-country beauty. The El Dorado County National Forest and desolation wilderness provides campers and backpackers with thousands of acres of campgrounds & hiking trails. The hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams also provide some of the best fishing in the state.

Just a few miles east of El Dorado Hills, you can experience the many wineries of the Sierra Foothills. El Dorado County has a long history based in wine making. The changes in altitude and rugged river canyons stir the air flows, providing daily temperature changes ideal for developing richly flavorful grapes. Here you can visit such popular wineries as Boeger, Lava Cap, Latcham and Sierra Vista, to name just a few of the many popular and award winning wineries in the area.

Also not far from El Dorado Hills is Apple Hill. In the fall, visit Apple Hill and find a day filled with old-fashioned fun. The Apple Hill Growers Association located in Camino, California, now boasts over 50 ranches, including wineries and vineyards, fruit orchards, vegetable and flower farms, nut orchards and Christmas tree growers. A boon to the ecology and environment, El Dorado County's Christmas Tree Farms have not only helped to retain the natural beauty of the area, but have provided a way of keeping acreage in agricultural use in the face of increasing land values.

Prices range from the mid $200,000 range to well over $1,000,000 for lake view homes. The median home value in El Dorado Hills is $281,231, while the median income is $59,808.

There are a variety of housing types, styles and neighborhoods, from rural areas to exclusive gated custom communities. Following are just a few of El Dorado Hills' many neighborhoods.

One of the largest master-planned communities in California and winner of the National Community of the Year in 1997, Serrano was developed as a large scale living and recreational community to be in harmony with both nature and human needs. More than 800 acres of this 3,800-acre development had been left undisturbed with century old oaks and woodland areas. Erosion controlling retention ponds and wildlife habitats have been created, while a system for recycling water has been developed for irrigating landscape.

Serrano offers a wide variety of home styles and prices. These homes are being built within gated communities and around completed parks by some of the most respected builders in the nation. Serrano offers magnificent custom home sites as well, offering "on top of the world" views of Folsom Lake, the Sierras, the Sacramento valley and the championship golf course. All are behind a gated and monitored entrance.

Golfing enthusiasts can tee off at the fabulous 18-hole championship private golf course at Serrano. The course, designed by world renown golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., integrates the natural beauty of the terrain, while providing beautiful views of Folsom Lake and the snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Most recently, it has become the new home for the Senior PGA Tour Raley's Gold Rush Classic.

The impressive 34,000 square-foot clubhouse at the top of the highest hill in Serrano has breathtaking views of Folsom Lake and the Sierra Nevada and the 200-acre golf course. Swimming, tennis and exercise is available as well as a complete restaurant and bar to allow golfers to relax and enjoy themselves after a round on the green.

Exclusive, upscale custom homes once again in the rolling hills of El Dorado. Beautiful custom neighborhood with homes built on estate sized parcels. Very upscale community with a variety of builders, home styles and amenities.

This lovely gated community offers custom homesites among the century old oak trees, on the rolling hillsides of Folsom Lake. These are very high end, magnificent properties from half a million dollars and up. Each home is unique and all are on estate sized lots. Many of the homesites have spectacular views of Folsom Lake and the Folsom Dam as well as beautiful local views.

Waterford is another custom home development high in the hills of El Dorado. This is not a gated community, but homes are unique and are built in among the existing terrain and trees. Some of these homes do have views of Folsom Lake and many have lovely local views of the Sierras.

Bob Ferguson, Superintendent
530-622-5081
FAX 530-622-5087
P.O. Box 1450
4675 Missouri Flat Rd
Diamond Springs 95619-1450

OAK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
(9-12) Tom Gemma, Principal
530-677-4402 / 916-933-6980
FAX 916-933-6987
1120 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills 95762

BUCKEYE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sherry Smith, Superintendent
530-677-2261 / 916-985-2183
FAX 530-677-1015
P.O. Box 547, 4560 Buckeye Rd
Shingle Springs 95682

ROLLING HILLS SCHOOLYR Round (6-8)
Gloria Silva, Principal
530-676-2490 / 916-933-9290
FAX 530-677-9537
7141 Silva Valley Parkway, El Dorado Hills 95682

SILVA VALLEY SCHOOL YR Round (K-5)
Nancy Waggoner, Principal
530-677-8953 / 916-933-3767
FAX 916-933-6389
3001 Golden Eagle Lane, El Dorado Hills 95762

WILLIAM BROOKS SCHOOL
YR Round (K-5)
Phyllis DeMattos, Principal
530-677-2875 / 916-933-6618
FAX 916-933-3910
3610 Park Dr., El Dorado Hills 95630

Rescue Union
Scott E. Meier, Superintendent
916-933-0129 / 530-677-4461
FAX 530-677-0719 / FAX 677-0719
2390 Bass Lake Rd., Rescue 95672

Jackson School
(K-6) Linda Tetsell, Principal
530-677-9250 / 916-933-1828
FAX 916-933-5569
2561 Francisco Dr., El Dorado Hills 95762

LAKE FOREST SCHOOL
YR Round (K-6)
Anthony DeVille, Principal
530-677-0568 / 916-933-0653
FAX 530-677-0571
2240 Salisbury Dr., El Dorado Hills 95762

MARINA VILLAGE SCHOOL
YR Round (7-8)
Jeanne Hallenbarter, Principal
530-677-0234 / 916-933-3993
FAX 916-933-3995
1901 Francisco Dr., El Dorado Hills 95762

About Appraisals >Fair Market Value

What is the best price for a piece of real estate? Mortgage lenders, appraisers, and real estate brokers use what is called the "fair market value" (FMV). FMV has been defined as "the price that a buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to accept, when both parties are knowledgeable about the property and neither is under any time pressure to buy or sell". Sounds great, but how is this price determined?

The starting point for determining a fair price may be an opinion of the value or "comparative market analysis". Such an analysis uses information on similar properties which are: 1) currently for sale, 2) already sold, or 3) expired properties (those which did not sell). Local, national and international trends and market conditions must also be evaluated.

By comparing similar properties in each of the three categories and the market conditions, appraisers, lenders and agents come very close to the maximum price that buyers would be willing to pay for a house.

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Q	What little-known folk remedy is said to help keep bats away from your home?
A	According to some rural homeowners, if you tar and feather a two-by-four board and place it in your yard, it will ward off bats!
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