Folsom

Some towns seem to have a treat for every taste—and that certainly includes Folsom. To start with the obvious, its neighborhoods range from the historic charm of Sutter Street to outlying neighborhoods that sparkle with glass walls, marble columns, and state-of the art waterless landscaping.
A 2011 rehab for Sutter Street, Folsom's "Old Town" neighborhood, addressed the challenges of convenience and safety but preserved an historic appeal that only seems to grow more attractive with time. In addition to a number of specialty shops, the neighborhood is rife with restaurants offering various cuisines, from T-bones to tacos, and all of them seem to be doing quite well.

One of Folsom’s other distinctions is that it has so many landmarks. The dam is a marvel of engineering, a sight many people say they can’t get enough of, and the lake it creates is a popular spot for swimmers, campers, anglers, and picnickers. If you enjoy swimming in lakes, paddling, and even fishing, you can enjoy not only Folsom Lake, but also the beautiful, deep, clear waters of Lake Natoma, which is the lake just below Folsom lake that is formed by Nimbus Dam. Downtown Folsom bike trails connect to the bike trail that runs along the American River, all the way to Discovery Park in downtown Sacramento.

But the most renowned landmark of all is Folsom Prison—a site celebrated in song and folktale and one that actually welcomes visitors to its museum, just outside the prison walls. Formally known as The Retired Correctional Peace Officers Museum, it chronicles the prison's infamous history. And speaking of crime, Folsom has been ranked as California’s eighth safest city.

Folsom residents are never reluctant to cite some the town’s other benefits. The kids love the little zoo and the small-scale railroad that runs around it. Those enjoying activities outdoors are fond of hiking and biking trails, and there is also the Folsom Sports Complex, whose goal is “to bring the community an ultimate indoor recreational and competitive venue for adults and youth of Folsom and beyond.” And if you want to live and work in the same locale, large scale Folsom employers are Intel, Johnson Controls, Gekkeikan Sake USA, Kikkoman Foods, SAFE Credit Union, Sierra Pacific Mortgage, and Agilent, to name a few. And, Folsom is an easy drive to Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Roseville and Rocklin.

It probably goes without saying that Folsom’s citizens are pretty happy where they are, but when they have to leave, it’s an easy commute down Route 50 to Sacramento and points beyond.