One of the top-ranked cities in California and the U.S.

Spend a day in Folsom, and you’ll instantly see why the city earns top spots in nationwide rankings. Throughout Folsom, you’ll find welcoming neighborhoods and excellent schools. You'll also find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural opportunities.

Here are a few of Folsom’s recent honors:

• Named the best place to raise a family in California.
• Ranked as one of the safest cities in the U.S.
• Listed as one of the most livable small cities in California.
• Noted as one of the best places in California to find a job.
• Two schools selected as best high schools in the country.

Folsom’s Recent Accolades

High-Tech Town with Small-City Charm

Folsom is a forward-thinking city that's proud to offer small-town charm and first-class amenities.

Folsom residents enjoy the highest household median income in the Capital Region and the 13th highest in the state.

Intel, the largest technology company in the Sacramento region, maintains a campus in Folsom. Many small businesses and emerging corporations also call Folsom home.

An expanding corps of professional specialists make up Folsom’s diverse workforce. Modern conveniences and new medical facilities bolster Folsom's healthcare and employment options.

Distinctive by Nature

Folsom's stunning natural setting serves as a playground for outdoor recreation. We invite you to get outside and experience the following exciting activities:

Parks

Nearly every home in Folsom sits within a half-mile radius of one of Folsom's 48 parks. Activity options include basketball, cricket, football, lacrosse, soccer, T-ball, tennis, and more.

Trails

Folsom boasts more than 50 miles of recreational trails for cyclists and pedestrians. The scenic trails wind along creeks and streams and through open space, woodlands, and wildlife habitats.

Water Sports

The open waters of Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, and the American River draw kayakers, swimmers, and other water sports enthusiasts.

Cycling

Folsom is a cyclist’s dream, with options for short local rides, renowned mountain biking trails, and connections to the Gold Country foothills.

Johnny Cash Trail

This scenic gem provides cyclists and pedestrians with expansive views of the American River and Folsom Lake. Folsom State Prison, where Cash famously recorded a live album, inspired the design of the bridge that anchors the east end of the trail. His signature song, “Folsom Prison Blues,” helped make the city famous around the world.

Runner’s Paradise

Channel your competitive spirit with Folsom's fun runs and serious competitive events. The California International Marathon starts here and is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. The city also hosts endurance events, including the Ironman California triathlon in 2021.

Zoo Sanctuary

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary provides a unique experience for visitors to learn the story of each rescued domestic, wild, and exotic animal resident.

Day Trip and Airport Access

Embark on your next adventure in Folsom – you’ll find easy access for day trips to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and dozens of Sierra foothill wineries. The Sacramento International Airport offers 150 daily flights to a variety of domestic and international destinations.

Highly Rated School District

Folsom schools are consistently recognized as among the highest achieving in the region, and are regularly ranked statewide and nationally. The Measure G school construction bond that passed in 2014 funds millions of dollars in new and upgraded school facilities.

The Folsom Cordova Unified School District operates 15 schools in the city. Folsom High School and Vista del Lago High School earned recognition on the U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools list.

Newsweek included Folsom and Vista del Lago high schools on its list of best schools in the nation for STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math. The two schools also boasted some of the region’s highest rates of college-bound students, according to the state.

Growing Community College

Folsom Lake College, a part of the Los Rios Community College District, continues to grow and prosper, serving more than 9,700 college students in the communities of eastern Sacramento and western El Dorado counties.  Recently recognized as one of the top schools in the nation, FLC offers educational opportunities and support for students to transfer to four-year institutions, improve foundational skills, achieve career goals, and earn associate degrees or certificates. FLC offers more than 90 different degrees and certifications at three locations, including the main campus in Folsom. 

As part of its master plan, FLC is adding additional space, including a new 75,000 square-foot science building that’s slated to break ground in 2022. Located on the Folsom Lake College campus, the Harris Center for the Arts allows students in FLC’s visual and performing arts instructional programs to train with acclaimed international and local artists in a state-of-the-art facility.  

Entertainment and Culture

If you’re looking for live music, the latest movie, gallery exhibits, or cultural events, you’ll find them all in Folsom.

The Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College hosts world-class performances. The state-of-the-art, 80,000-square-foot regional arts center features an evolving array of vibrant programs geared for people of all ages and backgrounds. Every seat in the house is a great seat when concerts, off-Broadway Theater, and other shows come to town.

Stop by the Civic Center to experience art and activities. Join us at the Folsom Community Center, the Folsom Public Library, the Gallery at 48 Natoma, the Folsom Art Center, and the Folsom Senior Center.

The City of Folsom hosts a variety of annual community events. Check out the Summer of Music concerts, Holiday Lights at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, Community Service Day, Love My Mom 5K, the Folsom Renaissance Faire, and other special events.

Top-Notch Shopping

Friendly merchants are here to help you find that perfect Folsom treasure. Browse local boutiques, the Folsom Premium Outlets, the Palladio Shopping Center at Broadstone, the Folsom Historic District, and many other retailers.

Decadent Dining

Folsom’s diverse food scene has something for everyone. You’ll find popular brewpubs, relaxing cafés, charming wine bars, and upscale restaurants.

Craft Beer Scene

There are many pubs and tap houses for beer fans to enjoy a pint and discover a new brew. Not to be missed are two of Folsom's tasting events, Folsom Beer Week in January and Tap Folsom in August.

Stay and Play

Folsom offers lodging for every taste and budget, from charming boutique inns to national hotel chains. Check the Visit Folsom website for deals and options for your next adventure.

Outstanding Healthcare

Get quality healthcare at Folsom's array of medical facilities, including Mercy Hospital of Folsom, Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Ambulatory Surgery Center, and several urgent care clinics.

A Rich History

Folsom’s fascinating history began with the Maidu Indians. Gold miners known as 49ers flocked to Folsom during California’s Gold Rush. Folsom’s many museums provide a deep dive into the city’s history. The revitalized Historic District is now a premier shopping, dining, and nightlife destination.
Learn more about Folsom’s history.

Incorporation and Governance

Folsom was incorporated as a city in 1946. The Folsom City Council is the city’s primary governing body; its five members are elected at large and serve four-year terms. Each year, the council members choose a mayor and vice mayor from their own ranks.

A Roadmap for the Future

Folsom's General Plan serves as the guiding document to lead Folsom into the future. The General Plan emphasizes Folsom's family-friendly atmosphere and calls for at least five acres of park land for each 1,000 residents and city co-sponsorship of family activities. It envisions easily accessible retail centers, without adding traffic into the city's core. The General Plan also paints a picture of attractive new neighborhoods and a carefully preserved Historical District.

Download the New Resident Resource Guide.