11 replies to this topic

[laceykc]

My husband and I are looking in on the possibility of buying along Hancock Dr. and were curious... what if any impact does the prison being so close have?

I know Folsom prison had a lockdown Tuesday - did the residents notice anything? Noise, increased police patrols, etc? What can you tell me about living near the prison?

We live at Natoma Station right now, and have loved Folsom so much - we're looking forward to buying here.

Thanks!

[frappylove]

I lived near the prison for about 4 years and I noticed absolutely nothing different than from when I ived in Lexington Hills.
Besides, if there is an escapee... they aren't going to stay near the prison... they are going to get outta that area! :D

[Bill Z]

I live in Briggs Ranch and have for 15-16 years just down the street from Hancock. If I'm outside, occasionally I hear sirens, could be lockdown, could be lunchtime. If you are headed into downtown on Natoma Street near shift change, traffic can get backed up at the main prison entrance (down by the police station). That's pretty much the extent of the impact I notice. If you are looking to buy here, I would definitely say the prison is no reason to not to. I knew it was there when I bought, and it didn't cause me to ponder, and to this day, I still see no reason to ponder.

[Steve Heard]

I live off of Rebecca near Hancock. I think the neighborhood might be Folsom's best kept secret.

Homes range from about 2000 to 3000 sq ft, are generally on larger lots (about .1/4 acre or better), lots of trees, and close to the nature trails.

I've been here for over 7 years. I have a wife and 2 daughters, don't fear escapes, and have never hear any noise or problems from the prison.

Our neighborhood has generally low turnover of homes because folks love it so much.

Among my neighbors are cops, a City Attorney, the head of our Tourism Bureau, Chamber Chairman, teachers, a couple of local TV personalities, and regular folks like me.

It really is a great neighborhood.

Come on down!

PS. I'm a realtor and mortgage consultant, and have helped many myfolsom.com members and their familes and friends buy, sell and finance homes. I'd be glad to offer my services, if you aren't already committed to another agent.

[john]

We love our home and don't plan on moving anytime soon. However if we had to, Briggs Ranch is probably where we'd end up. Beautiful homes, beautiful hills and oaks. Nice area. The prison is a non-issue throughout the city. After a few months you'll quickly forget it's even here. It's fun for tourism and all, but it doesn't impact the city in a negative way.

[AMETHYST PRODUCTIVITY]

We live pretty close to there and LOVE the neighborhood. The prison is a complete non-issue.

[asbestoshills]

We lived by there...No problems whatsover with the prison...THE only issue I can see is if you have small children and they have to attend Blanche Sprentz....I believe the prison families children attend that school.....That's not a problem necessarily, but if the prisoner is released and they pick up their children from school, there is potential for a felon to be at the school..However, I'm not sure if prisoners are even allowed to be released in the same city they served????

[Steve Heard]

We lived by there...No problems whatsover with the prison...THE only issue I can see is if you have small children and they have to attend Blanche Sprentz....I believe the prison families children attend that school.....That's not a problem necessarily, but if the prisoner is released and they pick up their children from school, there is potential for a felon to be at the school..However, I'm not sure if prisoners are even allowed to be released in the same city they served????

We do not have a school designated for the children of prisoners. I think that assumption is made about Sprentz and about Judah because there are some older rentals near by.

Because I participated in a mentoring program for children of prisoners, and through my daughters, I've met quite a few of these kids. They can be anywhere. The ones who immediately come to mind are one in American River Canyon, one in Natoma Station, one in the Parkway.

My youngest went to Sprentz, and I do recall one kid who lived with his aunt and uncle because his dad was in jail, and I suppose there could have been more, but regardless, there weren't any problems.

[ducky]

We lived by there...No problems whatsover with the prison...THE only issue I can see is if you have small children and they have to attend Blanche Sprentz....I believe the prison families children attend that school.....That's not a problem necessarily, but if the prisoner is released and they pick up their children from school, there is potential for a felon to be at the school..However, I'm not sure if prisoners are even allowed to be released in the same city they served????

What in the world makes you believe the prison families attend that school? Where do you get such information?

Thanks, stevethedad, for clearing up a common misconception.

[Bill Z]

Thanks, stevethedad, for clearing up a common misconception.

agreed.

[laceykc]

Well, thanks everyone for the encouraging words!

I agree with SteveDad, the neighborhood does seem like Folsom's best-kept secret... those lot sizes sure are nice... and with our little one on the way we'll be looking for good kid-friendly yards.

Someone mentioned older rentals - is there any way to find out which homes are rentals versus owner residences in a specific neighborhood? I'm curious because we have friends who may want to rent nearby.

[Kerri Howell]

Hey Steve,

You forgot to mention that there are 2 Council members in the neighborhood, the Public Works Director and the Former City Attorney. I agree, great neighborhood, no worries about the prison (though the recent escapee did leave his jacket in our neighborhood on his way to Modesto, where he was caught). We bought here in 84 and still love it!