33 replies to this topic

[Sac5]

Hi,
We are considering a move from Elk Grove to Folsom or east Roseville area. I know the schools are good. We're looking for a bigger home. We currently live in an area with a HOA which we like (I'm sure there's areas that don't need a HOA). I'm looking for neighborhood recommendations. We will have one starting HS and another in elementary. I'd also love to hear any feedback about the 2 high schools.
Thanks!!

[Amethyst Organizing]

We live on Willow Creek, up at the top just off Randall and we love it. No HOA.
Our daughter chose to go to FHS over Vista and she's very happy with her choice. Many families LOVE Vista as well, it's a personal choice based on what you're looking for. She's into Theater and Drama so it was an easy choice. Many prefer the block schedule.

[Steve Heard]

Hi,
We are considering a move from Elk Grove to Folsom or east Roseville area. I know the schools are good. We're looking for a bigger home. We currently live in an area with a HOA which we like (I'm sure there's areas that don't need a HOA). I'm looking for neighborhood recommendations. We will have one starting HS and another in elementary. I'd also love to hear any feedback about the 2 high schools.
Thanks!!

Hi Sac5, and welcome to myfolsom.com!

This is one of my favorite subjects, because it happens to be what I do for a living.

To help you in the best possible way, however, I'd need to know more about you and your lifestyle. What's 'a bigger home'? How big do you need? What about age of home? Number of bedrooms? Yard size? Pool? Looking for flat and walkable or hilly with a view? Price range? Established neighborhood or newer? Close to shops and transportation? Trails? The lake? What is important to you and your family?

I live near myfolsom member 'Amethyst Organizing' and agree with her that we're in a great neighborhood. Most homes built late 80's. We have lots of trees, generally larger lots, close to trails.

Next to us is Brigg's Ranch. Homes are a little newer and many have large lots. I helped a fellow myfolsom member, 'love2play' move from a small (1200 sq ft) home in Elk Grove, to a 2100 sq ft with pool in Briggs Ranch and she and her family love it. Totally different experience.

At the other end of the spectrum would be the newer homes of Empire Ranch and Broadstone, most of which were built in the last 10 to 12 years. Want to live close to the freeway? Natoma Station (older), Prarie Oaks (newer) or Broadstone (lots of shopping nearby). Want golf course or close to the lake? Empire Ranch, Briggs Ranch or Willow Creek Estates.

The neighborhood with a strong HOA is the Parkway. Exterior maintenance and security are included, and the neighborhood rules are pretty well-enforced.

I would encourage you to grab a map and drive the neighborhoods and explore.

If you have a Realtor, ask them to take a couple of hours to give you a tour. If you don't have one, I'll make myself available to do so.

As for the high schools, I had kids at both Vista and Folsom. Vista is newer and a little more modern, and they are on a block schedule, which may or may not fit what you're looking for.

Folsom High is a little older (about 15 years), but is a great school as well. It has a traditional schedule.

Note that budget cuts have affected both schools. Make sure to check the school website to see which classes and amenities are available. www.fcusd.org.

You can find out more information about the community and check for available homes at www.sacareahousing.com.

If you have any other questions, or would like a free, no-obligation consultation, I'm happy to help.

[s0479]

Just to clarify FHS had modified block schedule ( not sure of its exact name).. My daughter likes it, don't think she would have done as well with the full block schedule but the modified vs trully traditional seems to have worked great! Didn't exist when I was in school!

[WealthWiseMortgagePlanning]

You're going to love Folsom. Great family-oriented town with everything you want really close and easy to get.

We've lived in Folsom since '96 in Lexington Hills. No HOA/Mello Roos. Established neighborhood in '86, so mature trees/yards. Many of the homes have been remodeled/upgraded.

Our sons (21/23) attended Folsom High and enjoyed their time there. Probably a little smaller now that Vista High is open.

Hope you'll enjoy Folsom as much as we do

[Sac5]

Thank you for the responses! We have spent some time driving around through the different neighborhoods. Other than the age/styles of the homes we don't know a lot about each neighborhood. We tend to gravitate towards newer homes but we're open to everything. We like the Parkway (almost bought there the first time around) but the lots seem smaller. There doesn't seem to be much inventory in Folsom.

As far as the high schools go...I would think most students attend the HS within their boundaries. Are there a mix of students from all the neighborhoods attending either one? I read the reviews for both schools and my sense from reading those was that some students had a harder time "fitting in" at Vista. Of course, that was just from reading the reviews as I have heard they are both excellent schools.

[Steve Heard]

Thank you for the responses! We have spent some time driving around through the different neighborhoods. Other than the age/styles of the homes we don't know a lot about each neighborhood. We tend to gravitate towards newer homes but we're open to everything. We like the Parkway (almost bought there the first time around) but the lots seem smaller. There doesn't seem to be much inventory in Folsom.

As far as the high schools go...I would think most students attend the HS within their boundaries. Are there a mix of students from all the neighborhoods attending either one? I read the reviews for both schools and my sense from reading those was that some students had a harder time "fitting in" at Vista. Of course, that was just from reading the reviews as I have heard they are both excellent schools.

You are correct that there isn't much inventory in Folsom right now. We're at the lowest levels in 8 years. I just ran a check for homes 2000 square feet or larger, priced at $400,000 or less. There are 10 traditional equity sales and 1 short-sale. Still, people are buying and selling, so it just takes patience and flexibility. Your home is out there.

As for Vista and 'fitting in', it is funny how quickly that happened. Before the school opened, all of the kids went to school together at Folsom High. By the second year, the new kids were saying that the school was snobby and cliquish. I don't get it, but that was the perception of some of the kids.

I really liked Vista because it was so new, has great facilities, an outstanding principal and so many teachers wanted to work there, they got to select the best of them.

[The Average Joe]

Aww, I feel so left out here in ARC...hehehe. Older homes with larger lots. Very quiet, but a long way to either high school, freeways or major shopping. Probably not your cup of tea if you like newer homes. Still, we were looking at Parkway and Briggs when we bought the home we are in. Sometimes, it just feels right.

[Amethyst Organizing]

My daughter will be a sophomore at FHS and has friends at both schools. I have heard that at Vista there tends to be more of a focus on what people are wearing, where you live, if you have the latest toys. I can not speak for personal experience, but this is what I've heard from the kids. A few of her friends who went to Vista say they wish they had gone to FHS. I'm not bashing Vista, I've heard good things about it too.

Yes, you would go primarily based on boundaries but our neighborhood has what we consider "dual-citizenship" - you can go to either one.

[cw68]

If you are goin to be spending any time commuting you might want to consider proximity to highway 50 in your criteria. When I first moved to Folsom I wanted to buy a house in Briggs Ranch because I didnt want an HOA and I like established neighborhoods with big trees and a wide variety of homes but I was priced out. I bought in Natoma Station and love it. One of the best surprises has been how easy it is to get out of town. Two minutes and I'm on the 50. Briggs Ranch would have added 10-15 each way if you commute via the 50 to work that's a couple of hours a week spent in the car. More time to get to/from the airport, Sacramento and South Tahoe.

[asbestoshills]

YEs, but there is more crime in Natoma Station than Empire or Parkway, I believe. So, nothing against NS, but anytime you are close to a freeway/lightrail you should consider crime stats.

[cw68]

YEs, but there is more crime in Natoma Station than Empire or Parkway, I believe. So, nothing against NS, but anytime you are close to a freeway/lightrail you should consider crime stats.

Can't live in a bubble. NS is incredibly safe.

[nomad]

YEs, but there is more crime in Natoma Station than Empire or Parkway, I believe. So, nothing against NS, but anytime you are close to a freeway/lightrail you should consider crime stats.

And NS is also very close to the Lite Rail!!

[Amethyst Organizing]

Be sure once you choose a neighborhood or street that you visit several times at different days and hours. Just go park and listen. Is there a lot of traffic, tons of noise?

We have friends who live in the Parkway and there are so many little kids on the street, the parents put up cones and let the kids play out there all the time. IN THE STREET. That would make me nuts. Not only the noise but it makes it very difficult to get in and out. You're always waiting for 6 kids, bikes, etc to get out of the street.

[cw68]

And NS is also very close to the Lite Rail!!

Yep. I haven't had to do the 50 commute but I have used the light rail when I needed to attend meetings down 50. Love having it nearby. I also have used it for times where I've walked to Old Folsom with the kids and we take it back to NS.