Folsom vs. El Dorado Hills: Which Suburb Is Right for You?
If you're relocating to the Sacramento area and searching for that perfect balance of suburban convenience and upscale living, two names are likely at the top of your list: Folsom and El Dorado Hills. Both are highly desirable communities nestled along Highway 50, offering scenic views, strong schools, and access to outdoor recreation—but each has its own unique personality.
In this guide, we’ll compare Folsom vs. El Dorado Hills across key categories like schools, housing, commute, and overall vibe, so you can decide which suburb feels more like home.
Schools: Excellent Options on Both Sides
Folsom is served by the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, which includes top-rated public schools like Vista del Lago High School and Folsom High. It also offers several charter and private school options. The city has a reputation for academic achievement, sports, and extracurricular programs.
El Dorado Hills falls under the Rescue Union and El Dorado Union High School Districts, both of which boast strong performance as well. Oak Ridge High School is a standout and highly ranked in El Dorado County.
Housing: What Your Budget Gets You
Folsom has a wider range of housing, from entry-level homes and townhouses to luxury new-builds in neighborhoods like Empire Ranch and The Parkway. It’s great for buyers who want more walkability and access to amenities, with newer homes often priced slightly lower than in El Dorado Hills.
El Dorado Hills leans more upscale and suburban-rural. Think larger homes on bigger lots, often with views of Folsom Lake or the Sierra foothills. Neighborhoods like Serrano offer gated luxury living and private golf courses.
Commute & Accessibility
If proximity to Sacramento or the Bay Area is important, Folsom has a slight edge. It sits closer to Highway 50 and even has its own light rail station connecting directly to downtown Sacramento—ideal for commuters.
El Dorado Hills is just a few minutes further east on Highway 50. While the extra distance is not that noticeable and the trade-off is more space, views, and privacy.
Lifestyle & Vibe: Urban Convenience vs Foothill Luxury
Folsom is more urbanized, with a charming historic downtown, big-box shopping, restaurants, and miles of bike trails. You’ll find more parks, public pools, and a busy community calendar filled with events.
El Dorado Hills offers a quieter, more elevated lifestyle—literally and figuratively. With less density, you’ll feel closer to nature. Serrano, The Promontory, and Bass Lake communities are known for scenic drives, country club amenities, and tranquil settings.
Folsom = walkable, active, and family-oriented.
El Dorado Hills = private, prestigious, and serene.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Folsom if you want:
✔️ Closer access to Sacramento
✔️ Light rail convenience
✔️ More variety in housing prices
✔️ Walkable shopping, dining, and entertainmentChoose El Dorado Hills if you want:
✔️ Larger homes and lots
✔️ Gated communities and luxury amenities
✔️ A quieter, more private setting
✔️ Stunning foothill views
Ready to Explore These Communities in Person?
Whether you're leaning toward Folsom’s energy or El Dorado Hills’ elegance, I’d love to help you find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle.
Based in the foothills, I specialize in guiding buyers through the Folsom to El Dorado Hills corridor, with deep local knowledge of schools, neighborhoods, and future growth.
Let’s talk about your move!
Thanks for Reading,
Sara Muir