With a population of over 62,288 residents, Folsom is a top-notch city with all the character and charm of a small town. Newcomers and long-time residents alike appreciate the rich and colorful Gold Rush history, while enjoying all the conveniences of modern living. Folsom's residents share a strong sense of community and pride in the high quality of life that makes Folsom a truly unique place to live, play and work.

Folsom City is situated 25 miles east of California's capitol and about halfway between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. Originally part of the Leidsdorff land holdings, Folsom got its name from Joseph Folsom who succeeded Leidsdorff as land owner. A heavy incline in population growth over the past two decades has made Folsom one of the state's fastest growing cities. New residents are drawn by Folsom's reputation for outstanding residential neighborhoods, exceptionally low crime rates, expanding job opportunities, highly ranked schools and diverse recreational amenities.

The progressive nature of Folsom currently could give the impression of a relatively new city but, in fact, Folsom is one of the older cities in Northern California and is very proud of its past. Folsom was originally a gold mining town, as were most of the California towns in the area. The Historic District, known as Old Town, is known for its fine homes and historic landmarks from the gold rush era. This area also has a wide collection of fine restaurants, shops, and museums.

Folsom is bordered on the north by Folsom Lake, an 18,000-acre, man-made lake that draws more than four million visitors a year, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The town also is intersected by a wide stretch of the American River called Lake Natoma, which is ringed by walking, biking, and equestrian trails. Both bodies of water are places to sail a boat, catch a fish, or find a quiet, sandy spot to swim or sunbathe. Folsom has miles of preserved wetlands and creeks, also bordered by developed trails, rolling hills, and an abundance of beautiful views.

Located about 20 miles east of the city of Sacramento, in Sacramento County's easternmost corner, Folsom is considered the gateway to the Sierra. The foothill county of El Dorado, famous for its wineries and apple orchards, is just minutes away; South Lake Tahoe, with its gambling casinos, winter ski resorts, and summer recreation, is only 90 miles to the east and San Francisco is approximately 120 miles to the west

Folsom has an excellent public school system and an exceedingly low crime rate -- in fact, Folsom's crime rate is the lowest in all of Northern California, according to FBI and Department of Justice statistics. Folsom has a stable local economy, with the city maintaining balanced budgets, including surpluses and reserves over the past several years. City leaders are also widely respected for allowing business and residential development to proceed, but in a controlled and thoughtful manner.