Rocklin, Auburn, Granite Bay? (Roseville, Folsom: houses, good schools, subdivisions)

[KarlaT2]

I recently got back from a trip up to Sac area, and husband and I are doing some research on possible move up there in next year or so. I never did make it out to Auburn, but liked Granite Bay. Actually liked the whole area. Coming from La Quinta area the temperature being in the 90's was a huge relief to me since it's 110 here. LOL. It's all relative I guess.
Are there any areas in the ones I mentioned (or other???) that might have larger lots, say half acre or more, that are not right in the middle of a bunch of other houses? I would like something with some trees, a large lot for gardening, and great schools for my daughter. I'm more of a small town girl (my home town is pop 3500) but husband likes to be close to the city. Any thoughts on those areas? Also, is the temperature in Rocklin or Auburn any different than the rest of Sac? Looks about the same on the city-data charts, but I thought Auburn was cooler?
Just looking for any feedback you guys can give me. Thanks in advance.

[ColfaxTeri]

KarlaT2,
Granite Bay is at the top of list for highest avg price. It is a very nice area, easy to commute from for the most part (depending on where your job is of course) You don't say what price range you are looking it, that is always the biggest consideration. There are also more rural areas between Auburn and Granite Bay along Auburn-Folsom Road. Newcastle is a nice rural area, no real subdivisions there, good gardening area. Penryn is good too. Auburn has a wide range of housing types. Rocklin is generally known for good schools, lots of access to shopping, a bit hotter and dryer than Granite Bay or Auburn. Rocklin is more subdivisions and probably has the worst soil for gardening (ROCKlin).
In the summer it is hot, Sac & Roseville usually the hottest, then a little cooler as you come out of the valley. Today it is about 100 here in Colfax, supposed to hit 105 in Sac, this summer overall has mostly been in the 90s not too bad.