Where to live near Folsom prison? (Sacramento, Bakersfield: for sale, selling a home, neighborhoods)

[crickett_4jc]

My husband is a CO, and we're thinking of moving from Bakeresfield to the Folsom area. I'm looking for advice on the neighborhoods near the prison.
What we're looking for:
My husband currently has an hour long commute, but we would like a much shorter one. We have 3 children under 4, so I would like anywhere from about 1800 square feet to 3000 (our current house is over 3000, and that's too big). In another few years I'll want to get back to being a teacher (high school), so that may play into things, too. We're looking in the 250k-325k range right now.

Thanks for any help!
KD

[Curmudgeon]

Just about anywhere in and around the "greater" Sacramento area will result in a shorter commute. At issue will be housing costs and schools for the children, as well as you in time. Having lived in both places (parole agent in Bakersfield) I think you'll much prefer Sacramento on a number of levels.

I'll leave it to current Sacramentons to fill in the blanks. Best of luck!

[brianfrank]

I recently sold a Folsom home to a client and we closed escrow at 340k for 1750 sq ft. Folsom itself is nice but 325k barely gets you into 1800 sqft range. Depending on your taste a better deal can be found either living up highway 50 more rural small towns or going suburbs Roseville, Lincoln. I'm selling a home for a Folsom C.O. and they live in Roseville.

[wburg]

Roseville and Lincoln are kinda distant if the person wants to be close to work--Rancho Cordova or Orangevale might be better choices, or even Fair Oaks or Citrus Heights. Although Folsom itself is a nice city, it just might be out of the price range unless they're willing to go a little smaller.

[NewToCA]

Folsom has some decent homes for sale that are over 1,800 square feet and under $325K. If you look in the area north of Blue Ravine Rd, and south of Natoma/E Natoma St you can find some homes that meet your basic criteria.

I'd also take a look at the Orangevale and Gold River areas, you should be able to find something you like.

[sms1967]

Empire Ranch is kind of a new, neat area in Folsom. Lots of higher end homes but I think you could find something.

[hydro]

Lexington Hills, Willow Creek, and over by Lembi Park should be in your price range and close to work.

[justducky2]

Cameron Park and Shingle Springs have a lot of great deals right now. Take Green Valley Rd down to Folsom, easy drive, no freeway. Choose Buckeye School District which is top rated for your kids.