Good family area E Sac for acreage, good schools & cable? (Sacramento: HOA, camping)

[LacesLegrand]

We're looking to relocate to an area East of Sacramento, preferably along the foothills/in the mountain range. We've been searching from Foresthill to hwy 88, but we want to know where the good/bad areas are. We have 4 kids from toddler to teen, so a safe family friendly area within a family centered community is ideal.

We're looking for a "mountain town" close enough so we can have high speed internet, good schools (9/10 ratings), a grocery store within ~15mins and maybe a park/ public library with toddler programs, but far enough so we can have acreage, trees and live somewhat sustinably (fruit trees/garden/chickens etc) with no HOA not far from town (20mins). Our price range is $400k and below for a 3+br 2+ba on 3+ acres, preferably turn key condition, so the less expensive areas would be preferable.

We are an active family who enjoy everything from camping, hiking, sailing to the occasional night out in the city.

Any recommendations? Any areas we should steer clear of? Thanks!

Of your recommendations:
What is the area like land wise?
What is the area like socially?
What is the best/worst thing about the area?
What is there for families to do close by?

Other questions about the area:
What is Sacramento like as a city?
Is there a decent nightlife, preferably clubs?
Are there children's museums/exploratoriums etc?
What is Reno like, if you've visited? Is there a decent night life? Kids Museums?