Folsom, Calif.

Folsom WAS ONCE HOME TO JOHNNY CASH.

Population: 78,038

HOUSING MARKET

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ABOUT

Folsom may be known for its prison and causing the “Folsom Prison Blues”, but it actually has a much richer history. The city now known as Folsom was purchased by Joseph Libbey Folsom from William Alexander Leidesdorff. He laid out the town originally calling it Granite City as it was mostly occupied by gold miners seeking their fortune in the foothills. Though few amassed a great deal of wealth, the city prospered due to Joseph Folsom's lobbying to get a railway to connect the town with Sacramento. When Joseph Folsom passed away in 1855, Granite City was renamed to Folsom in his honor.

The Livermore family was responsible for the establishment of Folsom Prison and Folsom Powerhouse. They realized the hydro-electric dam could power their sawmill but soon found they could provide power to transmit to Sacramento. The Folsom Powerhouse, now a National Historic Landmark, had the longest overhead run of electricity in the country until it ceased operation in 1952. The Livermore family donated the land for Folsom Prison in 1880 in exchange for prison labor to help run the dam and powerhouse.

Originally, Folsom was home to mostly a Chinese-American community until arsonists burned Folsom’s Chinatown in 1886 and drove them to relocate. Today, Folsom is home to a culturally diverse population mostly consisting of young families and young professionals. Large area employers like Intel and Safe Credit Union attract many professionals to the Folsom area.

Things to do

Folsom offers some of the premiere shopping centers in the greater Sacramento area. The Palladio opened a few years ago and features everything from a Whole Foods to Sephora to a Luxury theatre. The Folsom Premiere outlets are also a draw to the area, offering great deals on outlet stores for Saks Fifth Avenue, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and more luxury brands.

In addition to all the great shopping, Folsom offers tons of opportunities to experience California’s outdoor year-round lifestyle: a vast range of cycling, running, water sports; premium shopping, dining and cultural events; and seasonal attractions and activities.

Cycling, running, stand-up paddle boarding, and more are all found in Folsom! Folsom is where active recreation hits the trails and waterways. Add in Gold Rush history and Johnny Cash, and Folsom stands out as a weekend destination.