What It's Like to Live in El Dorado Hills, Folsom

Additionally, A prosperous suburban enclave in eastern Folsom defined by excellent schools, established neighborhoods, and strong community ties.

About El Dorado Hills in Folsom

El Dorado Hills is an upscale suburban neighborhood in Folsom where median home values reach $779,250 and household incomes average $177,750, nearly 35 percent above the broader city. Additionally, the community attracts established families and professionals seeking excellent schools, quiet streets, and low poverty rates of just 1.5 percent. Moreover, this is a neighborhood where 97 percent of homes are owner-occupied and 63 percent of residents hold bachelor's degrees, reflecting a distinctly affluent, education-focused demographic. Life here revolves around family, property value stability, and access to top-rated schools like Cottonwood High School.

Boundary note: El Dorado Hills comprises the eastern residential sections of Folsom, primarily bounded by Highway 50 to the west and extending toward the rolling foothills to the east.

Real Estate Market in El Dorado Hills

Additionally, el Dorado Hills remains one of Folsom's most expensive neighborhoods, with median home prices well above the city average. Strong demand, low inventory, and high owner occupancy create a competitive but stable market.

$779k
stable to modest growth YoY
Median Price
$450 to $550
Price / Sq Ft
$2,164
Median Rent
15 to 25 days
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Properties in El Dorado Hills typically attract multiple offers. Inspections and appraisals are standard due to home values. Pre-approval and proof of funds strengthen your position in this competitive segment.

Who Thrives in El Dorado Hills

G
First-time Buyers
Good fit

Additionally, el Dorado Hills offers stability and appreciation potential, though entry prices near $780k require substantial down payments and strong credit profiles.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, with 32 percent of the population having children and top-rated schools like William Brooks Elementary and Cottonwood High, this neighborhood is designed for family life.

S
Investors
Strong fit

Additionally, low turnover, high owner occupancy, and strong appreciation make El Dorado Hills a stable long-term rental and equity-building investment.

S
Remote Workers
Strong fit

Additionally, with 15 percent working from home and excellent schools nearby, remote professionals find El Dorado Hills offers both work flexibility and family convenience.

F
Retirees
Fair fit

The median age here is 47 and the community is walkable only in limited pockets; retirees should plan for car dependency despite nearby amenities like Walgreens and fitness clubs.

Property Types in El Dorado Hills

Single-Family Homes
85%
$650k to $1.2m

Dominant housing type, ranging from established 1990s construction to newer builds on larger lots.

Townhomes & Condos
12%
$450k to $650k

Smaller footprint options appealing to downsizers and first-time buyers seeking the neighborhood's school and amenity benefits.

Newer Construction
3%
$850k to $1.5m

Additionally, select new builds with modern layouts and energy efficiency command premium pricing in this established community.

Living in El Dorado Hills, Folsom

Daily life in El Dorado Hills centers on family activities, local parks, and strong neighborhood connections. Additionally, residents enjoy access to Peter Bertelsen Park, Crescent Ridge Park, and the Town Center shopping area, where Raley's and Nugget Markets serve local grocery needs. The community supports numerous fitness options including Orangetheory Fitness and clubhouse amenities at Lesarra and Russel House. While the neighborhood has a walk score of just 48, meaning most errands require a car, the trade-off is newer parks, quieter streets, and a cohesive suburban rhythm.

48/100
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
33/100
Bike Score
Somewhat Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Jack in the Box · 6 min walk
  • Taco Bell · 7 min walk
  • Round Table Pizza · 11 min walk
  • Round Table Pizza · 12 min walk
  • Baskin-Robbins · 13 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 5 min walk
  • Starbucks · 13 min walk
  • Zia’s Italian Caffe and Gelato Bar · 15 min walk
  • Starbucks · 20 min walk
  • Peet’s Tea & Coffee · 20 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Peter Bertelsen Park · 4 min walk
  • Crescent Ridge Park · 6 min walk
  • Elliot Homes Seneca Park · 15 min walk
  • Town Center · 16 min walk
  • Creekside Greens Park · 21 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Raley's · 7 min walk
  • Nugget Markets · 11 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Orangetheory Fitness · 15 min walk
  • Lesarra Club House · 32 min walk
  • Russel House Clubhouse & Pool · 35 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Regal El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX · 18 min walk

Annual events: Town Center seasonal events, Folsom City Brewery Tour of Crafts, school fundraisers and sports tournaments

Schools Near El Dorado Hills, Folsom

Additionally, el Dorado Hills is home to some of Folsom's most sought-after schools, particularly Cottonwood High School, which serves the area and consistently ranks among the district's top performers. William Brooks Elementary (with a score of 72.5) anchors the neighborhood's primary education offerings, supported by quality childcare centers including Kindercare Learning Center and William Brooks Preschool.

Elementary Schools

7.2/10
William Brooks Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
9-minute walk

School Score 72.5 with 73% math and 72% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

n/a
Rising Sun Montessori
Middle School · KG–8
20-minute walk Proximitii 2026

High Schools

n/a
Cottonwood
High School · KG–12
20-minute walk Proximitii 2026
n/a
Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Charter
High School · KG–12
25-minute walk Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Kindercare Learning Center (PK-KG) — 9-minute walk
  • Guiding Hands School, Inc. (1-12) — 35-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Students typically flow from William Brooks Elementary through Folsom Cordova Unified's secondary system, ending at Cottonwood High.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from El Dorado Hills

Additionally, most El Dorado Hills residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with 77.6 percent driving to work and only 15 percent working from home. The neighborhood sits just east of Highway 50, providing reasonable access to downtown Folsom, the greater Sacramento area, and tech corridors.

Downtown Folsom
Drive: 8 to 12 minutesTransit: limited
Downtown Sacramento
Drive: 25 to 35 minutesTransit: 45 to 60 minutes via El Dorado Hills Park and Ride
Sacramento International Airport
Drive: 35 to 45 minutesTransit: limited

Additionally, el Dorado Hills Park and Ride offers limited commute bus service; transit scores are low (rated 1), making a personal vehicle essential for most residents.

Frequently Asked Questions about El Dorado Hills

What is the average home price in El Dorado Hills, Folsom?

The median home value in El Dorado Hills is $779,250, substantially above Folsom's citywide median of $673,000. Additionally, most single-family homes range from $650,000 to $1.2 million, depending on age, condition, and lot size. Townhomes and condos typically start lower at $450,000 to $650,000. These prices reflect the neighborhood's strong schools, low poverty rate, and affluent demographic profile.

Is El Dorado Hills a good place to live?

Yes, for families and established professionals seeking top schools, low crime, and strong property values. Additionally, the neighborhood scores 9 out of 10 for education and maintains a poverty rate of just 1.5 percent with a median household income of $177,750. Moreover, the trade-off is that walkability is limited (walk score 48) and nearly all errands require a car. If you prioritize schools, community stability, and ownership of quality real estate, El Dorado Hills delivers.

Which schools serve El Dorado Hills?

William Brooks Elementary (score 72.5) is the primary elementary school, with Cottonwood High School serving secondary students. The neighborhood also has access to private options including Kindercare Learning Center and Guiding Hands School. All schools fall within the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, which is well-regarded across the region.

Is El Dorado Hills safe?

Yes. Additionally, the neighborhood has a poverty rate of just 1.5 percent and is characterized by high owner occupancy (97.1 percent), strong household incomes, and tight community oversight. Moreover, these factors correlate strongly with lower crime. Folsom as a whole is considered one of the safer mid-sized California cities.

Who is El Dorado Hills best suited for?

El Dorado Hills is ideal for families with school-aged children, established professionals, and investors seeking stable, appreciating properties. Additionally, with 61.7 percent of the population married and 31.8 percent having kids, the neighborhood is explicitly designed around family needs. It suits those who drive regularly and value property ownership over walkability.

What amenities are nearby?

Additionally, the neighborhood has easy access to Raley's and Nugget Markets for groceries, Starbucks and Zia's Italian Caffe for coffee and dining, Peter Bertelsen Park and Crescent Ridge Park for outdoor recreation, and fitness options like Orangetheory Fitness. Regal El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX provides entertainment, and Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy handle pharmacy needs.

Where this El Dorado Hills data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Find Your Home in El Dorado Hills

Additionally, begin your search for El Dorado Hills homes today and connect with a local Ficustree agent who knows the schools, streets, and market dynamics that define this thriving Folsom community.

Search homes in El Dorado Hills →