El Dorado Hills vs. Folsom: Which Is Better for You?
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Last updated: September 2026
If you're considering a move to the Sacramento area, El Dorado Hills and Folsom may both be on your list. They're neighbors, share easy access to Highway 50 and Folsom Lake, and are both popular with buyers, but living in them can feel surprisingly different.
Here's what I'd consider when choosing between the two:
The Overall Feel
El Dorado Hills has more of a foothill, residential feel. The rolling terrain creates views and more variation between neighborhoods, with everything from established homes and gated communities to custom properties and newer construction.
Folsom feels more like a self-contained city. Shopping, restaurants, parks, trails and services are spread throughout the community, making everyday amenities generally more convenient.
If you want views, varied lots and a more residential setting, you may lean toward El Dorado Hills. If convenience and having more nearby amenities matter most, Folsom may have the edge.
Homes and Lots
One of the biggest differences is what your money buys beyond the house itself.
El Dorado Hills has more variation in terrain and lots. A property may have an incredible view but a sloped backyard, while another may have a large, flat usable lot. You'll also find gated neighborhoods such as Serrano, custom homes and properties with more separation.
Folsom tends to offer a more traditional suburban layout, although established Folsom and the newer communities south of Highway 50 can feel quite different from one another.
Don't compare the two based on square footage alone. The lot and neighborhood can matter just as much as the house.
SMUD vs. PG&E Is a Real Difference
This is one buyers often don't think about until they start comparing monthly expenses.
Folsom has SMUD for electricity. El Dorado Hills has PG&E.
The difference can be substantial. In SMUD's June 2026 comparison, the average residential bill for 750 kWh of electricity was approximately $149 with SMUD versus $290 with PG&E.
Your actual bill will depend on the house, solar, air conditioning and energy use, but with Sacramento summers- and particularly with larger homes- electricity costs are worth considering.
Folsom residents may still use PG&E for natural gas, but their electricity is provided by SMUD.
Don't Compare Purchase Price Alone
Utilities aren't the only difference in ongoing costs.
Depending on the neighborhood, homes in both El Dorado Hills and Folsom may have HOA dues, Mello-Roos or other assessments. Newer communities in particular can have a very different cost structure from established neighborhoods.
When comparing two homes, I would look at the entire monthly picture: property taxes, assessments, HOA, insurance, utilities and expected maintenance, not simply the asking price.
Schools and Everyday Life
Both communities are popular with families, but the school systems are different. Folsom is primarily served by Folsom Cordova Unified, while El Dorado Hills has multiple elementary and middle-school districts depending on the neighborhood, with Oak Ridge High serving much of the community.
Folsom also has considerably more shopping and restaurants within the city itself. El Dorado Hills has Town Center and everyday amenities, while residents regularly use nearby Folsom for additional shopping and dining.
So Which One Should You Choose?
El Dorado Hills may be a better fit if you prioritize: views, rolling terrain, gated or custom-home options, varied lots and a more residential foothill environment.
Folsom may be a better fit if you prioritize: convenience, shopping and restaurants, a more connected city environment and lower-cost SMUD electricity.
Neither is universally better and there can be just as much variation within each community as there is between them.
The best way to decide is to compare actual neighborhoods and homes rather than choosing based on the city name alone.
Comparing El Dorado Hills and Folsom?
I can help you understand the differences between the neighborhoods, properties and costs that aren't always obvious when you're looking at the area from afar.
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