
California is home to many metropolitan areas with excellent school systems, but the suburbs of Sacramento stand out for offering some of the best public school districts in the state. These communities provide the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to city life, making them an ideal choice for home buyers looking outside the heart of the city. Beyond their peaceful charm, the high-quality public schools in these areas also add long-term value to homes, even after your children have grown and moved on to college. Explore the Sacramento suburbs with top-rated schools and discover why they’re the perfect place to call home.
Davis, CA
Nestled just west of Sacramento,
the charming suburb of Davis, California, is home to nearly 66,000 residents and is consistently celebrated as one of the best places to live in the state. Known for its vibrant community and high quality of life, Davis falls under the jurisdiction of the
Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD), which also serves the nearby town of El Macero.
DJUSD oversees 17 schools, offering education to more than 8,000 students from PreK through 12th grade. The district includes 10 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 4 high schools. Among them, Davis Senior High School stands out as the district’s crown jewel, boasting an impressive 98% graduation rate for its 1,800 students. The school offers a rigorous academic program, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a thriving STEM curriculum. A wide array of extracurricular activities further enriches the student experience, fostering well-rounded, forward-thinking individuals prepared for higher education and beyond.
Beyond its exceptional education system, Davis is renowned for its meticulously maintained neighborhoods, bike-friendly infrastructure, and its upscale yet inviting atmosphere. With a median home price of approximately $848,000, Davis offers a blend of sophistication and community warmth, making it an ideal place for families and professionals alike.
Folsom, CA
Located in Sacramento County,
Folsom is a thriving suburb popular among commuters working in Sacramento. With a population of over 80,000, Folsom is celebrated for its friendly environment, stunning natural landscapes, and abundant outdoor activities. Adding to its appeal, the city is home to some of the top schools in the Sacramento region.
The
Folsom Cordova Unified School District serves both Folsom and Rancho Cordova, two neighboring communities conveniently situated along Highway 50, northeast of downtown Sacramento. This highly regarded district educates approximately 20,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is praised for its diversity, inclusivity, and athletic programs. Among its top-rated schools are Riverview STEM Elementary, Vista Del Lago High School, and Folsom High School, which boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96%. With 36 schools in total and a student-teacher ratio of 22:1—on par with California’s state average—the district provides a balanced and supportive learning environment.
For home buyers looking to settle in Folsom, the median home value is approximately $771,000, offering access to a vibrant, well-rounded community with excellent educational opportunities. Folsom truly combines suburban charm with practical convenience, making it a standout choice for those in the Sacramento area.

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Rocklin, CA
Nestled in Placer County, just 22 miles northeast of Sacramento, Rocklin offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and natural beauty. Bordering the
picturesque town of Roseville, this thriving city of 73,000 residents boasts stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the northeast and the Sutter Buttes to the west.
Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, Rocklin is renowned for its exceptional public education system. The
Rocklin Unified School District, one of California’s finest, serves approximately 11,500 students across 18 schools, including 13 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 4 high schools. Both Rocklin High School and Whitney High School are celebrated for their high graduation rates, stellar college readiness scores, and robust participation in the Advanced Placement (AP) program. The district is also known for its outstanding athletic programs and its award-winning academic decathlon team, which has claimed the state championship title five times.
For those seeking a welcoming community in the Sacramento metropolitan area, Rocklin offers an unparalleled quality of life.
Homes in the Rocklin area typically sell for around $722,500, though the market features a wide variety of options to suit different budgets. With its combination of excellent schools, scenic surroundings, and vibrant community, Rocklin truly stands out as a desirable place to call home.
Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay, a picturesque residential suburb of Sacramento, is home to approximately 22,000 residents. Known for its tranquility and exclusivity, it offers a peaceful lifestyle on the outskirts of the city while standing out as one of
the region’s priciest communities. The area boasts elegant custom homes, many of which feature breathtaking views of Folsom Lake, adding to its appeal.
Granite Bay is also renowned for its excellent school system. The
Eureka Union School District oversees education for K-8 students, with five elementary schools and two middle schools serving the community. High school students transition to Granite Bay High School, which ranks as the #3 high school in the Sacramento metropolitan area and 75th in California. This highly regarded school is celebrated for its robust arts programs, an impressive 96% graduation rate, and an inclusive, welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging for students of all backgrounds. Granite Bay High serves about 2,000 students, preparing them for bright futures.
With its top-tier schools, inviting community, and serene suburban charm, Granite Bay is an exceptional place to call home. The median sale price for a single-family residence typically stands around $1.1 million, reflecting the area’s desirability and quality of life.
El Dorado Hills, CA
Nestled in the greater Sacramento region, El Dorado Hills is a picturesque community of approximately 50,000 residents. This highly desirable area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience, attracting home buyers seeking an outdoorsy lifestyle without straying too far from Sacramento's urban amenities. Known for its safety, charm, and abundance of recreational opportunities, El Dorado Hills also boasts an excellent public education system.
The community is served by three distinguished school districts. Elementary and middle school students may attend schools within either the Buckeye Union Elementary School District or the Rescue Union Elementary School District. For high school, the
El Dorado Union High School District oversees three exceptional programs. Among them, Oak Ridge High School stands out as the top choice, educating 2,500 students with an impressive 98% matriculation rate. The school offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses and a variety of extracurricular activities that foster growth beyond academics.
The
El Dorado Hills area combines scenic suburban living with access to top-tier education, making it an ideal choice for home buyers prioritizing education. With a median home price around $950,000, this community offers a unique balance of luxury, opportunity, and lifestyle.