Let the music (and fireworks) play

Is it just me, or does summer in El Dorado Hills always sneak up and then immediately turn the volume way up? Whether you're a lifelong local or a newcomer still figuring out which grocery store has the best deli sandwiches, welcome to one of the best parts of living here – our unbeatable summer music and events lineup. Let's start with the Town Center Thursday night concerts, where tribute bands take center stage and nostalgia flows freely. We're talking Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Eagles, and even a Bruno Mars tribute to make you dance like no one's watching. These shows are completely free, and the vibes are off the charts. People bring their chairs, their dogs, their friends – and sometimes their dancing shoes if the mood strikes. Now, if you're budget conscious but your musical soul still needs feeding, head over to the Palladio in Folsom on Friday nights. More free, live music but with a twist – you get to choose your genre. From classic rock and Top 40 to reggae, country and smooth jazz, there's something for every taste. It's the kind of scene where you can grab a scoop of gelato, kick back in the courtyard and let the week melt away with every guitar solo. Still got energy? Saturday nights at the Palladio turn it up again. Picture this: Dinner at Back Bistro or Buckhorn BBQ, then live music echoing through the promenade as the sun sets. Whether you're out with friends, on a date night or chasing toddlers around the fountain, it's a setting made for summer memories. But hold on, there's more than just music in the air. July 4 is on the horizon, and you know what that means: cowboy boots, fireworks and the legendary Folsom Pro Rodeo. If you've never been, this is the year to go. If you've been 49 times, make it an even 50. Bull riding, trick roping, mutton busting (yes, that's tiny kids trying to hang on to sprinting sheep) – it's all there, wrapped in a red, white and blue bow. The rodeo isn't just about wild rides and dirt flying through the air; it's about honoring the ranching roots that built this community. And the fireworks show at the end? Pure magic. It's like our town takes a collective deep breath, looks up at the night sky and says, "Yep. This is home." If you just can't wait until the 4th, get your patriotic fix early at El Dorado Hills Town Center's July 3rd celebration. It's a family friendly bash with a wonderful array of food choices, lawn chairs and a fantastic Freedom Concert at the amphitheater. The kids will love the bounce houses and games in the Kids Zone, and parents – yes, there's coffee nearby. As the sky darkens and the fireworks begin, it's hard not to feel grateful for this little slice of California. And speaking of reasons to love living here, let's talk real estate. Yes, we're still growing. Through May, 549 homes were sold in El Dorado Hills and Folsom combined, up about 10 percent from the same period in 2024. Clearly, people are still discovering what a gem our region is. While El Dorado Hills and Folsom often track similarly, this year's data shows some differences. In El Dorado Hills, the average sale price has climbed to just over $1.1 million, with a median sale price around $960,000. Despite a 25-percent increase in active listings and a 20-percent jump in new listings, prices have continued to inch upward, indicating strong demand for EDH's lifestyle. In Folsom, on the other hand, prices have softened slightly. The average sold price has dipped just below $800,000, and the median sale price is around $760,000. This could be tied to a 40-percent increase in homes for sale and a 15-percent rise in new listings, potentially tipping the balance more toward buyers. So whether you're rocking out on Thursday nights, cheering at the rodeo or just checking Zillow while grilling in your backyard, there's no question this is a wonderful place to call home. I love where I live. I'm excited to continue to help more families in 2025 with their real estate needs. With proper planning and a good Realtor (luckily, I know a really good one …), you can smoothly get to your next stage in life. For more tips on how to successfully navigate the real estate purchase or sale, or suggestions on Folsom topics, please contact me at Coldwell Banker Realty, 916-812-4341, pquan@cbnorcal.com, www.PatQuan.com. CA DRE #01918240