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Living in Sanford
Are you moving to Sanford, NC? Here is what you need to know about living in Sanford!
The cute and walkable little town of Sanford is found in Lee County, North Carolina, with a population of over 32,064 people. Sanford is an enjoyable place to live, and it is known for its industrial center since it is the largest producer of brick and pottery products in the United States.
Only a forty-minute drive to Raleigh, a two-hour drive to Charlotte and the North Carolina beaches, and a three-hour drive to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sanford is central to nearby large city centers and business hubs. It is also close to both the Research Triangle and Fort Bragg. Relaxing and quiet, Sanford is surrounded by tree-lined streets and parks and is home to prime real estate.
If you want to move to Sanford, North Carolina, then this moving guide is just what you need. To ensure that Sanford is the best place for you and your family, you can learn all the pros and cons of moving to the area.
Here is what you need to know about life in Sanford, NC
1. Sanford is Family-Friendly
If you have kids or want to start a family, consider moving to Sanford. Young families looking for a place to settle down choose Sanford for its down-home neighborhood feeling.
Sanford is unique because it is a place where neighbors know each other, local events feel like family reunions, and there is a genuine sense of belonging that is often hard to find in bigger cities.
The atmosphere is among the city's most desirable properties. Full of friendly faces and peaceful suburban neighborhoods, the city's median age of residents is 34.9, so young parents will have plenty of opportunities to meet friends of the same age.
Not only will parents love living in Sanford, but your kids will love it, too. Praised for its excellent school system, the Lee County School System offers many public and private schools.
Check out these top-rated schools in Sanford, NC:
| Elementary School | Middle School | High School |
| Greenwood Elementary School | Sanlee Middle School | Lee Early College |
| Deep River Elementary School | Highland Middle School | Lee County High School |
| J Glenn Edwards Elementary School | East Lee Middle School | Southern Lee High School |
*Data Sourced from GreatSchools.
Education is a top priority in Sanford. Before buying a home, choose a neighborhood that feeds into the schools you want your kids to attend. Central Carolina Community College is nearby for those seeking higher educational opportunities.
Since Sanford is such a kid-friendly area, so your children can participate in many activities and after-school programs. While many schools offer clubs and sports, the city itself is another excellent way for them to get involved.
The Ingram Family YMCA provides camps and summer activities, and The Dancer's Workshop teaches creative expression through dance classes. Once you have moved, check with the city of Sanford and get your kids involved.
2. Retirees Love Living in Sanford
Ranked as one of the top communities to retire in, Sanford may be the place for you if you are in or approaching retirement. Only thirty minutes from Pinehurst, home to some of the best golf courses in the country, Sanford offers residents an assortment of activities, including golf, tennis, swimming, and a variety of fine dining options.
Have a relaxing planned retirement community or beautiful single-family home, and spend your retirement exploring and adventuring your new city of Sanford. Retired military veterans love it here, too. Many veterans and military families call Sanford home, a forty-five-minute drive from Fort Bragg and Fayetteville.
3. Housing is Affordable in Sanford
If Sanford could be described as one thing, it would be affordable. With a cost of living that is 19% lower than the national average, living in Sanford means more bang for your buck. Not only is Sanford affordable, but with North Carolina's low property taxes in the state, the town continues to see some of the best property tax rates since 2015.
With tons of available housing that will not break your bank account, Sanford's prices cannot be beaten. You can choose new-construction single-family homes, apartments, or townhomes for a fantastic price. When buying or selling a home, it is essential to consider which property type will meet your needs. When moving to Sanford, consider all your options and choose the best home for you and your family.
Whether you are looking for charming historic homes, modern new construction properties, rural properties with acreage, or suburban family homes, Sanford is an emerging market with huge growth potential. Compared to other large cities, Sanford provides more bang for your buck, especially regarding real estate.
4. The Job Market is Expanding
Situated where the sand from the coast meets the Piedmont clay, Sanford is in the ideal location for producing clay bricks. Nicknamed the "Brick Capital of the United States," Sanford produces many bricks and pottery for the country. This unique industrial heritage is reflected in some of the coolest downtown architecture.
Huge companies, including General Shale and Lee Brick and Tile, spearhead large brick production and manufacturing. While brick may be the city's most popular industry, the textile and biotech industries are becoming prominent. Pfizer, the creator of the COVID-19 vaccine, is among Sanford's most distinguished and top employers.
Caterpillar, 3M, Central Carolina Hospital, and Pentair are just some of the many companies stationed here. Plus, since Sanford is in such a perfect location, traveling to Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, and other nearby cities is a short and quick commute. If you find a job outside of Sanford, be able to travel back and forth with ease while still enjoying the small family atmosphere that the city provides.
5. There is Always Something To Do Outdoors
The residents love staying busy and living an active lifestyle. Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, spend the day outdoors and breathe in the fresh air by exploring one of the many hiking or biking trails, fishing at a lake, or setting up a tent at a local campground.
With a climate that allows you to enjoy outdoor activities most of the year, take advantage of the city's many parks and green spaces.
Check out some of these most popular parks and outdoor activities in Sanford:
San-Lee Park: Great for hiking, boating, and fishing, San-Lee has a lake and a playground for kids. Rent a paddleboat seasonally or have a picnic with the family.
Ole Gilliam Mill Park: This is a great spot to walk around and take pictures. Not only is this old mill free to admire, but there are also beautiful hiking trails, including a covered bridge.
Tobacco Road Golf Club: Once a former sand quarry, this golf club is an excellent course with a beautiful layout. Only 20 miles from the Pinehurst Resort, it is consistently ranked as a top public golf course.
Carolina Trace Country Club: This golf and country club features a new 300,000-square-foot clubhouse and two 18-hole golf courses with a view of Lake Trace. You can enjoy tennis, swimming, and fine dining when not playing golf.
Kiwanis Family Park: Bring the whole family to this beautiful park with a playground, fitness trail, picnic facilities, and a gazebo.
6. Sanford is Historical
Named after a railroad engineer who played a significant role in designing and developing the railroad that runs through the area, C.O. Sanford laid the foundation for forming this beloved city. Responsible for playing a big part in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, Sanford has since grown into a flourishing town with a rich history.
For any history lovers who would rather spend their day indoors, check out these historical landmarks and museums that celebrate and remember Sanford's history every day.
Railroad House Historical Society: Offering guided tours for visitors and a museum on local history, The Railroad House was built in 1872 and is the oldest house still in Sanford. The museum features historical artifacts, originally built as the first Raleigh and Augusta Railroad depot.
The Temple Theatre: This historic performance center, built in 1925, hosts performances and musicals, including a Cabaret and renditions of Shakespeare.
House-In-The-Horseshoe: This beautiful historic site, also called the Alston House, was built around 1772. Home of Whig Colonel Philip Alston, a battle erupted at this house during the American Revolution 1781. Take a tour of this home today.
7. Crime Rate
While Raleigh is considered a safe place to live, Sanford is known to have a crime rate that is a bit higher than average. With a crime rate of 22.05 per 1,000 residents, Sanford is only considered safer than 17% of other U.S. cities.
Even though the area has safe neighborhoods and communities, it is essential to follow personal safety tips to ensure your safety and well-being when in Sanford. This may include walking with a friend or group, locking your doors, and sticking to well-lit and well-traveled streets. Theft is the number one most-reported crime in Sanford.
Here are the annual crime rates in Sanford, NC:
| Violent Crime | Property Crime | Total | |
| Number of Crimes | 65 | 642 | 707 |
| Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents | 2.03 | 20.02 | 22.05 |
Here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Sanford vs. the rest of North Carolina:
| Crime Type | Sanford | North Carolina |
| Violent Crime | one in 493 | one in 256 |
| Property Crime | one in 50 | one in 48 |
*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
Pros and Cons of Living in Sanford, NC
Pros:
- Great place to retire
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Great education system
- Job opportunities
- Affordable housing
- Low cost of living
- Rich history
- Fun things to do
Cons:
- High crime rate
- Long commute times
Methodology
Factors such as crime rate, education, affordability of homes, cost of living, community, and things to do were considered to determine the best things about moving to Sanford. Data and information were sourced from NeighborhoodScout, the U.S. Census Bureau, Great Schools, and Best Places.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about moving to Sanford.
Is Sanford, NC, a good place to live?
Sanford is a great place to live in North Carolina. It is best known for its small-town charm, high quality of life, central location, and growing economy.
Is Sanford, NC, up and coming?
Sanford is a growing area outside of Raleigh that offers beautiful new homes, affordable housing prices, and job opportunities. Its population is expected to grow significantly over the next 10 years, so it is an up-and-coming community.
Does Sanford have a downtown area?
Sanford, North Carolina, features a lively and walkable downtown district known for its local boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, community events, and festivals.
Moving to Sanford, NC - The Bottom Line
Whether you are a first-time home buyer looking for a place to settle down, are retired, or are moving for work, Sanford should be at the top of your list when looking for a place to live. While the crime rate may be slightly higher than the national average, our team's top priority is finding a neighborhood in which your family will be comfortable.
Considered a great place to build a life, Sanford offers a perfect mixture of small-town charm and unexpected opportunities, making it a hidden gem in North Carolina worth exploring.
Consider moving to Sanford, which offers excellent job opportunities, affordable real estate, and many things to do. Please contact our realty specialists today to help you find the perfect home.
