While the city of Sanford is only about 26 miles north of Orlando, it often feels a world away. The city, located between Lake Monroe and Lake Jessup, is a verdant suburbia of 68,000 with highly rated schools, a small airport, and easy access to the Wekiva River and its tributaries. “Seminole County has a different feel than Orange County to the south, says Christine Elias, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has been selling in the area for more than 10 years. “You have a natural feel there because of the Wekiva River Basin.”
Residents of Sanford can enjoy Lake Monroe and the Sanford Marina.
Sanford is only a 10 minute car ride to Orlando-Sanford Airport.
Sanford residents can take a day trip to nearby downtown Orlando.
Sanford and nearby neighborhoods are close to the Wekiva River Basin.
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A variety of home styles and communities
The city’s oldest homes are in the historic downtown area near Lake Monroe. Architectural styles include Craftsman, Prairie, Victorian and midcentury-era ranch. They sit on small yards shaded by tall, mature trees. Homes here are often fully renovated with modern appliances and open floor plans while preserving vintage exteriors. The Gateway at Riverwalk is a 2000s-era high-rise condo complex overlooking Lake Monroe that offers units with water views.
As Sanford has grown, HOA communities are popping up. Some communities offer roomy three- and four-bedroom New Traditional homes built between 2000 and 2024, while others have equally modern two- and three-bedroom townhouses. The median price for a single-family home is about $400,000, while the median price for a townhouse is about $360,000. Properties spend about 59 days on the market, a little less than the national average of 44 days.
The Gateway at Riverwalk is located on the pristine shores of Lake Monroe.
Beautiful, two story brick and stucco homes can be found around Sanford.
Families can find new homes ranging from 3 to 6 bedrooms in Sanford.
Historic homes add charm to Sanford neighborhoods.
Various styles of homes are found across Sanford, such as Mediterranean style designs.
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Seminole County Public Schools are A-rated according to Niche
Sanford is served by Seminole County Public Schools, which offers school choice. Niche rates the district an A, calling it the best in the state. The Florida Department of Education also graded the district an A in 2024. Area high schools operate distinct Programs of Emphasis, which award career-specific certifications upon completion.
Seminole County also has more than 60 private schools. Lake Mary Preparatory School, 5 miles from Sanford, is a local stand-out. Niche grades it an A-minus and dubbed it the best private school in the county. Elias says the school district is a major selling point. “I had clients of mine whom I sold a house in the county right when COVID hit. They had to sell it because they needed more space, but they wanted to be in the same school zone. That was important to them,” she says.
Some graduates enroll at Seminole State College of Florida in Sanford, which offers associate or bachelor's degrees in fields such as construction, education and nursing. The public college earns a grade of C-plus from Niche. The University of Central Florida is about 20 miles away and is the second-largest university in the nation based on undergraduate enrollment. Its notable programs span from a hospitality management college to an engineering school.
Seminole State College has a large campus just outside of Sanford.
Sanford is a part of the Niche A rated Seminole County Public School district.
Niche rates Seminole County Public Schools as the best in the state.
Sanford Middle School is rated A- on Niche.
Sanford area schools are the highest rated according to the Florida Department of Education.
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Residents enjoy proximity to lakes and green spaces
Downtown’s Fort Mellon Park is one of the more than 20 public parks in the city. The popular green space is close to Lake Monroe and the Sanford RiverWalk, a 5-mile pedestrian trail popular with cyclists and joggers. Fort Mellon Park also offers basketball courts and a big playground. The Downtown Sanford Marina extends into Lake Monroe, where locals dock their boats alongside the Barbara-Lee, an old-school riverboat that provides cruises across the lake and down the St. Johns River.
Seminole County is home to several nature preserves, which often encompass hundreds of acres of marsh, scrubland and trails for hiking and horseback riding. One of the most visited is Wekiwa Springs State Park, just across the county line in Apopka. While it is best known for its clear natural spring waters that stay 72 degrees all year, the park also offers multi-use trails and camping grounds. Golfers tee off at Mayfair Country Club, which offers a public 18-hole, par 72 course, putting green and driving range.
Experience the authenticity of Sanford, where every corner tells a unique story.
Fisherman and other Sanford locals can enjoy the benefits of Lake Monroe.
Sanford locals enjoy easy access to many local golf courses in Seminole and nearby counties.
Many Sanford residents dock their boats at the Sanford Marina on Lake Monroe.
Avid bicyclists dont have to go far for a great ride in Sanford.
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Plenty of shopping and dining across the city, especially downtown
Downtown Sanford’s dining scene has blossomed in the past half-decade, rivaling nearby Orlando and Winter Park. Nearly 20 restaurants line downtown streets, serving a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, American, Greek and Jamaican.
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant, a longtime Sanford hangout, is popular for folk music and beer. Breweries and cocktail lounges provide more options for nightlife, many of which lean into downtown’s early 1900s aesthetic. For example, The Old Jailhouse, housed in the old Seminole County Jail, allows diners to eat behind bars in renovated cells.
Downtown Sanford features locally owned boutiques and antique stores. Shopping centers cluster on the city’s west side, particularly along Interstate 4. These retail hubs feature big-box stores, supermarkets and chain restaurants. Seminole Towne Center is an indoor shopping mall and entertainment destination with about 50 stores, an escape room, a bowling alley and a go-kart track. While Orlando is nearby for culture and entertainment, the Sanford Museum offers rotating exhibits of the city’s history, and the Sanford branch of the Seminole County Public Library provides regular programming for kids, teens and adults. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden is located in Sanford, near Lake Monroe’s west side. The zoo has over 400 animals and also offers a splash pad and a zipline course.
There are several hospitals in Sanford, most located near Highway 17. HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital is located downtown, while HCA Florida North Seminole is closer to the city’s center.
Hollerbach's is a popular German restaurant in Sanford.
Sanford locals can enjoy two levels of shopping and dining at Seminole Towne Center.
HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital is located beside downtown Sanford along Lake Monroe.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden is located in Sanford, near I-4.
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Multiple annual events bring the city together to celebrate
Most of Sanford's events happen downtown. Porchfest features local bands performing on the front porches and verandas of 100-year-old homes. Breweries and taphouses pour plenty of drinks at community events, like the pet-friendly Pints n' Paws Craft Beer Festival. On the second Thursday of every month, locals turn out for food, drinks and music at the Alive After 5 street party. Holidays in Sanford are festive, too, with the annual 4th of July fireworks show and December’s popular Parade of Lights.
Sanford locals bring their pets to enjoy the sights and smells of Rhythm & Brews BBQ Fest.
St Johns River Festival of the Arts celebrates cultures through the art of dance.
Santa Claus arrives annually at Magnolia Square in Downtown Sanford.
Downtown Sanford hosts the annual Alive After 5 Halloween party on Magnolia Square.
Sanford Food Truck Fiesta is a great place to grab a unique food or beverage item.
Little Sanford residents spot the Parade of Lights from a birds eye view.
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Weather and crime in Sanford
Despite Sanford’s location inland, high winds and heavy rainfall are still possible. Flooding is prevalent after hurricanes, especially near Lake Monroe. Hurricane Milton in 2024 caused severe flooding, as did Hurricane Ian in 2022. While Florida does not require residents to buy flood insurance, those living downtown may want to consider it.
According to FBI Crime Data, there have been between 200 and 300 instances of property crime over the last five years, and between 540 and 600 instances of violent crime over the last five years.
The city offers many ways to get around
Orlando Sanford International Airport offers flights to more than 60 domestic and international destinations. Orlando International Airport is about 30 miles away and offers additional flight options. Multiple highways connect Sanford to Orlando, including State Road 417 and Interstate 4. Interstate 4 also leads to coastal cities to the northeast, including Daytona Beach. While most residents drive, Sanford has options for public transportation. SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter train, stops in Sanford near downtown. The popular train system travels across several counties and has many stops throughout Orlando. The LYNX bus system offers similar accessibility to multiple stops in Osceola, Orange and Seminole Counties.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
