$358,710Average Value$273Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Sanford’s mill history meets modern amenities
Beginning in 1867, textile mills were the backbone of Sanford’s economy, but in 1954, they shut down, and one-third of the population was out of work. The Maine community’s tribulations were detailed a year later in an NBC drama titled “The Town that Refused to Die” and in a 1965 Life magazine article under the same name. Today, the town’s resilient character remains, as many of these mills still stand, and a downtown factory is currently being developed into an apartment complex and commercial center. “The mills are really nostalgic for our town. Of course, they remind us of times we’ve struggled, but they’re viewed more as historical markers than anything else,” says Michael Patterson, a real estate agent with eXp Realty and a Sanford native. Aside from a growing downtown, Sanford residents can enjoy the area’s rural appeal, with ample locally owned farmstands and trails along the Mousam River, both easily accessible.
Sanford was once a giant in the textile industry.
Gateway Park offers a scenic overlook of the Mousam River dam and falls.
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Sanford is comprised of 1900s architecture and custom country estates
Dwellings closest to downtown Sanford are typically three-to-four-bedroom Queen Annes and bungalows from the early 1900s. Sitting on 5,000-square-foot lots, these homes feature alleyways or street parking. Homebuyers will find midcentury Cape Cod cottages and ranch styles farther from the city’s center. Colonial Revival farmhouses and custom-built country estates reside on parcels over 2 acres in the town’s rural outskirts. Buying in Sanford can cost anywhere between $300,000 and $650,000, a range lower than a Portland home’s average $500,000 selling price.
This classic Queen Ann home is in the Sanford.
Cape Cod style homes are common in Sanford.
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Students are in the Sanford School Department
Children in Sanford can attend Carl J. Lamb Elementary and Sanford Middle; both graded a C on Niche. The middle school has a robust STEM program with classes in engineering, 3D printing and more. Lastly, they may attend Sanford High School. Lending to its B-plus grade in sports, the school has an outdoor stadium, two gymnasiums and a fitness center, all constructed in 2018. Sanford Christian Academy on High Street is a private kindergarten through 12th grade option.
The entrance to Sanford High welcomes students in Sanford, Maine
Entrance to the Carl J. Lamb Elementary School in Springvale Maine
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Mousam River trails, a 1930s park and the Sanford Mainers baseball diamond
“The multi-trail system along Mousam River is really popular,” says Patterson. “It connects recreational places with residential areas and downtown Sanford.” Hikers can trek the historic walking path starting on Washington Street or head to Mousam Way South’s boardwalk route along Emery Street. Access to the 4-mile Mousam Way North Trail is at Sanford High School on Alumni Boulevard. The route passes the riverbank, the Riverside Cemetery and a kayak launch on School Street.
Picnickers can visit the 1930s stone gazebo at Gowen Memorial Park, a 20-acre green space with rolling terrain and Number One Pond access. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, and kayakers can launch their boat from the small dock. A half-mile trek on the park’s trail leads to The Sanford Dog Park. Central Park is a pocket green space in the heart of downtown Sanford, and it hosts the Sanford Farmers Market every Saturday from May through October. Baseball fans can head to Goodall Park and watch the Sanford Mainers play other New England Collegiate Baseball League teams. In 1919, Babe Ruth hit his last home run with the Red Sox on this diamond.
The gazebo of Gowen Park is a great amenity in Sanford.
The Mousam Way Trail winds through Sanford.
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Local spots in downtown Sanford or farm fresh goods on the outskirts
With local spots like Wilbur G. Shaw Hardware and chains like the Hannaford grocery store, downtown Sanford has plenty of conveniences. Third Alarm Diner offers cozy digs, fried seafood, burgers and all-day breakfast. Foodies can also pick up Thai takeout from Mee-D or Vietnamese favorites from Pho Saigon. Outside of downtown, Shaw’s Ridge Farm is a popular summer destination for mini-golfing, barbecue platters and ice cream made with homegrown strawberries and lemons. Apple picking at McDougal Orchards on Hanson Ridge Road during the fall is another seasonal activity in Sanford. The eighth-generation farm also has a store filled with freshly made jellies, syrups and pickles.
Third Alarm Diner is a local favorite in Sanford.
Try the General Tso Shrimp at Pho Saigon in Sanford.
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Sanford residents are near Portland by car or bus
U.S. Route 202 runs through Sanford’s core, making Portland a 45-mile drive north. School Street is sprinkled with a few Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit bus stops, offering a route to Portland’s Casco Bay coastline. Less than 5 miles west, Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport doesn’t provide any commercial flights, but pilots in training can get plenty of practice here.
Welcome to Sanford.
Route 202 runs through Sanford.
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Written By
Tina Davis
Video By
Timothy Cerva
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Aaron Kollmeyer,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Sanford, ME sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sanford, ME over the last 12 months is $386,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
FINISHED DAYLIGHT BASEMENT! OTHER MODELS AVAILABLE! LENDER CERTIFIED FOR MSHA OR OTHER LENDING PROGRAMS! Beautifully located in the wooded subdivisions of Springvale, this highly sought after condo offers an open concept kitchen/living area, perfect for entertaining! 3 bedrooms located on the 2nd floor with convenient laundry. The primary bedroom is adorned with en suite bath and walk-in closet.
FINISHED DAYLIGHT BASEMENT! OTHER MODELS AVAILABLE! LENDER CERTIFIED FOR MSHA OR OTHER LENDING PROGRAMS! Beautifully located in the wooded subdivisions of Springvale, this highly sought after condo offers an open concept kitchen/living area, perfect for entertaining! 3 bedrooms located on the 2nd floor with convenient laundry. The primary bedroom is adorned with en suite bath and walk-in closet.
Discover comfortable, low maintenance living in this 2 bedroom, 2 bath doublewide located in Old Colony Village 55+ Mobile Home park in Sanford, Maine. Bright, clean and inviting, this home offers easy single level living in a peaceful, well-maintained community.Step inside to a spacious open concept living area filled with natural light, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The primary
*New Construction* in Year-Round Maintenance Free in Community! Elegant 4 Bed/3.5 Bath End Unit Townhouse Condo! Expansive 1st Floor Open Concept Living/Dining/Kitchen with Deck overlooking woods! Chef's Kitchen with Walk-in Pantry! Enormous Granite Peninsula! Includes SS Appliances! 1st Floor Powder Room! 2nd Floor Master En-suite with Cathedral Ceiling and Walk-on Closet and Full Bath! Two more
37+ acre commercial development site available. Flexible Airport Development Zoning. Excellent proximity to the Sanford Regional Airport and Maine Turnpike Exit 19. Local retailers include Walmart and Lowe's.
HISTORY, LOCATION & TIMELESS ELEGANCE. National Register of Historic Places and recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Head House, built in 1900, stands proudly as a stately Victorian masterpiece rich in architectural distinction & historical prominence. Zoned for both residential and commercial use, this property presents a rare and compelling investment
Melissa LesniakKeller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Classic New England charm with thoughtful updates in this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom home, ideally located on a corner lot close to all in-town amenities. The updated kitchen offers ample cabinetry, modern appliances, and generous counter space while preserving the home's original character. Throughout the home you'll find beautiful woodwork, gleaming hardwood floors, and period details
BUILDER FRESH! Brand new and beautifully built, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath Ranch-style home is perfectly located in town, close to shopping, school, and more. Featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, carpet, and hardwood flooring, it offers both style and comfort. Taxes are currently based on the land only.
Brand new construction currently underway! 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home featuring second-floor laundry and a one-car garage. Enjoy a modern layout with easy access to shops, restaurants and only 11 minutes to Mousam Lake. This home combines comfort, charm, and conveniently located near Rose's Deli, perfect for grabbing a quick bite.Don't miss your chance to own a brand-new home!
Tammy MacPhersonKeller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
FINISHED DAYLIGHT BASEMENT! OTHER MODELS AVAILABLE! LENDER CERTIFIED FOR MSHA OR OTHER LENDING PROGRAMS! Beautifully located in the wooded subdivisions of Springvale, this highly sought after condo offers an open concept kitchen/living area, perfect for entertaining! 3 bedrooms located on the 2nd floor with convenient laundry. The primary bedroom is adorned with en suite bath and walk-in closet.
Welcome to 12 Mousam Street —a charming piece of Springvale history ready to be re-imagined with modern flair. Opportunity awaits! This early 1900s home offers 4 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and a garage. Located walking distance to Springvale businesses and just minutes from downtown Sanford. With some vision and elbow grease, this could be a fantastic investment or owner-occupied project. All
Marc LesniakKeller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Welcome to 2 Kirk Street, your brand-new home in the heart of Springvale!This beautifully designed raised ranch offers the perfect blend of modern comfort, effortless style, and everyday convenience. Step inside to discover bright, open living spaces with elegant finishes and a flexible layout designed for comfort and functionality.The home features a spacious garage, off-street parking,
12.5 acre development parcel with density as high as 10 units per acre! City water and city sewer are available at the street as well as power. Property had an old design for 8 lots but better suited for multifamily rentals or condos. Land is all dry and original road was opened up to the site. More land available if needed at a separate cost. Not many lots available for this kind of project.
John CaramihalisBetter Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group
PHOTOS OF SIMILAR PROPERTY. Beautiful 2 story Cape style end unit condo offering open concept kitchen and living room area, first floor bedroom with full bath. Two additional bedrooms, large guest bathroom and laundry complete the 2nd floor. A bonus room or 4th bedroom is completed over garage in this unit! These condos come with an attached one car garage, granite counters in kitchen, plank
Brand new community offering beautiful 1 & 2 Bedroom apartments. Great area close to shopping, restaurants, local attractions, and highway access. Sandford Pointe is the areas premier apartment community.
Charming 4-Bed / 1.5-Bath Home in Quiet Springvale Neighborhood. Welcome to 1 Ellsworth St, a well-maintained single-family house in the heart of Springvale, ME. This home offers 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and an open, easy flow across its 1,307 sq ft layout. Inside, you’ll find a spacious kitchen with modern appliances, a dishwasher and dining space. 4 bedrooms with nice carpeting, laminate flooring
Property Id: 1935847Be the first to live in this newly renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit, conveniently located within walking distance of Goodall Park and City Hall. One pet may be considered on a case-by-case basis; additional pet fees apply.This beautiful unit is available now—don’t miss this opportunity! Contact us today.
Property Id: 2086050Cozy 1 bed, 1 bath master suite in Sanford, ME available 11/24/2025. Features include dishwasher, washer/dryer, hardwood floors, garage, and off-street parking. All utilities included. The master suite is private space within a shared home. Close to parks with on-site laundry. Don't miss out on this gem! $1000/month.
This spacious 2 bedroom duplex is located in downtown Sanford close to stores, restaurants and other convenient downtown amenities. The large kitchen comes with the refrigerator and stove. There are washer & dryer hookups in the unit. There is also a large dining room with the original hardwood floors. The spacious living room has durable engineered hardwood.The two bedrooms are
NEWLY RENOVATED spacious apartment for rent at 52 North Ave in Sanford, ME. This apartment is part of a quiet two-family home located close to downtown, schools, and shopping. The apartment offers a large kitchen, comfortable living room, and 2 good-sized bedrooms. It includes baseboard heating, a private entrance, and parking for multiple vehicles. Tenants can enjoy a nice yard and a convenient
Very nice 2 bedroom 1 bathroom rental unit in quiet part of Sanford in a cul-de-sac setting. First floor has living room, kitchen and dining room. Kitchen has some updated appliances. Second floor has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Primary bedroom has a walk in closet. Unit has it's own private basement and there is a back yard space. 2 parking spaces available onsite. Wood-look vinyl flooring
1 Bedroom Apartment – Heat Included – $1,300/month – Springvale, MESpacious and updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located on the 1st floor of a well-maintained, owner-managed 4-unit building just minutes from Springvale Center.Enjoy a large living room, updated kitchen and bathroom, and a bonus room perfect for a home office or dining area. The unit includes washer/dryer hookups for
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