$354,757Average Value$279Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes 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
Bonnie Cyr,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sanford, ME sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Sanford, ME over the last 12 months is $387,750, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in a peaceful setting on 1.79 acres, this nicely maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfort, privacy, and opportunity. The home features a functional layout with bright living spaces and a full basement that provides excellent storage or potential for future finished living space. Enjoy the tranquility of the spacious lot while still being conveniently located near local amenities,
This historic home was originally built in the early 1880s, as a wedding gift and has remained in the same family for at least four generations! Located on a 2.2 acre corner lot, offering great privacy, on Main and Thomas Streets, the sprawling grounds offer beautiful ornamental trees and plenty of lawn area - perfect for picnics, croquet, lawn darts and many other outdoor activities. The covered
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.
Brand new construction, move in ready! This beautifully built 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath home features a modern layout designed for today's lifestyle, including convenient second-floor laundry and a one car garage. Enjoy comfortable living with easy access to local shops and restaurants, and just 11 minutes to Mousam Lake. The spacious basement offers great potential for a future bedroom, home office,
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.
29 acres in Southern Maine with water already at the edge of the property. Build one home, subdivide into multiple lots, or develop a larger project. The land sits next to an established neighborhood with a road nearby that leads directly to the parcel. The terrain is wooded with natural trails throughout, giving any future development a strong outdoor appeal.Zoned RR with flexibility for
Contractor's delight! This 1144SF storage building has one overhead garage door, heat, water, sewerage, electricity and a half bath. Continue to use as storage for your contractor materials, personal recreation toys or convert to a single family home. Nice back yard and surveyed lot. Easy access to downtown or Route 4. Pre-qualified buyers only. Notice required to show.
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
Large 2 unit on a corner lot with full basement, enclosed porches, yard and parking. Both units have 4 bedrooms, 1 full bath with laundry hookups. Building has been well maintained and has had many improvements over the years. Excellent location close to major retailers and downtown Sanford. Rents are currently under market and seller is motivated! Starting August 1st rents will be $2,000 on the
AFFORDABLE LIVING! Well-maintained single-wide mobile home located in one of Sanford's affordable parks. The heating system was installed in 2020, and the roof in approximately 2018. A large storage shed on the property is included with the sale. Features 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath.
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.
1st Floor Apartment! 2 Bed/1 Bath, Bright & Sunny!– 42 Spruce St, Unit 6, Sanford, MEWelcome home to this large, bright, and sunny 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located on the 1st floor of 42 Spruce Street. With great natural light and an open layout, this unit offers both comfort and functionality. Apartment features: • Two bedrooms, 1 bathroom • Bright, airy living spaces • Newer laminate,
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
New kitchens with stainless steel appliances and butcher-block counters. Completely redone bathrooms. New flooring, energy-efficient windows, and brand-new mini-split heating and cooling systems with room-by-room temperature control. High-speed internet ready. These units have new construction quality from top to bottom.The buildings sit on the former Nasson College campus, designed by
Welcome to this expansive and meticulously crafted 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence, offering 3,300 square feet of refined living space. Built in 1996, this home seamlessly combines comfort and functionality.Property Highlights:•Spacious Living: Five generously sized bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms provide ample space for family and guests.•Gourmet Kitchen: A well-appointed kitchen
Welcome to this stunning new construction 9-unit building in the heart of Sanford, ME, where modern living meets comfort and style. This beautifully designed 2 bedroom apartment features an open-concept layout that maximizes space and natural light. Enjoy cooking in your fully equipped kitchen, complete with a stove, fridge, and microwave, all complemented by elegant butcher block countertops.
$1,650 per month
3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Apartment with Southern Exposure.
Spacious and sunny 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment with a Southern exposure, offering approximately 900 square feet of comfortable living space in a convenient Sanford location.This unit features a bright kitchen with plenty of cabinet space and includes a stove, refrigerator, and microwave. The apartment has a combination of brand new carpet and easy-care linoleum flooring throughout.
$1,400 per month
Freshly Updated 2BR Apartment – Heat Included | Sanford, ME
Welcome to 1322 Main St, Unit 4 in Sanford, ME—a freshly updated approximately 900 sq. ft. 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offering both comfort and convenience. This unit has been newly painted, features brand-new carpeting, and includes refinished hardwood floors, creating a clean and modern living space.The layout offers two well-sized bedrooms, a full bathroom, and bright living areas,
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