$361,857Average Value$275Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes 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
Michael Hamilton,
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.
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On average, homes in Sanford, ME sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Sanford, ME over the last 12 months is $385,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming blue saltbox-style home in a desirable Sanford neighborhood, where timeless character meets modern versatility. Set on a beautifully landscaped 0.23-acre lot, this unique duplex-style property offers 2,352 square feet of finished living space, three bedrooms, two full baths, and a half bath. The main home features warm wood and tile floors, a formal dining room,
Nestled in this wooded subdivision of Springvale, this sought-after condo features an open-concept kitchen and living area, ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms and a conveniently located laundry area. The primary suite boasts an en suite bath and walk-in closet, while a striking cathedral staircase connects the levels. The finished daylight basement includes a game room,
Set on a welcoming Sanford street where mature trees and easy neighborly charm define the surroundings, this thoughtfully updated three-bedroom, two-bathroom home delivers exceptional value across roughly 2,100 square feet. Every corner reflects meaningful investment, making it a smart choice for buyers seeking quality without the premium price tag. Recent improvements run deep and practical.
Escape to the peace and beauty of country living on this stunning 7+ acre property featuring a picturesque creek along the property line, a horse barn, and fenced pasture--perfect for equestrian enthusiasts or anyone seeking room to roam. Featuring a horse barn built in 2016 is 36'x60' with 4 (12'x12') stalls, water, electric, solar on southern roof, covers the monthly electric bill to roughly
Investment opportunity in the heart of Sanford! This spacious two-unit property features two 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartments, offering excellent income potential for investors or a great owner-occupied setup. With over 2,100 square feet of living space, a detached garage, and a corner-lot location, there is plenty of room for tenants, storage, and future improvements. Conveniently located near
Nestled in this wooded subdivision of Springvale, this sought-after condo features an open-concept kitchen and living area, ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms and a conveniently located laundry area. The primary suite boasts an en suite bath and walk-in closet, while a striking cathedral staircase connects the levels. The finished daylight basement includes a game room,
This beautiful two-story Cape-style end unit condo features an open-concept kitchen and living room, plus a first-floor bedroom with a full bath. Upstairs, you'll find two more bedrooms, a spacious guest bathroom, and laundry. Over the garage, there's a finished bonus room that could serve as a fourth bedroom. Highlights include an attached one-car garage, granite kitchen counters, plank flooring
Perfect INVESTMENT opportunity, renovated 4 Unit with three 2 BR and one 3 BR unit, seller renovated 3 units as they changed tenants, 4 brand new water heaters, ample parking, lots of extra storage opportunity in the full basement (the foundation cracks have been professionally addressed and repaired in July) Property had a new rolled roof in 2014 from previous owner and new electric panels in
BECOME A PART OF ITS HISTORY! Built in the 1800's it is a true gem from the past and has seen it all. Here's your chance to add to its story and create a nice home. 4-bedrooms, 1-bath, detached 2-car garage, and enclosed porch. Downtown Sanford is within walking distance where you can enjoy restaurants, parks, playgrounds, and shops.
New construction featuring a brand new paved driveway, an expanded yard area alongside the garage, and freshly seeded grounds.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
Tammy MacPhersonKeller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Looking for more than an updated home? 54 Grammar Street offers a rare head start toward possible equity upside, future rental potential, or extended-household flexibility. The property pairs a move-in ready home with a brand-new 28 x 40 detached garage adjacent to the house and served by its own driveway. The garage features 10-foot ceilings, three vehicle bays, utility connections, rough-in
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.
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.
Spacious 2-3 Bedroom First Floor Apartment with Garage, Basement & Utilities IncludedAvailable August 15Welcome home to this spacious 1,600± sq. ft. first-floor apartment located on Clinton Street in Sanford, Maine. This well-maintained apartment offers the character of an older home with numerous updates, beautiful hardwood floors, oversized rooms, and plenty of
Beautifully renovated two bedroom one bathroom apartment with an office/bonus room, close to Main Street and amenities! Laundry is on site along with additional storage unit! Garage parking comes with the unit as well. This house resides on a quiet street with a nice yard containing apple trees! Enjoy sitting on your porch overviewing Soldiers & Sailors and Benton Park. Heat, water and
Spend your summer on the lake! Nestled along the shores of beautiful Bauneg Beg Lake in Sanford, this charming, fully furnished one-bedroom cottage offers the perfect retreat for those seeking a relaxing month-long escape in southern Maine.Wake each morning to peaceful water views, enjoy your coffee by the lake, and spend your days swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply unwinding from the
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,
Carrie AlexAlex & Associates Realty
$1,350 per month
Bright & Spacious Apartment with Heat Included – Convenient Sanford Location!
Welcome to 1322 Main St, Unit 3 in Sanford, ME—a comfortable and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located on the 2nd floor. This inviting unit features a practical floor plan, bright living areas, and spacious bedrooms designed for comfortable everyday living. The apartment includes a functional kitchen equipped with an electric stove and refrigerator, ample cabinet space, and
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
$1,750 per month
Nasson in the Pines, Modern Living on a Wooded Campus
Come home to Nasson in the Pines, a collection of bright, modern apartments set on the historic Nasson College campus in Springvale. These one and two-bedroom homes are a thoughtful reimagining of three classic campus halls, pairing distinctive architecture with comfortable, updated interiors. The setting is the real draw: quiet, wooded grounds with direct access to the Maine Rail-to-Trail system
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.
This is a 3 bedroom private home on an acre private lot, with 2-3 car parking, basement access for storage and W/D hookups. This gem has been newly renovated with flooring, appliances, fixtures, windows and paint. Tenant pays all utilities, oil heat with hot water, electric, water, sewer, plowing & trash. No Smoking, Pet Fees, Application Fees.The monthly rent for this exceptional 3-bedroom
$1,550 per month
Charming 2BR Apartment with Heat Included – Convenient Springvale Location!
Welcome to 4 Reed Street, Unit 1, in Springvale, Maine! This inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfortable, hassle-free living with several utilities included in the rent. Featuring a well-designed layout and plenty of natural light, this well-maintained home provides both functionality and comfort. The kitchen comes fully equipped with a refrigerator, electric range, microwave, and
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