Just south of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Sanford is a growing city with a walkable downtown and a thriving arts scene. “It’s a very big town, but the longer you live here, the more you realize how small it is,” says Maria Wright, a Realtor with Gordon & Associates Real Estate who has lived in Sanford for 11 years. “It has that feel where you walk in somewhere and people know you.” According to the 2020 census, the city’s population was just over 30,000 people, but is growing at a rate of nearly 2% each year as people move here seeking affordable homes within an hour’s commute to nearby cities like Raleigh and Fayetteville.
Though home to many commuters, Sanford has its own identity; the Temple Theatre and Mann Center of North Carolina drive the local arts community, and Sanford’s public art celebrates its history as a railroad and industrial center. Industrial manufacturing is still a big part of life in Sanford; companies like Pfizer, Tyson and Caterpillar are major employers. “Sanford has that infrastructure to grow with really positive potential,” Wright says. Fueled by the recent Infrastructure Reinvestment Act and Chips Act, more industrial development is coming to the region, including Vietnamese electric carmaker VinFast; their plant in nearby Moncure will draw on Sanford’s Big Buffalo Wastewater Treatment Plant, bringing more tax dollars to the city.
Sanford is a growing city with a walkable downtown not far from Research Triangle Park.
Caterpillar has a large manufacturing plant in Sanford.
1/2
New construction keeping up with the population
With Sanford’s manufacturing boom comes the demand for more housing, and the city has recently approved new developments like 78 South, a neighborhood with 111 single-family homes. “We have the infrastructure, and we have the land,” Wright says. “It’s a perfect mix for builders who want to come in and develop.” Homes in the Downtown Sanford and East Sanford neighborhoods are typically older and more affordable. The median single-family home price in Sanford is around $335,000, lower than the national median and Raleigh's median of just under $545,000. Houses tend to stay on the market for an average of 62 days.
With Sanford’s manufacturing boom comes the demand for more housing and new neighborhoods are popping up all over.
Homes in the Downtown Sanford and East Sanford neighborhoods are typically older and more affordable.
1/2
Dining on Sanford’s Barbecue Trail
Residents can head to Downtown Sanford to dine at one of the six restaurants on Sanford’s Barbecue Trail. Downtown offers a walkable area of early 20th-century brick storefronts with local shops, restaurants, breweries and a weekly farmers market. “More people are moving and relocating to Sanford and downtown is really growing. People really want their businesses to succeed and grow there,” says Wright who is on the Downtown Sanford Inc. board of directors, which hosts several annual events, including the three-day Downtown Sanford Streetfest and Downtown Alive concert series. Shoppers can also drive to South Horner Boulevard for chain restaurants, grocery stores and big-box retailers.
Downtown is the hub of the community arts scene. The Temple Theatre Company performs musicals and plays like “A Christmas Story” and “Annie” in the nearly 100-year-old Temple Theatre. The Mann Center of North Carolina, another community performance space, has an art gallery and is home to the Sanford Brush & Palette Club, a nonprofit arts group. Residents can stroll down Sanford’s Public Art Trail downtown, a nearly 3-mile tour of 15 murals that highlight Sanford’s history.
Downtown Sanford offers a walkable area of early 20th-century brick storefronts with local shops, restaurants, breweries and more.
Residents in Sanford can dine at one of the six restaurants on the NC Barbecue Trail.
1/2
The new Lee County Multi-sports Park
Sanford has 16 urban parks, including the newest, the 45-acre Kiwanis Family Park, which has a splash pad and playground. “The city of Sanford has invested a lot into streetscapes and parks,” Wright says. “We have a little water park, trails and playgrounds.” Just outside of the city, the popular 177-acre San-Lee Park has 4 miles of hiking trails and fishing spots along two lakes. There are also four nearby golf courses, including the par-71 Sanford Municipal Golf Course. The 120-acre Lee County Multi-sports Park is currently under development. “It will help families to not have to drive outside of Lee County to play in sports leagues,” Wright says.
Just outside of Sanford is the popular 177-acre San-Lee Park.
Kiwanis Park is home to the first splash pad built in Sanford, NC.
1/2
Dual enrollment at Lee Early College High
Lee County Public Schools earns an overall rating of B-minus from Niche. Sanford is home to the A-plus-rated Lee Early College High, an academically advanced public school where students can take dual enrollment courses at Central Carolina Community College and graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. Popular private options include the B-plus-rated Lee Christian School and B-rated Grace Christian School. Sanford’s students can start college at Central Carolina Community College before transferring to a four-year university; the community college also offers associate degrees in subjects like applied technologies, as well as continuing education courses in topics like visual arts.
Sanford’s students can start college at Central Carolina Community College before transferring to a four-year university.
Lee Early College is a cooperative/innovative high school operated by Lee County Schools.
1/2
Under 50 miles to Raleigh and Fayetteville
Sanford sits between several of North Carolina’s major cities, including Raleigh, around 45 miles northeast on Route 1, and Fayetteville, nearly 40 miles southeast on Highway 87. With no public transportation or bike lanes, residents here rely on their cars to get around. A planned Amtrak station in Sanford will soon offer passenger service to Raleigh; this is part of the region’s S-Line project to build a high-speed rail network between Raleigh and Richmond, Virginia. The corporate Raleigh Executive Jetport is 10 miles away, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a roughly 45-mile trip.
You can take Highway 87 and reach Fayetteville in about 30 minutes.
Downtown Raleigh is around a 45 miles northeast on Route 1.
1/2
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Regan
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelli Kaspar,
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, NC sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Sanford, NC over the last 12 months is $330,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Construction - July Completion! Built by America's Most Trusted Homebuilder. Welcome to the Ashford at 618 Contento Court in Hickory Grove, a spacious two-story home designed for comfort and flexibility. With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an open-concept layout, it's ideal for gathering, relaxing, or entertaining. The kitchen features a large eat-at island and casual dining nook that opens to
Welcome to 416 Ember Street at The Townes at Galvin's Ridge in Sanford NC! The Newton is one of our two-story townhomes featured in The Townes at Galvins Ridge, located in Sanford, North Carolina. This townhome features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,416 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, and a 1-car garage!Upon entering the home, you'll be greeted by an inviting foyer that
Welcome to 302 Umstead Street at The Manors at Galvins Ridge in Sanford, NC!FINAL HOMESITES! The Norman is one of our brand-new two-story floorplans featured at The Manors at Galvins Ridge. This home boasts an impressive level of comfort, luxury, and style, offering 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,262 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, and a 2-car garage. Upon entering through the front
Nestled on a tranquil 2.34 acre lot in Sanford, North Carolina, this custom-built brick home offers a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the residence features meticulously crafted spaces that cater to both intimate family living and grand-scale entertaining. The expansive family room serves as the central hub of
''Better Than New in Desirable Sanford!Step into luxury with this 2023-built gem offering over 3,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. With 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including a main-floor guest suite and an upstairs loft, this home is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Beautiful custom accent walls add charm and character, while the extended covered back
Welcome to 103 Foothill Court, where space, style, and comfort come together on a beautiful half-acre lot! This stunning 4-bedroom home offers over 3,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space and is just 3 years young. From the inviting rocking chair front porch to the peaceful screened-in back porch, this home was built for both everyday living and easy entertaining.Inside, you'll
Stunning townhome for rent, available for move in on June 16, 2025! This modern gem offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5bathrooms, featuring luxurious LVP floors throughout and sleek stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. The large owner's suite comes complete with a separate walk-in closet, providing ample storage space. This townhome offers both style and convenience. The property will be
Welcome to your new luxury retreat in the heart of Sanford, NC. Our brand new community combines modern elegance with Southern charm, offering a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. While some amenities are under construction for a little while longer, we are open and accepting immediate move-ins and future move-ins! Call or email us today to schedule your tour!
For Rent: Stunning New Townhome in the Heart of Sanford!Discover this beautifully designed townhome perfectly located in the vibrant heart of Sanford. This elevated home features a spacious and open layout, an attached single-car garage, and modern finishes throughout.Property Highlights:New Construction - Move-In Ready!Stylish Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring with cozy carpet in the bedroomsFully
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.
