Why Live in Sanford
Sanford is a neighborhood with a rich history, marked by its textile mill origins dating back to 1867. Though the mills closed in 1954, their presence remains a nostalgic reminder of the town's resilience. Today, Sanford features a growing downtown area with a factory being redeveloped into an apartment complex and commercial center. The neighborhood offers a mix of home styles, including early 1900s Queen Annes and bungalows near downtown, midcentury Cape Cod cottages and ranch styles further out, and Colonial Revival farmhouses and custom-built estates on larger rural parcels. Sanford High School, known for its robust sports facilities, serves the community alongside Carl J. Lamb Elementary and Sanford Middle, which has a strong STEM program.
Residents enjoy various things to do, such as exploring the multi-trail system along the Mousam River, which connects recreational areas with residential zones and downtown. Gowen Memorial Park offers picnicking, fishing, and kayaking, while Central Park hosts the Sanford Farmers Market. Goodall Park is a local favorite for baseball fans, with historical significance as the site of Babe Ruth's last home run with the Red Sox. Dining options range from the cozy Third Alarm Diner to Thai and Vietnamese eateries like Mee-D and Pho Saigon. Seasonal activities include mini-golf and ice cream at Shaw’s Ridge Farm and apple picking at McDougal Orchards. Sanford is safer than the national average, and its location along U.S. Route 202 makes Portland a 45-mile drive away, with additional transit options via the Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit bus stops.
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