Relocating to Sanford
Sanford, NC is a charming small town located in the heart of North Carolina.
With a population of just over 30,000, Sanford offers a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other by name. Known as the "Brick City" due to its rich history in brick manufacturing, Sanford has a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. With its affordable cost of living, excellent schools, and close proximity to major cities like Raleigh and Durham, Sanford is an ideal place to call home for anyone looking for a quieter pace of life without sacrificing modern conveniences. Whether you're a young professional starting your career or a family looking for a welcoming community, Sanford offers something for everyone.
4 Reasons to Live in Sanford
Popular Neighborhoods in Sanford:
- West Sanford: This neighborhood is located on the west side of Sanford and is known for its tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and easy access to the highway. Many homes in West Sanford are situated on large lots, making it an ideal location for families.
- Carolina Trace: Carolina Trace is a gated community located on the outskirts of Sanford. It is known for its beautiful homes, pristine golf courses, and stunning lake views. The community offers a variety of amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis courts.
- Downtown Sanford: Sanford's historic downtown area is a popular neighborhood for those who enjoy a walkable community with easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The neighborhood features a mix of historic homes and new construction, giving it a unique character.
- Highland Forest: Highland Forest is a well-established neighborhood located in the heart of Sanford. It features a mix of single-family homes and townhouses, and is known for its quiet streets and friendly neighbors.
- Forest Oaks: Forest Oaks is a newer neighborhood located on the east side of Sanford. It features modern homes with open floor plans, and is known for its community amenities, including a swimming pool and playground.
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20 Largest Cities in NC
National and State Parks
There are several national, state, and local parks in and around Sanford, NC. Here are a few of the most notable ones:
- Jordan Lake State Recreation Area: Jordan Lake is a large reservoir located just south of Sanford. The recreation area around the lake offers camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
- Raven Rock State Park: Raven Rock is a state park located about 20 miles east of Sanford. It is known for its large rock formations and offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
- San-Lee Park: San-Lee Park is a local park located just south of downtown Sanford. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a small lake for fishing.
- Deep River Park: Deep River Park is a local park located on the banks of the Deep River. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a small playground.
- Uwharrie National Forest: Uwharrie National Forest is a large forest located about an hour's drive east of Sanford. It offers hiking trails, camping, fishing, and hunting opportunities.
- Falls Lake State Recreation Area: Falls Lake is a large reservoir located about 40 miles west of Sanford. The recreation area around the lake offers camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
These parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views for visitors and residents of Sanford to enjoy.
Airports
Sanford, NC does not have a commercial airport within the city limits, but there are several airports within a reasonable driving distance. Here are a few of the airports near Sanford:
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - located about 45 miles northeast of Sanford, RDU is the closest major airport to Sanford and offers a variety of domestic and international flights.
- Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) - located about 40 miles south of Sanford, FAY offers commercial flights to several major cities in the eastern United States.
- Moore County Airport (SOP) - located about 30 miles west of Sanford, SOP is a small regional airport that primarily serves private and corporate aircraft.
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) - located about 60 miles west of Sanford, GSO is a larger airport that offers commercial flights to several major cities in the eastern United States.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) - located about 110 miles southwest of Sanford, CLT is a major airport that offers domestic and international flights to several destinations.
Education and Childcare
NC Independent Colleges & Universities
Sanford, NC is home to one independent college - Central Carolina Community College. While not technically a university, Central Carolina Community College is an independent, public, two-year institution that offers a variety of associate degree programs, certificate programs, and continuing education courses.
There are several independent colleges and universities located throughout North Carolina, but none of them are located in Sanford specifically. However, some of the independent colleges and universities located within a reasonable driving distance of Sanford include:
- Campbell University - located in Buies Creek, NC, approximately 35 miles east of Sanford.
- St. Andrews University - located in Laurinburg, NC, approximately 60 miles southeast of Sanford.
- William Peace University - located in Raleigh, NC, approximately 45 miles northeast of Sanford.
- Meredith College - located in Raleigh, NC, approximately 50 miles northeast of Sanford.
- Methodist University - located in Fayetteville, NC, approximately 35 miles south of Sanford.
NC Community Colleges
There is one community college in Sanford, NC:
- Central Carolina Community College - Located in Sanford, NC, Central Carolina Community College offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education courses in a variety of fields, including healthcare, business, and technology.
However, there are several other community colleges located within a reasonable driving distance of Sanford. Here are a few of the community colleges located near Sanford:
- Sandhills Community College - Located in Pinehurst, NC, approximately 25 miles east of Sanford.
- Wake Technical Community College - Located in Raleigh, NC, approximately 40 miles northeast of Sanford.
- Durham Technical Community College - Located in Durham, NC, approximately 40 miles northwest of Sanford.
- Fayetteville Technical Community College - Located in Fayetteville, NC, approximately 45 miles south of Sanford.
- Johnston Community College - Located in Smithfield, NC, approximately 45 miles east of Sanford.
Cost of Living
Cost of Living: According to BestPlaces.net, Sanford has a cost of living index of 88.7, which is lower than the national average of 100. This means that the overall cost of living in Sanford is lower than average.
Average Rent Costs: According to RentCafe, the average rent for an apartment in Sanford, NC is around $987 per month. However, rental rates can vary depending on the size of the apartment, location, and amenities.
Median Sales Price of Homes: According to Zillow, the median sales price of homes in Sanford, NC is around $215,000 as of February 2023. However, it is important to note that home prices can vary depending on the size, location, and condition of the home.
Overall, Sanford, NC has a relatively low cost of living and affordable housing compared to other areas in North Carolina. However, it is important to consider individual circumstances and factors when determining the cost of living in a specific area.
Economy + Job Market
Sanford, NC has a stable and diverse economy, with a range of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, and more. Several major employers, including Pfizer, Caterpillar, and Moen, have a significant presence in the area, providing job opportunities for individuals with a variety of skill sets and backgrounds. In addition, Central Carolina Hospital and the Lee County School System are also major employers in Sanford, offering job opportunities in healthcare and education respectively. The job market in Sanford is growing, with a 3.3% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2020, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The unemployment rate in Lee County (where Sanford is located) was 4.2% as of December 2021, which is below the national average. Central Carolina Community College also provides workforce training programs and continuing education courses to help individuals gain the skills they need to enter the job market or advance in their careers. Overall, the stable and growing job market in Sanford, combined with the city's low cost of living and affordable housing, make it an attractive location for job seekers and businesses alike.
Top Industries & Major Employers
Sanford, NC has a diverse economy with several industries that are popular and growing. One of the most prominent industries in Sanford is manufacturing, with companies such as Pfizer, Caterpillar, and Moen having a significant presence in the area. In addition, healthcare is also a major industry in Sanford, with Central Carolina Hospital and several medical practices providing jobs for healthcare professionals. Education is another important industry in Sanford, with Central Carolina Community College and the Lee County School System providing job opportunities for educators and support staff. Retail is also a significant industry in Sanford, with a variety of shops and restaurants located throughout the city. Other growing industries in Sanford include technology, logistics, and professional services. With its diverse economy and range of industries, Sanford provides job opportunities for individuals with a variety of skill sets and backgrounds.
Hospitals and Medical
- Central Carolina Hospital - located in Sanford, NC, Central Carolina Hospital is a 137-bed acute care facility that provides a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgical services, imaging, and more.
- FirstHealth Convenient Care - located in Sanford, NC, FirstHealth Convenient Care offers walk-in medical care for non-emergency medical conditions, including illnesses, injuries, and more.
- Lee County Health Department - located in Sanford, NC, the Lee County Health Department offers a range of public health services, including vaccinations, health screenings, and disease prevention education.
- Piedmont Health Services - located in Sanford, NC, Piedmont Health Services is a community health center that offers primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and other healthcare services.
- Urgent Care of Sanford - located in Sanford, NC, Urgent Care of Sanford offers walk-in medical care for non-emergency medical conditions, including illnesses, injuries, and more.
- Sanderford Road Center - located in Raleigh, NC, approximately 40 miles northeast of Sanford, the Sanderford Road Center is a mental health facility that provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services.
- Duke University Hospital - located in Durham, NC, approximately 40 miles northwest of Sanford, Duke University Hospital is a world-renowned medical center that offers a wide range of healthcare services, including specialized care for complex medical conditions.
For more information on additional facilities please click here.
Retiring to Sanford
Sanford, NC is an attractive destination for retirees due to its low cost of living, mild climate, and range of activities and amenities. The city's affordable housing, coupled with its diverse economy, makes it an attractive option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement income. Sanford's mild climate also makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and golfing. Additionally, Sanford is home to several community centers and senior centers that offer social and educational opportunities for retirees. The Central Carolina Community College Continuing Education program also offers a range of classes and workshops for seniors looking to continue learning. Finally, Sanford's proximity to major cities like Raleigh and Durham provides access to world-class healthcare facilities, cultural events, and entertainment venues. Overall, Sanford's low cost of living, mild climate, range of activities and amenities, and access to healthcare make it an excellent choice for retirees.
