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Have you ever heard of Sanford, a small town just 30 minutes north of Orlando? Located on the shores of Lake Monroe and with only about 65,000 residents, Sanford has attracted the attention of families and investors. The city stands out as one of the most desired to live or invest in central Florida. Founded in 1870, the city combines its rich historical heritage with the charm of a lakeside community, while also offering the advantages of sustainable and well-planned growth.
Its historic center is one of the biggest attractions, with cobblestone streets, preserved architecture and a wide variety of award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, gastropubs and local shops. The city is also the scene of street festivals, cultural events, art galleries and theatric performances, offering a rich and diverse experience for residents and visitors.
In addition, the city is located on the shores of Lake Monroe, one of the largest lakes in central Florida and connected to St. Johns River This strategic location played a historic role for Sanford, making it an important river and commercial access point in Florida, which earned it the nickname “Historic Waterfront Gateway City”. The proximity to the lake is one of the great attractions of the city, offering panoramic views and a wide variety of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing and hiking along the waterfront. The lakeside area is also famous for its charm and infrastructure, with several trails, parks and green spaces.
Where is Sanford?
Sanford’s location is extremely strategic, situated just 30 minutes north of Orlando and 45 minutes southwest of Daytona Beach, known as “Orlando Beach”. It is the ideal place for those looking for a quiet and suburban atmosphere, by a lake, while enjoying the proximity of the main attractions of Orlando. On the hottest days, it’s easy to take a trip to Daytona Beach and relax by the sea.
This accessibility is amplified by the city’s location at the junction of Interstate 4 (I-4) with 417/Wekiva Parkway, part of the ring road that surrounds Orlando. In addition, State Road 46 (SR 46) crosses the city, connecting Sanford to neighboring communities and important highways.
The city is also home to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), one of the main airports in the region, which offers domestic and international flights. All this makes the city a strategic point for both those who want to live and those who visit Central Florida.
How are the schools in the region?
The community offers a good variety of educational options for families, with public, private and alternative schools in and around the city. The city is part of the Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS), one of the top-rated school districts in Florida. Schools such as Seminole High School are recognized by robust programs, such as the IB (International Bachelor’s Degree), which prepares students for renowned universities.
In addition, there are well-regarded elementary and high schools in the area, such as Bentley Elementary School and Markham Woods Middle School, both serving families living in the city and surroundings. For those looking for private education, nearby options include Lake Mary Preparatory School, located in the neighboring city of Lake Mary, and The Master’s Academy, a renowned Christian school in the region.
Sanford is also strategically located near higher education institutions, such as Seminole State College, which offers undergraduate and certification programs, serving both local students and professionals seeking continuous development. Another nearby institution is the University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the largest universities in the country, located about 30 minutes from Sanford, offering access to high-quality higher education.
Learn more about schools in Sanford at this link
A little about the history of the city
Sanford, known as the “Historic Waterfront Gateway City”, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Founded in 1870 by Henry Shelton Sanford, a visionary diplomat and businessman, the city was planned to be a modern and strategic agricultural center on the shores of Lake Monroe and St. Johns River Henry Sanford acquired thousands of hectares in the region with the aim of creating a prosperous community, which soon became a prominent point in Florida’s transportation and commerce.
Thanks to its strategic location, Sanford has prospered as an important export center for agricultural products, especially citrus fruits. The city later earned the nickname “The Celery City”, due to its leadership in celery production in the United States during the early 20th century.
The arrival of the railway strengthened Sanford’s position as one of the main transportation centers in central Florida. In addition, the union with the neighboring city of Mellonville, in 1883, contributed to the growth of the city, consolidating it as the seat of Seminole County.
Over the years, Sanford faced challenges, such as major fires and the Great Depression, but managed to reinvent itself, preserving its historical architecture and investing in the revitalization of its center. Today, the city celebrates its heritage through cultural events, museums and the preservation of its historical landmarks, becoming a vibrant and culturally rich destination, ideal for both residents and visitors.
Why Sanford is an excellent choice
Sanford brings together several characteristics that make the community an excellent place to live or invest in a house near Orlando. Check out the main factors that make the city an ideal choice to live:
Strategic Location
The city is strategically located in central Florida, just 30 minutes north of Orlando. Its proximity to important highways, such as I-4, 417/Wekiva Parkway and State Road 46, facilitates access to other cities and attractions in the region.
Orlando Sanford International Airport: Easy Connection
The city is home to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which offers domestic and international flights, making travel fast and convenient for both leisure and business. Access the official website
Welcoming Community and Sense of Community
Because it is a small city (just over 65,000 inhabitants, the community is known for its friendly and welcoming environment, with a strong sense of unity among residents. The city offers a quiet and safe coexistence, being ideal for families and professionals who seek quality of life.
A reflection of this sense of community and the charm of a small town is the free trolley, a charming attraction that allows you to explore the most iconic points of the city, especially in the historic center. More than a simple means of transportation, it is part of the essence of Sanford, providing a fun and relaxed way to experience the welcoming and picturesque atmosphere of the city.
Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to other nearby cities, Sanford offers a more affordable cost of living, with high-quality real estate and services at competitive prices, making it attractive to families and investors.
Rich Social and Cultural Life
Sanford is a city that combines history, culture and a vibrant social scene, offering a wide range of options for its residents and visitors. In addition to the rich historical heritage reflected in its preserved architecture and cultural events, the city is known for its prosperous gastronomic life. The city is also known for its craft breweries.
The historic center is the heart of Sanford’s dining experience, with renowned restaurants such as The Old Jailhouse, famous for its unique atmosphere and innovative cuisine, and Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café, which offers an authentic German experience with traditional dishes and live music. For those who prefer more relaxed options, Smiling Bison is known for its handmade burgers and local ingredients.
Breweries are also a great highlight, with venues such as Deviant Wolfe Brewing, known for its creative beers and welcoming atmosphere, and Wop’s Hops Brewing Company, which combines award-winning craft beers with regular community events. These and other breweries often organize tastings, festivals and thematic meetings that enrich the social life of the city.
In addition to restaurants and breweries, Sanford hosts regular gastronomic events, such as food truck festivals and local markets, which celebrate the culinary diversity of the region.
Life by the Lake and Green Spaces
Sanford is located on the shores of Lake Monroe, offering panoramic views and a wide variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing and hiking. The proximity to the St. Johns River and the many parks and trails in the region make the city ideal for those who appreciate connecting with nature.
Among the most sought-after attractions is the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, which combines the opportunity to explore the fauna and flora with fun activities for all ages. Located a few minutes from downtown Sanford, the zoo is home to a variety of animals, botanical gardens and educational events.
Excellent Schools and Educational Institutions
The city is part of the Seminole County Public Schools, one of the highest-rated school districts in Florida, and is close to renowned institutions such as Seminole State College and the University of Central Florida (UCF), ensuring high-quality education for all ages.
Safe environment (low crime)
Sanford is recognized as a relatively safe city, offering peace of mind for families and professionals looking for a more protected and organized environment to live in.
Valorization Potential
With the growing real estate market and sustainable urban planning, Sanford has a high appreciation potential, being an excellent choice for investors looking for promising opportunities in Central Florida.
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Do you want to live or invest in Sanford, Florida?
AMG International Realty is a global real estate company specialized in Florida and aimed at the foreign public. We operate throughout Florida, focusing on Central Florida and South of the State. Cities on the outskirts of Orlando are ideas for those looking to live or invest in the United States. They are regions that still offer affordable prices with high potential for appreciation, as well as excellent quality of life and a promising environment for those who intend to live and raise children in Florida.
Do you want to know more about real estate in Florida? Contact me right now and chat with me on WhatsApp: + 1 305 761 2655 (Heloisa Arazi).
