Get to know…Sanford

Population53,570
Major EmployerOrlando Sanford International Airport
Main AttractionCentral Florida Zoo
Public Schools20

The city of Sanford is located about 25 miles north of Downtown Orlando and is one of the greater Orlando area's up-and-coming neighborhoods. Located in Seminole County, Sanford boasts a charming and quaint atmosphere and is one of Central Florida's oldest incorporated cities. If you're in search of small town charm, Sanford is the perfect place to call home. 

You'll find apartments scattered among numerous small shops and restaurants lining the city's brick streets. Many homes, apartments, and condos in this neighborhood are newly constructed, and you can expect the area to develop even more in the next few years.

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Many people choose to live in Sanford because it's so close to Orlando, the Orlando-Sanford International Airport, and dozens of major businesses and corporations. The area's location makes it easy to drive back and forth between work and home. Downtown Orlando is only a 30-minute drive from Sanford. Several major thoroughfares cut through the Sanford area, giving residents a wealth of options when it comes to commuting into Orlando and surrounding neighborhoods. I-4 and SR 417 are the two biggest roadways, and divvy up most of the southbound traffic. U.S. 17-92 runs down the center of Sanford, into Altamonte Springs and Winter Park before reaching Orlando. SunRail is always an option for those commuting to Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, and further south. 

Things to do in Sanford

There are plenty of fun things to do in Sanford, both indoors and outdoors. The area is home to the famous Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. You can also canoe through Wekiwa Springs and experience Florida's natural beauty first-hand, or visit the St. John's River to experience its fishing and wildlife. Lake Monroe also offers Sanford's residents a place to enjoy the native beauty of Florida while out for a walk or jog.

One of the most iconic points of interest in Sanford is the historic Downtown Sanford area. On Saturday mornings, Downtown Sanford hosts a farmer's market every week with local vendors selling goods and produce. After the farmer's market, take a stroll through Downtown Sanford and you'll find brick-paved streets lined with local shops, restaurants, bars, and breweries. The area offers tons of options for live music and outdoor seating where you can grab a yummy drink or brew and enjoy the Florida sunshine. This neighborhood also hosts a ton of events such as the Sanford Jazz Festival, which is a free event where musicians play in the park and then disband to different bars and restaurants around town to play into the evening. One of our favorite events is Pints and Paws, an annual event where 50+ breweries set up tents offering samples of craft beers to attendees. We can't forget the "paws" part of Pints and Paws, this event is totally pet friendly and hosts almost as many dogs as humans who join their owners for a day of fun exploring Sanford's streets.

If you love a good beach day, Sanford is less than 45 minutes from both Daytona and New Smyrna Beach, which is just about as close as you can get if you're looking for a suburban feel without living in a "beach town." Residents of Sanford can enjoy the luxury of packing up the car on Saturday morning with beach buckets and a picnic lunch and hitting I-4 to the beach for an easy day trip.

Shopping in Sanford

Shopping in this neighborhood is hardly in short supply. Sanford is home to the Seminole Towne Center, one of the largest malls in Central Florida. There are also a handful of other retailers and shopping centers close to the Seminole Towne Center, giving you a wealth of options for you to choose from. You won't have to go far from your front door to find a selection of quaint shops and boutiques!

Dining in Sanford

Downtown Sanford is a great place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat by Lake Monroe.  At the edge of the marina, you'll find casual eateries like Riverwalk Pizzeria, an Italian café and bar, and Wolfy's. A few blocks away from the lake along East 1st Street are a handful of bars and restaurants like Angel's Soulfood & BBQ, Taste of Thyme Café, The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar, Colonial Room Restaurant, and La Sirena Gorda Cabana.

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