On the southern shore of Lake Monroe in the central region of Florida sits Sanford, a place known as the “Historic Waterfront Gateway City.” Sanford is conveniently located approximately halfway between Daytona Beach and Orlando, providing residents with quiet residential communities with the allure of major nearby attractions.
Sanford serves as the home of Florida’s Auto Train, as well as the seat of Seminole County. The historic destination is one of Central Florida’s oldest incorporated cities and was the site of a U.S. Army post named Fort Mellon during the Seminole Wars of the 1830s.
Today, Sanford is a modern city with parks and marinas, set on a bustling waterfront that provides a captivating backdrop for walking, jogging, or bicycling. The downtown area has been recently renovated and transformed into a vibrant entertainment district with many charming restaurants and shops.
Sanford has been named one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation; however, local communities are friendly and welcoming to newcomers. The greater Sanford area is comprised of over 120 neighborhoods with beautiful homes throughout. The city brings families together with amazing amenities, rich culture, and ample entertainment options.
LIVING
Sanford is known for its towering oak trees, brick-lined streets, elegant storefronts, and nineteenth-century Victorian homes. Residential neighborhoods are draped in Spanish moss and homes have a unique architectural heritage. Drive down any street and you’ll discover a broad spectrum of architectural styles, ranging from cozy bungalows to eye-catching Spanish Colonials. Homebuyers will also find many modern homes with highly sought-after features, such as oversized windows, natural lighting, and energy-efficient utilities to lower their carbon footprint.
WORKING
The cost of living in Sanford is lower than the national average; however, transportation costs are slightly higher. An estimated 70.60 percent of workers commute to their jobs outside of the city with the average commute being 26.7 minutes. Sanford does offer coworking spaces for remote workers who require a private or shared workspace outside of the office. For those in search of new employment, there are plenty of career opportunities in Sanford and the surrounding areas.
DINING
Sanford’s food and drink scene is exceptional with its award-winning chefs, use of fresh, local ingredients, and unique take on American classics. In the Historic District of downtown, you’ll find Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café, a family-owned restaurant offering wurst, schnitzel, and other German classics. Other popular dining options include St. Johns River Steak & Seafood, The District, and The Original Christo’s. If you prefer to prepare meals at home, grab fresh ingredients at Sprouts Farmers Market, Publix, Winn-Dixie, and other local supermarkets.
WEEKEND EXPLORING
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Sanford. Spend your weekends exploring the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens or take a leisurely ride on a 100-foot vessel operated by St. Johns Rivership Company. Exciting plays, films, musicals, and concerts are held regularly at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center. The Sanford Museum is also worth a visit. This free attraction has a variety of items on display, such as historic photos and documents that provide first-hand accounts of local life in the past.
FORT LAUDERDALE FL 33308