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Sanford, FL is without a doubt a great place to live. Located in Seminole county just North of Orlando, the Sanford area is a popular area that is constantly growing.
Downtown Sanford
Historic Sanford is the Seminole County seat. In its early days up to today, Sanford has become a prime distribution point because of the railroad and its position on the inland waterway. Tourism has not directly affected Sanford, but the great commercial boom it generated elsewhere is now making its mark. The Orlando Sanford Airport is undergoing major expansion and has been approved to handle international flights. These factors, along with the revitalized downtown business district and extensive land available for development, are transforming Sanford’s future.
Lake Monroe and its idyllic Riverwalk, the Wekiva River, the Central Florida Zoological Park and many community festivals and events (such as Alive After Five every second Thursday of the month on First Street in downtown Sanford) provide enjoyment for its residents.
More info about Sanford will follow soon. Meanwhile check out Sanford365.com, Claudia’s area blog that provides insight into life in Sanford FL as it is…
Things to Do in Sanford FL
Sanford Riverwalk
Walking around the Riverwalk, visiting one of the many restaurants in the historic district or admiring the beautiful Victorian homes in the residential district of Historic Sanford are just some of the many things to do in Sanford. Sanford also has the Seminole Towne Center Mall and many other shopping plazas.
- Willow Tree German Restaurant on First Street
- Trivia Night at the Sanford Wine Company on Palmetto
- Visit the Splash Park by Lake Monroe
- Stroll through the Historic District and admire the beautiful Victorian Homes
- Visit Gallery on First
- Find cool vintage clothing at Fringe on First Street
- Alive After Five (every second Thursday of the month)
- Sanford Farmers Market (every Saturday morning on Magnolia Square)
- Take a dinner cruise on Lake Monroe with the Rivership Romance
- Visit the Central Florida Zoo and go Zip lining
Favorite Places
First Street Sanford FL
Some of our favorite places in Sanford are the historic district and the Riverwalk. You can spend a relaxing day walking around and might even feel taken back in time. Lake Monroe has something so peaceful to it.
Some of our favorite spots are:
- Sanford Riverwalk
- Historic District
- Old Fire Station on Palmetto
- Splash Park by Lake Monroe
- Central Florida Zoo
- Colonial Town Park (unincorporated Sanford/Lake Mary)
- Magnolia Square
- Maya’s Bookstore
- Seminole Town Center Mall
Nightlife
Despite its size, the Sanford and Lake Mary area does have a nightlife. The best places to visit are Historic Sanford or Colonial Town Park (West side of Sanford). There are mainly bars that locals hang out at. If you prefer clubs you will ave to drive out to Orlando downtown though.
- Sanford Wine Company
- Black Swan
- Little Fish Huge Pond
- Jason’s Martini Bar
- Wet Spot
- The Alley
- Route 46 Entertainment Complex
- Carlos and Charlies
- Dexters
- Liam Fitzpatricks
- Cigar Bar
- Amura
- MyWay (Lake Mary)
- and many more!
Neighborhoods
There are many neighborhoods in Sanford. For simplicity we always like to divide Sanford into 4 areas: West, Mall area, Historic district, and East.
Established neighborhoods featuring everything from older Florida “cracker” style houses and traditional homes, to beautiful lakeside estates are available in Sanford. New construction is everywhere and newer and popular communities include among others Lake Forest, The Preserve at Astor Farms, Buckingham Estates and Retreat at Wekiva.
Schools
A rated Seminole High has brought much attention to the area. In general Seminole county’s schools are rated best within the Orlando area.
Elementary Schools: Northwest Cluster (choice of 5 top rated schools, including Crystal Lakes Elementary and Wilson Elementary. The selection process is by lottery. You will be able to request a first and second choice but there is no guarantee!)
Middle Schools: Top rated Sanford Middle and Millenium Middle.
Seminole High was recently featured in Newsweek as one of “America’s Best High Schools” It offers the county’s IB and Health Academy Magnet programs.The middle school, Millenium Middle offers students the option of a pre-IB or Fine Arts magnet program.
Some areas within Sanford are zoned for desirable Markham Woods Middle, for example, The Preserve at Lake Monroe, Venetian Bay and Buckingham Estates.
Seminole State College in Sanford FL.
Single Family Home Communities of Sanford FL
Autumn Chase – East Sanford, built from 1999-2003 by Ryland Homes
Bakers Crossing – gated community in East Sanford, built by D.R. Horton in the early 2000s
Berington Club – gated established community with oversized lots built by Beazer Homes
Buckingham Estates – guard gated community by Heathrow, built by custom home builders and M/I homes from 2002-2006
Celery Key
Celery Lakes
Estates at Wekiva Park – gated community of luxury homes built by M/I Homes and custom home builders
Forest Cove – small community built by Maronda Homes in the early 2000s
Forest Glen – built by Centex and custom builder in the late 1990s
Foxspur – custom homes on over-sized lots, started in the late 1980s
Hidden Lake
Historic Sanford – Residential District
- unique Victorian style homes within walking distance of downtown Sanford and Lake Monroe
- Sanford’s only urban lifestyle neighborhood
- Price range from the low 100s to 500s, depending on size, condition and location
- many homes need updating but there is great potential
Kays Landing – newer gated community, built by Engle Homes from 2005-2007
Lake Forest – Sanford’s largest, most popular subdivision, guard gated with lots of amenities and many luxury homes
Lake Jesup Woods – new community built by Meritage Homes (Greater Homes) from 2005-2009
Oregon Trace – small gated community built by Morrison Homes from 2002-2004
- unique gated community within a preserve
- built from 2002-2006 by Engle Homes, Landstar Homes and Toll Brothers
- only community with Tudor style homes in Sanford/Lake Mary FL
- only 3 minutes from I-4, 417 and Seminole Town Center Mall
- built by Fox & Jacobs Homes (Centex) from 2002-2005
- located virtually on the shores of Lake Monroe, surrounded by a preserve (next to Central Florida Zoo)
- zoned for Markham Middle School
- only minutes to Historic Sanford/Marina, I-4 and Seminole Town Center Mall
- gated community built by Engineered Homes and Crosswinds from 2002-2005
- community features several park areas and a playground
- only minutes to I-4, 417 and Seminole Town Center Mall on the West side of Sanford
- unique architectural features
River Crest – guard gated community of custom homes on at least 1 acre lots
Sterling Woods
Sylvan Lake
Tall Trees – small community built mainly by Centex in the early 1990s featuring community pool and tennis courts
Venetian Bay – small gated community built by Morrison Homes from 2002-2004
Woodsong – small community built by M/I Homes from 2002-2004
Townhome Communities of Sanford FL
Amberlee Townhomes – Lennar Homes- built 2007
Arbors at Hidden Lake
Dunwoody Commons | Carriage Homes at Dunwoody – popular town home community in top location, built by Pulte Homes
Castille Townhomes Condominiums | Madeira Townhomes Condominiums
Country Club Manor
Greystone – hybrid single family/town home community built by Morrison Homes from 2004 – 2006
Hidden Lake Villas
Magnolia Club – town home community by the Sanford International Airport – built by D.R. Horton
Mayfair Meadows
Oaks of Sanford – Exclusive “California style” – 21 townhomes – built in 1970s
Park Ave Villas – close to Historic District – built in 1970s – only $75 HOA fee
Placid Lake Townhomes
Preserve at Eagle Lake – New construction town homes in East Sanford, built by KB Homes
Regency Oaks – gated community built by Pulte Homes
Retreat at Twin Lakes – very affordable – built by Engle Homes from 2006-2008
Riverview – New construction town homes by Historic Sanford FL – M/I Homes
Savannah Park – New construction town homes in top location – Green Community
Terracina – New construction Mediterranean town home community just outside of popular Lake Forest
The Terrace
Windsor Lake Townhomes – new Mediterranean community built by Mercedes Homes
Woodmere Terrace
Condo Communities of Sanford FL
Arbor Lakes – condo conversion but resort style amenities
Dunwoody Commons | Carriage Homes at Dunwoody – popular town home and condo community in top location, built by Pulte Homes
Gateway at Riverwalk – luxury condos at the shores of Lake Monroe
Flagship Park – very affordable – 117 condos built by D.R. Horton from 2005-2007
Northlake Village Condo
Pine Rige Club
Sandlewood Condos
Villas Du Soleil
RELATED POSTS:
Lake Mary and Sanford Subdivisions with Community Pool
Jose & Claudia’s Favorite Communties:
Single Family Homes: Lake Forest
Townhomes: Greystone
Condos: Gateway at Riverwalk
