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Kris JulianUnited Real Estate Preferred
Brick sidewalk and cafes under oak trees in historic downtown Sanford

Seminole County, Florida

Living in Sanford

Historic charm on the shores of Lake Monroe.

Sanford pairs one of Central Florida's most character-filled downtowns with a fast-changing mix of newer communities. Its riverfront on Lake Monroe and the brick streets of the historic district give it a personality all its own.

Everyday life

  • A historic downtown with local restaurants, breweries, shops and art walks
  • The Lake Monroe Riverwalk for sunsets, walks and bike rides
  • Orlando Sanford International Airport and SunRail access
  • The Central Florida Zoo and nearby springs for weekend outings

Homes you'll find

Options range from restored early-1900s homes and bungalows in the historic district to newer single-family neighborhoods and townhomes on the edges of town.

Five things to do

Make the most of Sanford.

Five local favorites worth knowing before you visit — and a good sense of how a week here actually feels.

  1. Walk or bike the RiverWalk

    Walk or bike the RiverWalk

    Nearly five miles of paved path along Lake Monroe, with gazebos and swinging benches — best in the last light of the day.

  2. Eat and browse in historic downtown

    Eat and browse in historic downtown

    First Street brings together independent restaurants, galleries, an historic theater and a growing craft-drink scene, all walkable.

  3. Spend a day at the Central Florida Zoo

    Spend a day at the Central Florida Zoo

    The zoo and botanical gardens sit less than five miles from downtown, and it's the outing families plan around.

  4. Let the kids loose at Fort Mellon Park

    Let the kids loose at Fort Mellon Park

    A playground and splash pad sit right on the RiverWalk, so the grown-ups can keep walking while the kids play.

  5. Dock for the day and wander

    Dock for the day and wander

    Marina Island and the downtown marina offer free day slips — tie up, then walk into the shops and restaurants.

Thinking about Sanford?

Kris can share what's happening in the neighborhoods you're considering.