Moving to Sanford, Florida
Diana Sacoto · Video guide
Moving to Sanford, Florida
Sanford is a Central Florida city that rose from fire, frost and plenty of bad fortune. It went from citrus groves to celery fields, and today it’s a thriving riverside community with a charming historic downtown.
In our video, we tell the story of Sanford, from its first settlers to the day it said no to Walt Disney. Watch it below, then read on for a quick guide to living here.
Watch: Moving to Sanford Florida? The Crazy History & Real Estate Guide!
Where Sanford is
Sanford sits on the south shore of Lake Monroe, along the St. Johns River, in the part of Seminole County known as “Orlando North.” It’s the county seat, a role it has held since Seminole County was formed in 1913.
Sanford is also where the St. Johns River becomes navigable. Boats can travel from here north all the way to Jacksonville, which is why Sanford grew up as a river port.
A short history
Long before Sanford existed, the Timucua people lived here for over a thousand years, fishing and farming along the St. Johns River. During the Second Seminole War, the U.S. Army built Fort Mellon here, and a steamboat town called Mellonville grew up around it.
In 1870, diplomat and businessman Henry Shelton Sanford bought more than 12,500 acres next to Mellonville and planned a new town, calling it the “Gateway City to South Florida.” About 150 Swedish settlers arrived by steamboat in 1871 to clear the land for citrus groves.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1877 | Sanford becomes a city, with about 100 residents |
| 1880 | The South Florida Railroad reaches Sanford, linking it to Orlando |
| 1883 | Sanford absorbs Mellonville; President Chester A. Arthur vacations at the Sanford House Hotel |
| 1887 | The “Big Fire” starts at a bakery on First Street; downtown is rebuilt in brick |
| 1894–95 | The Great Freeze destroys more than 21,000 acres of citrus around Sanford |
| 1896 | The first celery crop is planted; Sanford becomes the “Celery City” |
| 1913 | Sanford becomes the county seat of the new Seminole County |
| World War II | Naval Air Station Sanford opens to train Navy pilots (closed in 1969) |
One of Sanford’s best-known stories: Walt Disney reportedly wanted to build the Magic Kingdom in Sanford, near where the Central Florida Zoo is today. Sanford’s leaders liked their small town and said no. That’s why Sanford still feels like a small, charming town today.
Things to do
- First Street: the heart of historic downtown, lined with the brick buildings rebuilt after the 1887 fire and many of the city’s best restaurants.
- Sanford Riverwalk: a walking trail along Lake Monroe that helped revitalize the waterfront.
- Sanford Art Walk: a downtown tradition in restored early 1900s buildings.
- Lake Monroe views: sunsets and open water right next to downtown.
- Central Florida Zoo: near the spot where Walt Disney reportedly wanted to build the Magic Kingdom.
Living in Sanford
Sanford is a growing city of about 61,000 people that balances small-town charm with modern growth. Its real estate reflects that mix:
- Historic homes: character homes near the brick streets of downtown.
- Contemporary neighborhoods: newer homes for families who want more space.
- Waterfront properties: homes near Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River.
Buyers, investors and families are all drawn to Sanford’s history, lively downtown and strong sense of community.
Thinking about moving to Sanford?
I’ve been helping people buy and sell in Central Florida since 2002, in English and Spanish. If Sanford is on your list, I’m happy to show you around, talk through neighborhoods and help you find the right home.
Call or text (407) 486-9167, or start a conversation on my website. Moving from out of state? Download my free Orlando North & Central Florida Relocation Guide.