Seminole County · Local guide
Living in Sanford, Florida
Sanford is the county seat of Seminole County, on the south shore of Lake Monroe about 25 miles north of downtown Orlando. It has a historic downtown, a lakefront riverwalk and its own international airport.
Getting around
- Downtown Orlando: about 25 miles via I-4 or SunRail
- Orlando Sanford International Airport: in the city
- Daytona Beach: about 35 miles via I-4
- Main roads: I-4, SR 417, US 17-92; SunRail commuter trains to Orlando
Rough driving distances; times depend on traffic.
Things to do
- Historic downtown Sanford: restaurants, breweries and events
- The Riverwalk along Lake Monroe
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Boating on the St. Johns River
Homes in Sanford
Historic homes near downtown, established neighborhoods, and newer communities to the south and west. Some newer communities have an HOA.
Costs to plan for
- Older historic homes may need checks on roofs, wiring and plumbing
- Check the flood zone near Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River
- Seminole County has its own school district and property appraiser
Florida homeowner costs guide →
Work out the true monthly cost →
Get Sanford homes sent to you
Tell us your budget and must-haves. We'll set up an MLS search so new Sanford listings come straight to you, including homes coming soon.
Selling a home in Sanford?
See what your home could sell for and what you'd walk away with after costs.
Buying in Sanford: what to check
Check any home with these official sites
- City of Sanford (city services, permits, local news)
- Seminole County Property Appraiser (value, taxes, homestead)
- Seminole County Public Schools (school zones)
- FEMA flood map search (is the home in a flood zone?)
- Our Florida schools guide (types of school, scholarships and official grades)
- Seminole County school grades and rankings (every public school, official 2025-26 results)
What to look for when you view a home, plus a printable checklist →
Example: the loan part of the payment
A $380,000 home with 5% down ($19,000) and a 30-year loan at 6.5% works out at about $2,282 a month for principal and interest.
On top of that come property tax, home insurance, mortgage insurance and any HOA or CDD fees, which vary a lot from one home to the next in Sanford.
Work out the full monthly cost for a home you like →
Example only, not a quote. Rates change daily, and your rate depends on your credit, down payment and loan type.
Nearby areas
Common questions
How far is Sanford from Orlando and the theme parks?
Downtown Orlando: about 25 miles via I-4 or SunRail. Orlando Sanford International Airport: in the city. Daytona Beach: about 35 miles via I-4. Main roads: I-4, SR 417, US 17-92; SunRail commuter trains to Orlando. Times depend on traffic.
What costs should I plan for when buying a home in Sanford?
Older historic homes may need checks on roofs, wiring and plumbing. Check the flood zone near Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Seminole County has its own school district and property appraiser. Our Florida homeowner costs guide explains property tax, homestead, insurance, HOA and CDD fees.
Can Bill help me buy or sell a home in Sanford?
Yes. Bill McElhill is a Realtor and a licensed mortgage loan originator who works across Florida, so he can help with the home and the loan. Call or text 352-988-4900, or use the form on this page to get matching homes sent to you.
How can I lower property taxes on a home in Sanford?
If it's your main home, apply for Florida's homestead exemption with the Seminole County property appraiser by March 1 of the year after you buy. It takes up to $50,000 off the taxable value (the second $25,000 doesn't apply to school taxes), and the Save Our Homes rule then limits yearly increases in the assessed value to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
General information for 2026; check details such as fees, flood zones and rental rules for any home you're considering. In line with fair housing law, we describe places and homes, not the people who live there, and the choice of where to live is always yours.
Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use