Sanford, NC Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Sanford, NC: What You Need to Know

Sanford in central North Carolina carries a rich legacy as the Brick Capital of the USA. The city is the government seat of Lee County.

Job Opportunities

High-quality clay and sand in the area provide Sanford and Lee County with the perfect ingredients for brick-making, a key industry in the local economy for a long time. Today, the city has a more diversified economic base. Top employers include Static Control Components, Coty LLC (cosmetics company), Lee County School, and Caterpillar (construction and mining equipment). Four major companies plan to invest in Sanford: Bharat Forge, India’s largest automotive forging company, Audentes Therapeutics (genetic medicines), Pfizer (drug manufacturing), and Through6 (apparel manufacturer).

Things to Do in Sanford

Enjoy the outdoors at San-Lee Park, featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and two lakes. You can fish in the lakes or rent paddle boats depending on the season. Learn about wildlife in the nature center where you’ll find live specimens native to the area. The center also houses injured and abandoned wildlife. Take in some history at Old Gilliam Mill Park. Watch a demonstration of old equipment and enjoy a leisurely walk. The mill was named after John and Jessie Gilliam, who bought the mill in 1890 and owned it until 1928 when it was destroyed by a flood. The current mill is a full reproduction of the original mill built in 1850.

Cost of Living

Newcomers will be pleased to know that Sanford’s housing cost is 18.6% lower than the national average with median gross rent at $753. However, the cost of living rate and food cost in Sanford are 1.2% and 14.8% higher than the national average respectively. Residents of the Tar Heel State pay an income tax rate of 5.25% and 6.75% to 7.50% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Sanford (population: 30,085) is a fast-growing and diverse community. A significant segment of city residents (47%) are renters. Locals say there’s not much entertainment and nightlife, but at least, Raleigh is within driving distance. Sanford’s public schools are comparable to suburban communities such as Pocket Township and Jonesboro.

Local History

Sanford was named after Col. Charles Ogburn Sanford, a railroad engineer responsible for the development of railroad lines in the area. Originally part of Moore County, the city was the crossroad of the Western and Chatham Railroads. Sanford was incorporated in 1874. As neighboring areas grew at the beginning of the 20th century, Lee County was formed and Sanford became its seat.