Sanford NC | Top Reasons to Move to Sanford in Lee County

Location, Location, Location! Sanford NC and Lee County are Literally Right in the Middle of Everything! From Lee County, you can literally wake up and decide to take a short drive to fly from RDU International Airport, go on a beach trip to the Outer Banks, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, catch a Duke or UNC Tarheel game, or even visit historic Wilmington all within just a couple hours drive. Sanford and Lee County residents like to say they are “Well Centered” not only in geographic location but in values as well. This beautiful and friendly town was created by Col. Sanford (hence the name) as he brought the railroad through in 1874.

8 Great Reasons You Should Purchase a Home in Sanford NC & Lee County

NC Low Property Taxes
All of Lee County is Eligible for 100% Financing
Employment Opportunities
Culture and Recreation
Proximity to Fort Bragg
Places to Eat and Lots of Outdoor Activities
Retirement Living
Great Mortgage Options to Fit Lee County

See Why North Carolina is a Top Ranked Inbound State

North Carolina Low Property Tax Rates:

A recent and this is why we hear so many moving from the northern states so surprised by how much their property taxes will decrease when they move here. Per the NC Department of Revenue, the Lee County property tax rate is .7950 per $100 in tax valuation for 2015-2016. The next tax revaluation is scheduled for 2019 in Lee County which means the county tax office will determine the new tax value for each property. The property tax rate will be multiplied times the tax rate to determine the property tax you will pay. Towns & Villages other than Sanford include Broadway, Jonesboro Heights, Lemon Springs, Cumnock, McCracken Heights, Courtland Acres, Carbonton Heights, Hanover Circle, Berkley Place, Tramway, and White Hill.

Additional Property Tax Resources:

All areas in Lee County, NC is eligible for 100% financing through our USDA Guaranteed Program:

A very favorable home loan for first time or move up buyers purchasing a primary residence that many forget about is a USDA Guaranteed Mortgage. To qualify for a USDA home loan, the property must be in an eligible area and the good thing about Lee County is that the whole county including Sanford NC is eligible. Plus the median household income is $45,373 is well below the USDA household income limit ($74,750 for 1- 4 members, $99,850 for 5-8 household size). So even if a buyer is looking to purchase a home for $400,000 in Sanford, it is possible that the buyer could use a USDA loan for 100% financing! There lots of other financing options like VA, Reverse Mortgages, vacation home financing, and much more.

Additional USDA Resources:

Employment & Industry is Alive in Lee County

Lee County has historically experienced right at the national average unemployment rate and additionally you can live within the county and have a short drive to neighboring county opportunities. Most of the workforce within the county fall under the manufacturing industry and when the great recession hit many of these jobs were lost. However the economy is moving once again in Lee County and Manufacturing is making a huge comeback here. Additionally, many Lee County residents also are able to live here while having a short commute to work in neighboring Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, RDU, and Pinehurst.

The city of Sanford has made it a priority to build Sanford’s infrastructure while not sacrificing the small town, family atmosphere. Today Sanford and Lee County are undergoing a $15 million downtown streetscape and revitalization program as well as extending miles of greenways and sidewalks. Making Sanford a pedestrian friendly place that appeals to shoppers and tourists adding to the enjoyment of its local citizens. Lee County also has passed a $23 million County and Education bond as well that will be adding to its award winning Central Carolina Community College campus, creating jobs in healthcare and trades, expanding our Dennis Wicker Civic Center into a fully modernized Business and Convention Center adding 14,000 square feet including plans for a downtown Business Incubator

Top Employers: Source NCDOC Labor & Economic Division, Largest Employers

Lee County School – 1,000 + employees
Static Control Components Inc – 500-999 employees
Coty, LLC – 500–999 employees
Pilgrims Pride Corp – 500-999 employees
Pentair Water Pool & Spa, Inc – 500-999 employees
Caterpillar, Inc – 500-999 employees
Amisub of North Carolina Inc – 500-999 employees
Frontier Spinning Mills, Inc – 500-999 employees
County of Lee – 500-999 employees

Top 5 Manufacturers: Source NCDOC Labor & Economic Division, Largest employers

Static Control Components – 500-999 employees
Coty, LLC – 500-999 employees
Pilgrims Pride Corp – 500-999 employees
Pentair Water Pool & Spa – 500-999 employees
Caterpillar Inc – 500-999 employees

See the full Lee County Manufacturing Directory

Just down the road to Fort Bragg, the Nation’s Largest Army Installation, Camp Mackall, & Pope Field

Service members have the luxury of being able to have just a short commute to great neighborhoods to raise a family. A lot of military retirees even settle into Lee County. Having these military bases next door helps Lee County’s economic environment including the stable housing market and successful businesses.

With a high number of Veteran and active service member residents, this obviously makes VA and VA jumbo loans very popular mortgage loan options.

VA Home Loan Resources:

Places to Eat and Lots of Activities for Residents & Visitors

Culture and a small town atmosphere combine to create an experience that makes you see why the 60,000 residents call Sanford NC and Lee County home.

Dining Hot Spots – Southern Cooking & Cuisine at its Best

If you’re looking for a great steak, try out Davison’s Steaks, the #1 ranked restaurant by TripAdvisor.com or The Flame Steakhouse which also offers favorites such as prime rib, crab cakes, and a great salad bar. Sanford has some great true southern food choices: Stubbs & Son BBQ is known for eastern NC style chopped barbecue and they have freshly cut French fries that can’t be beat. The Steele Pig offers what they describe as southern food at its best including a “15 oz bone-in, smoked & grilled Filet Mignon or simply the best house-made burger you can get”. Want brisket, collard greens, barbecue, live music, and a beer? Try Smoke & Barrel where their mission is “to be your neighborhood spot for great food and drink, live music, and plenty of good cheer”. The Fairview Dairy Bar is as one customer called it “A great casual spot for burgers, ice cream, fried pickles, and breakfast. Also, experience Chef Hamm’s famous creations at Café 121 where they invite you to “Pull up a chair and sit a spell”.

Things to do – Indoor or Outdoor Activities

Sanford NC and Lee County have plenty things to do so you can have a Staycation and the area takes great pride in the culture provided for its residents and visitors. Spending a day at the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area on a sunny day would be very relaxing. Experience performing arts at the historic Temple Theatre which is a 1920’s vaudeville venue and they even offer training for aspiring theatre artists if you have dreamed of being on stage. Put on your calendar to attend the Sanford NC Arts & Vine Festival which is a 2 day celebration of art from local artists and some of the state’s leading brewers and vineyards. Drink it all in and experience this unique experience for your senses!

Of course, don’t forget GOLF! Sanford is also know for its proximity to Pinehurst but is home to Tobacco Road Golf Course – a perennial top 10 public course by every golfing publication in the country. Locally owned and developed from the former Lee Paving Company’s sandpits it is truly spectacular. Not to mention our own Carolina Trace Country Club boasts two 18-hole golf courses designed by famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Both offer championship golf with vistas of Lake Trace and soaring Carolina pines.

If golf is not for you just trek 15 minute to the 117 miles of shoreline at B. Everett Jordan Lake for camping, boating, hiking and family time. Also, visit the Endor Iron Furnace or head East 12 miles to Raven Rock State Park. Go mountain biking or canoeing at nearby San Lee Park. For Shooting enthusiasts check out Deep River Sporting Clays in Northern Lee County. Award winning Orvis endorsed Wing Shooting facility. Sanford and Lee County may be small but it does not lack for things to do downtown or throughout the County.

Retirement Living in Sanford NC & Lee County

As we mentioned above Carolina Trace Country Club offers all amenities of a full-service private club including golf, tennis, swimming, state of the art fitness facilities, and fine or casual dining. A lively social scene provides friendly fun for families, couples, and singles while providing affordable resort-style living. A gated community with over 1500 homes it has for decades been rated among the top 20 retirement communities in the country. It is also now home to many active duty military families with quick access to Ft. Bragg and Research Triangle Park. Lee County also offers an enrichment center and it’s Central Carolina Hospital has won many awards of late and in January was acquired by Duke Life Point Health Systems bringing many new advances in health care locally.

Seniors looking to buy a home here have options of conventional financing, FHA, USDA or VA 100% financing, cash, or keep the cash in investments by using a Reverse Mortgage with no payments required. If you think retiring in Lee County or somewhere in North Carolina is for you, contact our local team today.

Now I Want to Buy a Home in Lee County! Help me With a Mortgage to Make it Happen!

Whether you are a first time or other buyer looking for 100% financing, active duty or retired Veteran looking for no money down, a senior citizen looking to live comfortably in retirement, or someone looking to relocate to enjoy what Lee County has to offer, we have the mortgage options to meet your needs.

Mortgage Options That Fit Perfectly for Lee County Areas include:

USDA – 100% financing available in the whole county
VA – 100% financing up to $424,100 or VA Jumbo loans to purchase a high end property
Reverse Mortgage – Sanford NC Seniors 62 or older can use a reverse mortgage to purchase or refinance a home with no payments required **
Jumbo Loans – Buy a luxury home with a loan over $424,100
FHA – A low down payment option available that is flexible on credit
NC Housing Products – MCC Tax Credit up to $2000 per year or Down Payment Assistance
Investment Properties – Build your investment portfolio with a rental property
Purchase/Rehab – Found a home that needs work? Roll it all into one loan!

Visit the Sanford Area Association of Realtors’ Website

For an excellent summary of what makes Sanford NC and Lee County so special visit http://growsanfordnc.com/quality_of_life/life_in_sanford and see for yourself. Sanford and Lee County – an overachieving small community where people matter and a community cares.

** Borrowers must continue to keep the property in good repair, pay taxes and insurance, and occupy the home as a primary residence

Sanford NC Put Yourself in the Middle of Everything North Carolina Offers