Where is Sanford Located? - Sanford is a city located in the Lee County of North Carolina, United States. Sanford lies between 40.9167654 Degrees North latitudes and 74.171811 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Sanford, North Carolina

Sanford Map, North Carolina, USA
Where is Sanford?: The Google Map showing the location of Sanford in the U.S. state of North Carolina.
Where is Sanford Located?
Sanford is a city located in the Lee County of North Carolina, United States. Sanford lies between 40.9167654 Degrees North latitudes and 74.171811 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Sanford city is 30261 people and the city has a total area of 29.06 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
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Sanford, North Carolina Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Sanford |
| County | Lee County |
| State | North Carolina |
| State Capital | Raleigh |
| US Region | South |
| Latitude | 35.4799° N |
| Longitude | 79.1803° W |
| Elevation | 364 ft (111 m) |
| Land Area | 27.65 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.03 sq mi |
| Total Area | 27.68 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 30,261 |
| Population Density | 1,094 per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 27330, 27332 |
| Area Code | 919, 984 |
| Time Zone Standard | Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC−5 |
| Time Zone Daylight | Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC−4 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 37-59260 |
| Congressional District | North Carolina's 9th Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in Sanford, North Carolina
| Transportation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Raleigh-Durham International Airport |
| IATA Code | RDU |
| Port | Port of Wilmington (Regional Access) |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 1, U.S. Highway 15-501, U.S. Highway 421, Interstate 73/74 |
| Train Service | Freight rail service available |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Sanford Area Transit System |
- U.S. Highway 1: Major north-south route connecting Sanford with Raleigh and southern North Carolina.
- U.S. Highway 421: Provides regional access toward Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad.
- U.S. Highway 15-501: Connects Sanford with Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and nearby communities.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport: Provides domestic and international air service for the region.
Top Places to Visit in Sanford, North Carolina
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| San-Lee Park | Park and Outdoor Recreation Area |
| Temple Theatre | Historic Performing Arts Venue |
| Sanford Historic District | Historic Downtown Area |
| Depot Park | Community Park |
| House in the Horseshoe | Historic Site |
| Deep River State Trail | Outdoor Recreation Trail |
| Carolina Trace Country Club | Golf and Recreation Facility |
| White Pines Nature Preserve | Nature Preserve |
| Jordan Lake State Recreation Area | Lake and Recreation Area |
| Haw River State Park | State Park |
Driving Distances from Sanford, North Carolina to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsboro | North Carolina | 20 mi | 30 minutes |
| Chapel Hill | North Carolina | 35 mi | 45 minutes |
| Raleigh | North Carolina | 40 mi | 50 minutes |
| Durham | North Carolina | 45 mi | 55 minutes |
| Fayetteville | North Carolina | 45 mi | 50 minutes |
| Greensboro | North Carolina | 75 mi | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | 120 mi | 2 hours |
| Wilmington | North Carolina | 130 mi | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Asheville | North Carolina | 220 mi | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Washington, D.C. | District of Columbia | 300 mi | 5 hours |
Colleges and Universities Near Sanford, North Carolina
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Carolina Community College | Public | Community College | Technical education, healthcare, business, and workforce programs |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Public | University | Medicine, research, business, and liberal arts programs |
| North Carolina State University | Public | University | Engineering, agriculture, technology, and research |
| Elon University | Private | University | Business, communications, education, and arts programs |
| Lee County Schools | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary education |
Waterbodies Near Sanford, North Carolina
Deep River, Cape Fear River, Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and nearby waterways throughout Lee County and central North Carolina.
Golf Courses Near Sanford
Carolina Trace Country Club, Quail Ridge Country Club, Sanford Golf Club, and Whispering Pines Golf Club.
Sanford, North Carolina — Key Historical Facts
- The Sanford area was originally inhabited by Native American communities before European settlement.
- The city was founded in the late 19th century and developed around railroad connections.
- Sanford was incorporated in 1891 and became an important transportation and industrial center in central North Carolina.
- The city grew through industries including brick manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Today, Sanford is known for its historic downtown, manufacturing economy, outdoor recreation, and location between the Triangle and Triad regions.
Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near Sanford
| Facility Name | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lee County High School Athletic Complex | High School Sports Facility | Sanford, North Carolina |
| San-Lee Park Recreation Facilities | Community Sports Facility | Sanford, North Carolina |
| Campbell University Athletic Facilities | College Sports Facility | Buies Creek, North Carolina |
| PNC Arena | Professional Sports and Entertainment Arena | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Truist Point | Professional Baseball Stadium | High Point, North Carolina |
References
- City of Sanford Official Website
- Lee County Government
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Visit North Carolina Tourism
- Central Carolina Community College
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