Your Guide to Buying a Home in Sanford, ME

Buying a Home in Sanford, Maine

(Sanford is considered to be the geographic center of the New England Region)

Sanford is located in York County

In 1661 a lumberman named William Phillips, who owned several mills along the Saco River, purchased a large track of land from the Indian Chief Fluellin plus another from Chief John Rogomock. That purchase encompassed what is now the town of Sanford plus some area from its surrounding towns. The parcel was called "Phillipstown" and remained uninhabited until 1739.

Once settlement began, the town grew rapidly. An unofficial census in 1752 listed 100 residents, while the first official census taken in 1790 listed 1,799. Residents petitioning for town status finally succeeded in 1768. Maine was then a province of Massachusetts, so the Governor of Massachusetts was responsible for signing the incorporation papers. He exercised his right to choose a name for the town, and selected "Sanford" in honor of Peleg Sanford, stepson of William Phillips and former four-term Governor for the State of Rhode Island. (Courtesy of the Town of Sanford)

From this rich heritage has blossomed a very balanced small town with tree-lined streets and old neighborhoods, along with a strong economy that promises to bring more growth to the area. However, despite the present growth that can be seen in the development of new industrial parks, the historical flavor of Sanford shall remain.

Sanford's location in the rolling hills of extreme southern Maine may be described as both pristine and strategic. The natural beauty of New England is immediately evident, and the town is just 10 miles from the Atlantic Coast. In addition, the famous presidential retreat, Kennebunkport, is within 15 minutes. Because Sanford is considered as the geographic center of the New England region, its location is also very desirable for its access to many points of interest in the area. The town is just 12 miles from I-95, 35 miles from the culturally diverse cities of Portland, Maine, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and only 90 miles north of Boston.