Best Neighborhoods in Sanford, NC

Sanford, to the southwest of Raleigh, has an incredibly quaint historic downtown and is one of our towns to watch. It is growing! This guide, focusing on the “best neighborhoods in Sanford NC,” provides a comprehensive look at the top areas, including house sizes and other key details.

Downtown Sanford, NC

Living in Sanford

Sanford Homes for Sale

Best Neighborhoods in Sanford, NC: A Detailed Overview

Carolina Trace $200k – $1.2million

Easily one of the best neighborhoods in Sanford, NC, Carolina Trace is a gorgeous gated golf community situated around Lake Trace and the Carolina Trace Country Club. There are so many different styles of homes in here, from mid-century gems to new construction. Many homes have golf or lake views. And this is an incredible neighborhood to get into a community with views at an affordable price! Caroline Trace is made up of a series of separate neighborhoods, each with their own amenities, rules and HOA fees. Find homes for sale in Carolina Trace.

Housing Types: Mostly single family homes, with a few condos/townhomes.
House Sizes: 1200 – 4500 sq ft.
Lot Sizes: .25 – .75 acres.
Amenities: Pool, tennis, boat access for fishing, kayaking, sailing, etc. on 315 acre lake.
HOA Fees: Lots of variation, but most around $600/year and include amenities. Golf membership additional.
Age of Homes: Mostly built from 1970 through 2024. Lots still available.
Walkability: Trails in the neighborhood but not walkable outside the neighborhood.

Carolina Lakes $275K-$875K

Carolina is a gated community of about 1700 homes, situated around multiple lakes. The largest lake is 240 acres. Amenities include 2 marinas, man-made beach, storage for boats & RVs, clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball/soccer fields, nature trails, disc golf course. Golf course is privately owned, but easily accessible. Find homes for sale in Carolina Lakes.

Housing Types: Single Family Homes
House Sizes: 1700 – 3000 sq ft.
Lot Sizes: about a third of an acre on average
Amenities: lakes, marina, pool, clubhouse, disc golf, trails, sports fields
HOA Fees: $900/year
Age of Homes: Mostly built from 1985 through 2016.
Walkability: not walkable outside the neighborhood.

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Westlake Valley $250K-$795K

Lovely established neighborhood in West Sanford. Neighborhood has multiple lakes and homes sit on massive lots, some with water views. Westlake Racquet and Swim Club is in the neighborhood providing optional amenities to those who want them. Find homes for sale in Westlake Valley.

Housing Types: Single Family Homes
House Sizes: 1600 – 3500 sq ft.
Lot Sizes: Ranging from .6 to 1+ acres.
Amenities: Pool, tennis, social club for additional fee
HOA Fees: None
Age of Homes: Mostly built from 1979 through 2000.
Walkability: Not walkable

McIver Park $200K-$650K

In my opinion, McIver Park is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Sanford. Many homes are on the National Register of Historic Places. The architecture is unique and interesting. Lots are spacious and green. Walkable to Historic Downtown Sanford with all it’s restaurants, boutiques, breweries, coffee shops and shows at the historic Temple Theater. This is truly an undiscovered gem. I almost can’t believe the affordability of homes in this neighborhood for what you get. McIver Park is adjacent to Kiwanis Family Park, with miles of greenway trails, inclusive playground, and picnic shelters. Find homes for sale in McIver Park.

Housing Types: Single Family Homes
House Sizes: 1900 – 4500 sq ft.
Lot Sizes: From ¼ acre to 1 acre.
Amenities: City amenities: parks, greenway, downtown access, events
HOA Fees: None
Age of Homes: Mostly built in the 1930s – 1950s, but some earlier.
Walkability: Walkable to downtown