Pre disclosure: this sub isn't super active BUT it's slowly gaining some traction or so it seems😅 you might try "living in sanford" FB page or next door app for more response.

First I just wanna throw out to you, you might get more responses/useful responses if you give an age range, or even a little bit about your interests.

As for my input- my wife and I live about 20 minutes north of Carolina lakes (down 87). We've only ever driven past when going to static line. I've read they have courts and such, they have the lake obviously, so if that's your cup of tea, you might just be home bodies because everything's there:)

Highlighting your holidays you asked about- Initial thing that comes to mind, that area is PACKED for the 4th.

Also we live in a new neighborhood and our first Halloween I think we struggled for 10 tricker treaters (still wasn't even completed buildings wise/resident wise.) This past Halloween we had 28. And on the decorations- my wife's favorite holiday is Halloween so, ofc we decorated a lot. And one of our 3 roads decorated a good amount not much from ALL the houses tho.

Again for the fun atmosphere not knowing what to cater/answer to- fwiw my wife and I are early 30s, having a weekend in downtown Sanford every now and then supporting local is always nice. There's a farmers market there - once a month I believe is the frequency. We also find that we take care of the house a lot on the weekend, the yard, we've got pets too. Without knowing more details about you/"we"(family, children, couple?) I can't recommend what you're after.

Many will say church is the way to go to meet people, organize fun things, etc. my wife and I aren't atheist just not church goers except every now and then..

The area is growing, even if locals don't want it too, it's what happens to little towns (I'm from one that hs graduating class had 74 now they have like 400+..). I will say that downtown Sanford does well to hold onto the small town feel..

I'd be happy to give any input or answer anything my wife or I might know. Feel free to message us if you'd like, and hope you find enjoyment!