Lee County, North Carolina holds a strategic position for future growth and prosperity. Situated in the center of NC, Lee County is the southern point of the world-renowned Research Triangle.
The capital city of Raleigh lies 40 miles away. Business transportation needs are met easily through North Carolina’s vast system of 4-lane highways and Interstates, as well as by rail lines. The major business hubs of Atlanta and Washington D.C. are approximately 300 miles distant. Lee County promises easy access to the East Coast and worldwide markets, with businesses using the seaports of Wilmington and Norfolk. The Sanford-Lee Regional Airport and the Raleigh Durham International Airport provide excellent air transport.
Though in close proximity to one of North Carolina’s fastest growing regions, Lee County retains its serene, rural character. Reporting a population of just over 49,000 in the 2000 Census, over half the residents live in the county seat of Sanford, population 23,200. Lee County covers an area of 259 square miles. The only other town in the county at this time is Broadway, population 1,015, often referred to as “Mayberry Incarnate”. The rest of Lee County residents enjoy tranquil country living on small farms.
Lee County offers its populace an excellent quality of life. Children receive a solid start in the Lee County school system. The high school receives Awards of Excellence, and has been voted one of the top schools in the United States. The Central Carolina Community College in Sanford offers outstanding higher education, and students have access to many other fine institutions within an hour’s drive, including Fayetteville State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Residents of Broadway reported a median family income close to $53,000, (Census 2000 data), almost $11,000 higher than the national average. Sanford residents reported substantially lower incomes, $7,000 less than the national average, while Lee County as a whole reported incomes about $2,000 less than average. A number of well-known corporations call Lee County home, including Caterpillar, Inc., Tyson Foods, Wyeth and Static Control Components. The Lee County Economic Development Corporation continuously creates numerous fine incentives and tax credits enabling new businesses to flourish here. The 2005 Census estimate shows a 5,000-population increase, and even more growth projected in the coming years.
Lee County residents enjoy all four seasons. Winters can drop up to 10 inches of snow, while summer temperatures rarely rise above 90 degrees. Nearby Jordan Lake provides 14,000 acres of aquatic fun, boating, water skiing and fishing. Both Deep River and Cape Fear River wind through Lee County, with excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Three fine golf courses await sportsmen here, while the famous Pinehurst Golf Resort lies 25 minutes away. The San-Lee Park contains one of the best mountain biking trails in NC, and is an excellent place to hike in summer or cross-country ski in winter. The Gross Farms Corn Maze draws visitors from surrounding areas, especially at Halloween, though this working farm fascinates tourists year-round and provides the freshest produce in the region.
Lee County, North Carolina retains its refreshing small-town values and rural charm, while providing its populace with the excellent advantages of easy commutes to major cities.