2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Marion, NC vs Sanford, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Sanford older or younger than people in Marion?
- The Median Age in Sanford is 6.0 years younger than in Marion.

Are housing costs cheaper in Sanford or Marion?
- Sanford housing costs are 19.0% more expensive than Marion housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Sanford or Marion?
- The average commute for residents of Sanford is 0.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Marion.

Things to do in Marion?
Marion, NC is a wonderful place to live, with a rich culture and plenty of activities to do. The city has a variety of shops, restaurants, parks and recreational activities, ranging from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing. It has many unique attractions such as the McDowell County Historical Museum, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and the Catawba River. The town also offers a wide array of educational opportunities ranging from elementary school through college. The community is friendly and welcoming as well as safe and secure with low crime rates compared to other cities in North Carolina. There are also wonderful places for families to gather like the local farmers market or just take in some of the beautiful scenes that Marion offers.

Things to do in Sanford?
Sanford, NC is a small town located in Lee County that offers its citizens a unique mix of urban amenities and rural settings. Residents have access to a variety of activities such as biking, fishing, hiking, and camping.

 Marion, NCSanford, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock30,024329,725,481
 Median Income$41,580  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$219,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.49  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Marion    1 Reviews

Before the economy went bad, I was trying to live in Marion. I called on a place to rent. The owner did not want children living in her unit. I didnt know that  More

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Reviews for Sanford    1 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

It's pretty affordable and safe place to live. I do not yet have school aged children but I understand the education is not the best here. But it is nice, quiet,  More

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