Sanford, NC

What is the Best Corn Maze Near Raleigh?

Gross Farms offers Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Looking for a superb corn maze near Raleigh? Gross Farms is well worth a visit!

Gross Farms has an absolutely huge Corn Maze, along with fields of pumpkins ready to pick.

Located just 4 miles south of Sanford, it's an easy 30-45 minute drive from most Triangle destinations.

The 2011 Corn Maze has three different puzzles, with over 5 miles of winding pathways. It's noted as the largest in the area, and I believe it!

We visited Gross Farms recently, and had a great time.

The corn stalks are tall and full, and the paths are neat and clean, with plenty of room for strollers for the younger kids.

This year offered an extra challenge. Not only are maze-walkers encouraged to punch their cards at each "punching station" throughout the maze, but the adventurous can also solve a mystery!

Farmer Joe is missing, and it appears to be foul play.

This "Clue" game allows elimination of suspects at each well-hidden station throughout the maze.

Young adventurers will discover whether it was the Llama, Goat, Dog, Chicken, Bull, Pig, or Duck who decided to detour the farmer.

We solved the mystery, but we're not telling!

After the corn maze, the kids couldn't wait to hit the playground area.

This is one of the best playgrounds in the area, with a huge Pirate Ship, a Fort, a Train, and even a toddler tricycle race track, with lots of sturdy tricycles in great shape and ready to roll.

I'm not sure what it's called, but there's also an excellent trampoline-like jumping activity - it's about 15' wide and 30' long, and Mom and Dad can jump along with the little ones.

Pumpkin Patch at Gross Farms

We had a nice view of the rolling pumpkin patches from the Hay Ride.

Gross Farms offers one of the better hay rides I've been on too, with a recorded narrative that was interesting and a little easier to hear than some.

We learned that the Gross family has been farming at this location for five generations, and some cool facts about asparagus and other crops.

The pumpkin crop included some unusual colorings and shapes, and plenty of gourds too.

Pumpkin carvers can choose from pumpkins still in the field and on the vine, or from a nice selection already piled together.

There were several great places for family pumpkin photos too.

Picnic Grounds and Refreshments

Hungry?

Plenty of options are available! Here's a photo of their "Jelly Barn" with lots of fresh, local preserves and jellies.

There's a full concession stand with hot chocolate, snacks, and other goodies.

If you're bringing a picnic, Gross Farms offers two huge, covered picnic areas with nice tables.

And on Saturday when we went, there was also a Chick Fil'A stand on site.

Directions to Gross Farms in Sanford:

Gross Farms is located 4 miles south of Sanford, NC on NC 87.

From Raleigh: Take US 1 south to Sanford. Take NC 87 South for approximately 8 miles. Turn left onto Pickett Road. The farm is located ½ mile on the left.

From Sanford: Take NC 87 South for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Pickett Road. The farm is located ½ mile on the left.

From Fayetteville: Take NC 87 North for approximately 25 miles. Turn right onto Pickett Road. The farm is located ½ mile on the left.

For more information, call 919-498-6727.

Looking for other Raleigh Halloween Things to Do?

Check out these other Raleigh Halloween activities, like corn mazes, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and more!

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Halloween Activities for Kids Near Raleigh | Raleigh Fall Festivals and Events

Raleigh NC New Home Resources - How to Build a Custom Home in Raleigh

Raleigh NC New Home Builders

Build On Your Lot in Raleigh, NC

Acreage Lots for Sale Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC New Home Lots and Land

Most Up-to-Date Raleigh Market Reports - How is the Housing Market in Raleigh?

New Homes Lee County NC

2009 Lee County Property Tax Guide

How Much are Property Taxes in Lee County NC?

That's a very common question when considering purchasing a home in Lee County.

If you're considering relocating to Lee County, you may be living in Sanford, Broadway, Cape Fear, Cameron, Carolina Trace, Deep River, Lemon Springs, Northview, West Pocket, or West Sanford.

View updated Lee County property tax rates

When were property values last adjusted (assessed)?

Lee County, reassessed property values on January 1, 2007. The next revaluation is scheduled for January 1, 2013. While all North Carolina counties are required to conduct revaluations at least once every eight years, Lee County completes one every six years.

Find Out What District Your New Lee County Home is Located In

Ask your real estate agent what district number the property resides in. Or click on the link below to enter the address and find out the tax district: Lee County Tax Records site.

This chart shows the 2009/2010 Lee County property tax rates. If you are relocating to a home inside a town, the tax rate will be slightly higher. If your new home will be outside of town boundaries, the tax rate can be lower.

Check the Tax Rate Tables for the Property Tax Rate for Your District or Town in Lee County NC

The county rate gets combined with either the fire district rate or the town rate, depending on where the home for sale is located.

How Do I Figure Out What These Lee County Property Tax Numbers Mean?

It's not as confusing as it looks. The tax rates are based on the assessed value of the home, not the asking price.

• Divide the assessed value by 100.

• Multiply the result by the combined rate on the right side of the table.

• The result will be your yearly property tax bill, as of 2009.

And just to give you an idea, here's a table of sample yearly tax payments for different sample assessed home values.

You can also check the Lee County Property Tax page for most recent information.

Where Should I Live to Get the Lowest Property Tax Rate?

As you can see, a City of Sanford location will be the most expensive property tax location in Lee County. Best bargains are in the variety of fire districts outside of city limits, but property tax rates are very similar amongst the fire districts - thus it won't cost much more to live in West Sanford versus Carolina Trace.

What County Will My New Home Be In?

When looking at properties, don't take the "city" address for granted - you could be in a different county, with different tax rates, depending on where exactly the property is located.

How Do I Find Out the Assessed Value of My Lee County NC Home?

If there's a particular home that you're considering, you can go directly to the Lee County Tax Records site, type in the address, and see the assessed value of the property.

What if the Assessed Value of my Lee County NC new home is Different From the Sales Price?

If there is a discrepancy between the assessed value and the asking price of the home or lot, don't be afraid to ask your real estate agent to pull comps for you. Assessed values are not always aligned well with market values, as assessments are often made several years apart.

Want to Compare Counties?

Alamance County Property Tax Rates 2011

Cumberland County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Chatham County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Durham County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Franklin County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Granville County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Johnston County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Harnett County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Orange County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Wake County NC Property Tax Rates 2011

Lee County, NC New Home Resources

Lee County New Home Communities

Lee County NC New Homes

Golf Community Homes in Lee County

New Homes Sanford NC - Cost to Live Sanford NC

Lee County/Sanford/Fort Bragg Relocation - Property Taxes

How much will I pay in property taxes for my new Lee County or Sanford home near Fort Bragg?

That's a very common question when considering purchasing a home in Lee County.

If you're considering relocating to Lee County, you may be living in Sanford, Broadway, Cape Fear, Cameron, Carolina Trace, Deep River, Lemon Springs, Northview, West Pocket, or West Sanford.

View updated Lee County property tax rates

Find Out What District Your New Lee County Home is Located In

Ask your real estate agent what district number the property resides in. Or click on the link below to enter the address and find out the tax district: Lee County Tax Records site.

This chart shows the 2009/2010 Lee County property tax rates. If you are relocating to a home inside a town, the tax rate will be slightly higher. If your new home will be outside of town boundaries, the tax rate can be lower.

Check the Tax Rate Tables for the Property Tax Rate for Your District or Town in Lee County NC

The county rate gets combined with either the fire district rate or the town rate, depending on where the home for sale is located.

OK - But What Will I Actually Pay in Lee County Property Taxes?

What do all those little numbers mean? It's actually not as hard as it looks.

1. Take the assessed value of the property.
2. Divide by 100.
3. Multiply by the tax rate.

This will give you the yearly tax amount, per 2009/2010 rates.

And just to give you an idea, here's a table of sample yearly tax payments for different sample assessed home values.

You can also check the Lee County Property Tax page for most recent information.

As you can see, a City of Sanford location will be the most expensive property tax location in Lee County. Best bargains are in the variety of fire districts outside of city limits, but property tax rates are very similar amongst the fire districts - thus it won't cost much more to live in West Sanford versus Carolina Trace.

When looking at properties, don't take the "city" address for granted - you could be in a different county, with different tax rates, depending on where exactly the property is located.

How Do I Find Out the Assessed Value of My Lee County or Sanford NC Home?

If there's a particular home that you're considering, you can go directly to the Lee County Tax Records site, type in the address, and see the assessed value of the property.

Lee County properties were last assessed in 2007. North Carolina law requires each county to conduct a revaluation at least once every eight years, but some counties assess more often. Lee County is using a six year plan, which means that the next revaluation will occur in 2013.

What if the Assessed Value of my Lee County or Sanford NC new home is Different From the Sales Price?

If there is a discrepancy between the assessed value and the asking price of the home or lot, don't be afraid to ask your real estate agent to pull comps for you. Assessed values are not always aligned well with market values, as assessments are often made several years apart.

Want to Compare Property Tax Rates for Counties in the Triangle?

Find out how Lee County NC compares to other area counties, like Wake, Johnston, Harnett, and many more.

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live? Property Tax Guide

Lee County, NC New Home Resources

Lee County New Home Communities

Lee County NC New Homes

Golf Community Homes in Lee County

MetLife Home Loans' Raleigh Branch Joins Stanton Homes® for Heroes

to Offer New Discount for Military and Veteran homebuyers

Stanton Homes announces that leading home lender MetLife Home Loans has agreed to participate in the "Stanton Homes® for Heroes" program, working to provide even more home building value for people who have served in the U.S. military.

"As a member of the MetLife family, MetLife Home Loans is a name you know and trust," said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes. "Their participation will help ensure that military home buyers are lined up with every possible advantage through our ‘Stanton Homes® for Heroesprogram."

"MetLife Home Loans is committed to providing our customers with the best possible product to suit their individual needs," said Brent Kappler, Raleigh-Builder Branch Manager, MetLife Home Loans.

"We have a strong commitment, not only to our individual customers, but to local businesses as well, which is why we're proud to be teaming up with Stanton Homes as a preferred lender."

With the addition of MetLife Home Loans, the nationally-acclaimed "Stanton Homes® for Heroes" incentive program continues to grow stronger.

"We're pleased to be able to save military families thousands of dollars off the cost of their new home," said Williams. "It all adds up - starting with our Stanton Homes discount, around $10,000 for most homes. From there, the cost just keeps going down, from closing cost discounts to a huge variety of exceptional pricing for many of the amenities we build into our homes."

"As an eight-year military veteran in the U.S. Army, I know first-hand the sacrifice our military men and women make to serve and defend this great country of ours," said Kappler. "I'm proud of my military service and I'm proud of the men and women who serve, as well. That's why I'm pleased to be able to offer a significant discount in closing costs to military personnel that build with Stanton Homes and obtain financing through MetLife Home Loans".

The "Stanton Homes® for Heroes" discount program is available on any new Stanton Homes custom-built home in North Carolina's Research Park Triangle and surrounding regions, for all veterans, retired, and active duty military, including all branches of the Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard, who have served honorably for at least one year. Any Stanton Home may be purchased through the program, whether complete, under construction, or custom designed on a Stanton Homes lot or the buyer's.

"MetLife Home Loans has a variety of products to offer our customers, from specific builder products, construction loans, to 100% VA fixed loans," said Kappler. "You've served your country, now let us be of service to you."

Stanton Homes. Building Exceptional Living Experiences http://www.StantonHomes.com 919-278-8080

Stanton Homes builds throughout the Raleigh/Fort Bragg area of North Carolina.

MetLife Home Loans and Stanton Homes are not affiliated.

Mortgage Financing provided by MetLife Home Loans, a division of MetLife Bank, N.A., Equal Housing Lender.

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Building a Custom Home in Sanford NC

Available Acreage - Communities and "Not in a Subdivision"

Thinking of building a new home in Sanford NC? Wondering what kind of acreage is available? We've put together all of the options, along with an easy map to acreage locations in Sanford or Lee County, NC.

Heritage Pointe Offers Available Lots in this All-Brick Community

There are currently several available lots in Heritage Pointe, Sanford, NC.

Find out more about these Heritage Pointe lots here.

All yard maintenance and mowing is provided through HOA.

Click here for new home acreage lots under $50,000 in Lee County

Click here for new home acreage lots $50,000 to $75,000 in Lee County

Map of Available Acreage in Sanford NC - Lee County

Here's an overview map of acreage in Sanford NC. Click the link below to zoom in and learn more about each location.

Click Here for More Detailed Map - Zoom In

Nearly all these locations are within 30 minutes of Raleigh/Apex, 30 minutes of Fort Bragg, or both.

Sanford has been a popular middle ground with families looking to be close to both Fort Bragg NC and Raleigh NC.

DISCLAIMER: The above data is furnished for informational purposes only. Neither Stanton Homes Inc nor its agents warranty the completeness or accuracy of this data. Prospective buyers should verify all data that is pertinent to their particular needs, or at least provide for such verification as a condition of their offer to purchase. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. In addition Stanton Homes makes no claim to ownership of either the information provided or the properties contained therein. Data provided by the Triangle MLS as of 10/28/11.

You may also be interested in:

Additional Sanford New Homes, Lots, and Land

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Other Available Land and Lots in Communities

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