The town of Sanford, situated in southwestern Maine, is comprised of two villages--Sanford proper and the village of Springvale. Often considered the largest town in York County, it serves as the business, medical and shopping centers for residents of several surrounding communities, such as Acton, Shapleigh, and Alfred. Acton and Shapleigh are the heart of the area's lake region resulting in a welling population during the summer months. Alfred, on the other hand, is the county seat noted for the longest continuous county records in the country. Its charm lies in its historic village square, courthouse, and many colonial homes. Sanford-Springvale has a rich history and enduring past as a mill town, yet today it is a growing residential community with manufacturing and industrial base and many retail and professional services. An active recreation department along with other youth oriented service are a part of a wider range of typical town services. Lying along the Mousam River, Sanford is a short drive to numerous lakes and ponds in one direction and the Atlantic ocean in the other. In addition it is only an hour's drive from New Hampshire's white mountains abound with recreational opportunities.