Back HomeLongwood
Longwood Florida has been noted as one of the best places to live in the Seminole and Orange County area. Home to about 15,000 residents, it’s still part of the Orlando, Kissimmee, Stanford metropolitan area. Located just north of Almonte Springs off Interstate 4, Longwood is bordered by Winter Springs, the freeway, Casselberry, and Lake Mary.
History
Image courtesy of MLS listing in Longwood
Longwood has been a destination for Florida travelers for decades and it shares its beginnings with some of the earliest settlements of Orange, Lake, Brevard, Volusia, and Osceola counties. Most of the development began after the second Seminole war and by the early 1860s, Orlando was a small settlement that is developed near the Seminole War Forts. Settlers began arriving at what would become Longwood during the lull between the end of the Seminole war in the beginning of the Civil War.
One of those earliest settlers was John Neill Searcy, who came from Tennessee in 1873. Soon after, other settlers came by steamboat up the St. John’s River and a small community had begun to develop. Growth was rapid at this time and by 1886, Longwood the population was already over 1000 residents and was among the largest communities in Orange County at the time.
After the depression, development ceased slightly and the cities only bank failed in 1932. Toward the end of the 1930s, a little growth began to develop and by the 1940s, the Incorporated city now had a population of 406. So you can see it’s had its ups and downs over the last 50 years. By the 1960s and 1970s, the space industry and development of Walt Disney World and other attractions drew more residents to the affluent community and with the growth and development of Central Florida during the 1980s, Longwood developed into a primarily residential community with a population of over 14,000.
The South Seminole Hospital is the largest employer in Longwood and there is plenty of tree-lined streets, historic homes, and great public schools. There are four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one public high school. There are two additional high schools outside the city limits of Longwood some residents participate in. Longwood is home to a lot of churches and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the Orlando area.
Some basic statistics about Longwood:
The median age is 44
46% of the population is married
The unemployment rate is 4.3%
The median home price is $249,000
The average commute time is about 28 minutes.
Longwood’s historical district is definitely a point of interest as is the Bradlee McIntyre house, the Longwood Hotel, and the SunRail station. Longwood’s historical district is a unique place to hang out, learn about the history of Longwood, and take in the sights and shopping. There’s a walking tour which can be completed in about an hour. It will easily take you from one end of the district to the other and it’s a perfect afternoon adventure to explore one of the oldest cities in Seminole County.
Entertainment & Parks
Longwood has a strong job growth with lots of outdoor recreation and entertainment. Longwood schools receive a 7 out of 10 and the Sable Point elementary school and the Wekiva elementary school both receive a 9 by great schools.org and the Rock Lake middle school received a 8. There are approximately 12.9 students per teacher in Longwood and the school district spends an average of about $8000 per student.
Longwood has many parks throughout the community including the Arbor dog park at 1405 North Grant St., Candyland Park, the areas community building perfect for venues, meeting rooms and events, and Fire Station 15 located at 301 West Warren Ave. It’s perfect for having that community meeting, 4-H club, Association connection or other meetings throughout the community.
Homes
The Longwood housing market has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. Home appreciation is up 10.5% over the last year. Prices range anywhere from $40,000 lots of parcels of land to $3 million luxury homes.
Longwood is one of the most affluent communities in the Orlando Kissimmee Metro area. Home prices start at about $400,000 up to large luxury million dollar mansions and estates. There are several homes in homeowner associations, gated communities, and guard gated entrances. If you’re looking for a larger home, a well-established community, and one of the historical landmarks in the state of Florida, Longwood might be ideal. Browse all available listings below and be sure to contact us to schedule a showing.
Schools
Longwood has its own public school system but is still part of the Seminole County public school district. There are four elementary schools, two public middle schools, and one high school. There are two additional high schools outside of the Longwood boundaries and some students within the city limits do attend the schools.
If Longwood sounds like a neighborhood you might enjoy, contact our office today. We are happy to give you a complete list of homes and real estate that match your search criteria and price throughout the Longwood area.
