The Central Florida city of Longwood has settled comfortably into its role as a bedroom community of Orlando. But the city of 15,000 has experienced its ups and downs over the years. Established in 1883, the community’s population rose and collapsed along with the region’s fortunes. Originally brought in by the construction of the South Florida Railroad and then chased off by the Great Freeze of 1890. Hit hard by the Great Depression and then buoyed by the military and space industries that settled in the area post-World War II. But these days, thanks in part to the city’s revitalization of the Historic District, Longwood is again in the boom times.
Longwood is a suburban community near Orlando, FL.
The neighborhood is easily accessible with newly built community sidewalks.
Reiter Park in Downtown Longwood has beautiful trails around its pond.
Longwood parents can bring the kiddos to Reiter Park,for plenty of fun.
The Longwood Cruise-In Car Show takes place along historic West Florida Avenue.
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New townhomes popping up alongside established homes
Residences in Longwood consist of homes on large lots. Ranch houses, bungalows, large estates, contemporary foursquare, and modern Craftsman can all be found here, along with attached garages and homeowners’ associations. Several new builds are also popping up, such as modern townhouses and neotraditional prairie-style houses near the Historic District. “We’ve expanded townhomes and apartment complexes. From 2021 to 2022 we’ve had a 3.6% increase in population and almost a 9% growth in median income, so that’s helped us,” says Tom Krueger, economic development manager for the City of Longwood. The median home price in Longwood is $440,000, slightly higher than the national median.
Florida style home surrounded by lush greenery in Longwood.
Downtown Longwood is known for its beautiful architecure and well manicured lawns.
If Townhomes and Multifamily living is more your style, Longwood has seen plenty of growth.
The Longwood housing community has seen a trend is renovated Ranch style homes.
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High marks at Seminole County Public Schools
Longwood is served by Seminole County Public Schools, which participates in the choice program. The school district, rated A by Niche, reportedly had the highest graduation rate in Central Florida, 91.7%. Over 63,000 students are enrolled in 58 traditional schools across the county. SCPS also offers magnet programs, including the Institute of Engineering at Longwood’s own Lyman High School.
The entrance to Rock Lake Middle School displays their logo and the American Flag.
Longwood Elementary School is always brimming with students during P.E. and recess.
Lymon High School in Longwood is an "A" rated school.
Milwee Middle School, in Longwood, has a full gymnasium and athletic field.
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Reiter Park, Longwood's entertainment hub
Reiter Park is Longwood's entertainment hub, with a multi-use amphitheater, a splash pad, a butterfly garden, and more. Skate and bike enthusiasts can appreciate Candyland Park, also called Candyland Sports Complex, because of its modular skate park and BMX/skate pump track. Just beyond the town limits, the Spring Hammock Preserve is home to hundreds of acres of bald cypress trees and was once the site of The Senator, a 3,500-year-old tree that burned down in 2012. The city has several development and park improvement plans in place, including a plan to turn the old Rolling Hills Golf Course into a community park.
The Spring Hammock Preserve in Longwood, FL is a 1500 acre natural preserve and park.
Spring Hammock Preserve has miles of trails for Longwood cyclists to enjoy.
Reiter Park, in Longwood, is located at 311 W Warren Ave.
Longwood tennis buffs can get their fill at Candyland Sports Complex.
Candyland Sports Complex is perfect for Tennis players in Longwood.
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Locals show off their hot rods and artworks during Longwood's events
Longwood hosts several staple events, like the monthly Longwood Car Show, where locals and visitors show off their hot rods and antique automobiles. The annual Chili Cook-Off is a chance for people to try some of the best chili recipes in town. The Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival, consistently ranked in Sunshine Artist Magazine’s 200 Best, has been a platform for local vendors since the 1980s.
Longwood Farmers Market guests enjoy the large selection of produce.
A young Longwood resident enjoys face painting at the Arts and Crafts Festival.
Locals enjoy browsing artwork at the Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival.
The Longwood Cruise-In Car Show features lines of cars all around the downtown Longwood area.
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Quirky brewpubs and small businesses around Longwood
Most shopping and dining in Longwood can be done at pockets of retail centers along State Road 434 and Highway 17. Acme Superstore has been a community pillar since 1980, specializing in vintage memorabilia, comics, and more. Hourglass Brewing stands out because of its extensive craft brew selection and on-site axe-throwing venue. While there are big chain grocery options like Publix and Winn-Dixie, international and gourmet markets are also easily accessible.
A favorite of Longwood locals is Chianti's Italian Restaurant.
Hourglass Brewing is a family owned brewery and restaurant in Longwood, FL.
This is the view from Enzo's on the Lake, in Longwood, of the beautiful outdoor dining pavillion
Hourglass Brewing has over 40 craft beers on tap and is a favorite Longwood watering hole.
Acme Superstore is located at 905 E State Rd 434 in Longwood.
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Safe Streets and a quick commute to downtown Orlando
Longwood lies directly between Interstate 4 and U.S. Highway 17. State Road 434 runs east-west through the center of town and has several Lynx bus stops along the way. A SunRail station is located in the Historic District. Orlando International Airport is about 25 miles away and serves over 150,000 passengers daily. Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital is located in the center of town and is one of Longwood’s largest employers. According to the Longwood Police Department, the violent crime rate in the town decreased 32.2% and the property crime rate decreased 11.4% from 2022 to 2023. “The safety aspect of the community is key,” Krueger says. “It’s very easy to get into town and work and get away from town into the homes here. In the last few years, we’ve really built up an initiative of bringing safe streets and infrastructure investment into the community.”
Brad Bolton began his career in the investment world, spending 8 years as Regional V.P. of Florida and the Caribbean for Axa Advisors where he managed stockbrokers and CPA's. In 2006, Brad started his career as a Realtor, working primarily in the luxury vacation market with over $150 million in sales. In 2012, he re-entered the investment world and was instrumental to Blackstone's Invitation Homes when it launched in Florida, purchasing, renovating, leasing, and managing over a one-billion-dollar portfolio of single-family homes. Brad went on to join the executive team at Starwood Waypoint Homes before going public in 2014 as SWAY. After leaving SWAY, he purchased and flipped 218 homes in 2015 and 2016. As a partner with Kendrick Realty 2017 - 2019, a company with offices in FL and CA, his team had 915 transactions in its 1st two years of operation and was one of the top 10 generators and purchasers of internet leads in the US. Brad is an ex-basketball player and cancer survivor. One of his favorite quotes is “Life is a series of choices. Choose wisely.”
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