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Longwood’s got a funky mix of old-school Florida charm and modern convenience. Start with Historic Downtown Longwood, where you’ll find vintage homes, quaint shops, and that small-town vibe you crave. Swing by on a Sunday morning, and you might catch a car show or a farmers market in full swing—locals chatting it up, fresh produce everywhere, and a sense that life doesn’t have to be so complicated.
If you’re looking for something a little newer, check out areas near Lake Brantley and Wekiva Springs, where you’ll find spacious houses, manicured lawns, and easy access to some of the prettiest nature spots in Central Florida. Speaking of nature, living here means you’re just minutes from Wekiwa Springs State Park, a perfect getaway if you want to kayak, canoe, or just dunk into the 72-degree spring on a scorching summer day.
Who lives in Longwood? Honestly, a bit of everyone. You’ll find young professionals attracted by the relatively short commute to Orlando (I-4 can be a pain, but it’s manageable if you time it right), retirees who love the laid-back ambiance, and families thrilled by the top-rated Seminole County schools. There’s definitely a neighborhood for every personality, from the established, tree-canopy streets near Rolling Hills to the more contemporary communities popping up around the edges.
Transportation is decent, though don’t expect a big-city metro vibe. Most folks rely on their cars, but you’ve got quick access to SR 434 and I-4, so popping into downtown Orlando or heading to the beaches is pretty straightforward—unless you get stuck in that inevitable I-4 gridlock. Public transportation via Lynx bus routes is an option, but a car is still the real MVP in this part of Florida.
What to expect when you move here? A quieter pace, a welcoming community, and amenities that keep life interesting. From local fitness centers to a handful of unique coffee shops and restaurants, Longwood offers plenty to do without drowning you in tourist crowds. And if you ever need a dose of the big-city buzz, downtown Orlando is just down the road.
Seminole County has a reputation for stellar public schools, and Longwood sits right in the heart of that. Lyman High School is one you’ll hear about often, known for its strong academic programs and an impressive engineering magnet. Their Greyhounds sports teams show up ready to compete—football, basketball, baseball, you name it. If you’re into the arts, Lyman also has a robust theater program, and they often put on performances that draw crowds from around the county.
Another big name is Lake Brantley High School, technically right on the Longwood-Altamonte line, but still a cornerstone for local families. The Patriots have racked up accolades in both academics and athletics—football games on Friday nights can get pretty rowdy in the best way. Their baseball team is also famously competitive, sending a few alumni into college ball and beyond.
For younger kids, Rock Lake Middle School and Milwee Middle School have good reputations, often scoring above average on standardized tests and recognized for supportive staff who keep the extracurriculars flowing. You’ll find clubs ranging from robotics to jazz band to student government, so there’s a place for just about every interest.
Statistically speaking, Seminole County Public Schools consistently rank as some of the best in Florida. Graduation rates are typically in the high 80s to low 90s, depending on the year, and many local schools boast advanced placement classes that prep students for college success. If private education is on your radar, there are a few options in neighboring towns, but most families in Longwood stick with the public system given its strong track record.
In short, whether your kid is a budding athlete, a science whiz, or an arts enthusiast, Longwood’s schools likely have a program to help them thrive. It’s a big draw for families looking to put down roots where education matters.
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Let’s talk shopping. While Longwood doesn’t have a massive mall of its own, you’ve got Altamonte Mall and Sanford’s Seminole Towne Center just a quick drive away, which cover everything from department stores to quirky pop-ups. For a more local experience, Historic Downtown Longwood has a handful of shops for antiques, boutique clothing, and homemade goodies—definitely worth a weekend stroll if you’re into treasure hunting.
As for restaurants, Longwood serves up some interesting spots. Enzo’s on the Lake offers upscale Italian fare with a killer lakeside view, perfect for date nights or celebrating a big milestone. If you’re craving barbecue, 4 Rivers Smokehouse (technically in nearby Altamonte) is a local favorite—bring an empty stomach because their brisket is no joke. And for low-key bites, Zorba’s Greek Cafe is a small joint with big flavors that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been eating Greek your whole life.
Fitness? You won’t be short on options. Orangetheory Fitness has a location nearby, plus other gyms like Planet Fitness and smaller, privately owned studios. If you’re more into team sports, local rec leagues pop up for everything from adult softball to weekend soccer. And with Wekiva Springs so close, you can always trade the treadmill for a hiking trail or kayak trip.
Speaking of trips out, Wekiwa Springs State Park is practically in your backyard. Float down the Wekiva River, spot wildlife, or just lounge in the spring—72 degrees year-round. Not too shabby for a quick escape from reality. For a dose of nightlife or more cultural events, Orlando is a 20-minute drive on a good day, so you can easily pivot between the small-town comfort of Longwood and the big-city excitement of downtown O-Town.
You might be surprised by how much is going on year-round in a place that doesn’t have the glitz of a huge city. But that’s the beauty of Longwood—it’s all about local flavor and community vibes. One favorite is the Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival, which takes over the historic district every November, drawing artisans and visitors from all over Central Florida. The streets fill up with homemade jewelry, paintings, wood carvings—if it can be crafted, you’ll find it here.
Another highlight is the Longwood Pirate Seafood Festival, where you can chow down on fresh shrimp, crab, and fish tacos while snapping selfies with pirates roaming around. It’s a little weird, a little wonderful, and 100% fun. During the holidays, downtown lights up for a Christmas Parade that might not be the biggest in the state, but sure knows how to spread cheer.
The population of Longwood sits at around 16,000, making it cozy enough to know your neighbors but big enough that you won’t feel like you’re living in everybody’s business. People here come from all walks of life—long-time Floridians, newcomers from up north escaping brutal winters, young families searching for top schools, and retirees who want a peaceful place to settle without drifting too far from city attractions.
And let’s not forget the community projects that keep things fresh. There’s an ongoing effort to revitalize Reiter Park, with new playgrounds and updated facilities for local events. You’ll also find volunteer programs that get locals out cleaning parks, planting trees, or organizing book drives for local libraries. That sense of togetherness is what makes Longwood more than just a suburban stop on the map.
In a nutshell, Longwood is that place you didn’t know you needed until you spend a weekend checking out its neighborhoods and chatting with its residents. It’s genuine, it’s welcoming, and it’s packed with the kind of charm that often gets lost in bigger cities. If you’re ready to make a move, Todd Schroth and his team have been at this for 20 years, selling over 2,000 homes. We know every nook and cranny of Central Florida, but Longwood holds a special place in our hearts—let us show you why.
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Todd Schroth has spent the last 20 years vested in the Orlando Real Estate market by helping others buy, sell, and invest while standing alongside the investing himself. Todd's passionate in serving the community, sharing knowledge he has during his real estate career, and providing the best experiences for everyone he has the opportunity to work with. His overall goal is to better serve and elevate real estate standards. He has found having a strong team made up of different strengths is the best way to provide top notch experiences.
Founder of Todd Schroth Home Selling Team brokered by eXp Realty, his team has sold over 2,000+ homes in the last 20 years and are committed to making every experience exceptional.
As a result of his extensive expertise and dedication to Real Estate, Todd has felt compelled to help other agents and brokers grow their business to the fullest potential. With that passion, he created Agents Who Win, a collaborative platform for agents all over the US to share their successes and learn and grow from one another. In just one year, this Private Group has grown to almost 1,000 members. Todd strives to believe “no one can have true success without strong support systems”. We’re looking forward to this group growing and hosting in-person events to continue our contribution to agents’ success.
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