Longwood is the perfect place for families and retirees alike. The City’s great schools, easy commuting to Orlando and the community’s rich history make it a highly desirable location.
The City is home to the oldest tree in Florida, The Senator, as well as Wekiva River Park and a downtown that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Longwood FL – A Great Place For Families and Retirees
What to Know About Longwood
The city of Longwood is located just north of Orlando and borders Winter Park, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, and Wekiva Springs. It’s part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
There’s so much to do and see in Longwood! From shopping in the Longwood Historic District to eating at one of the many restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
Longwood also has a great Farmers Market every Sunday, which features local food and products like fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, flowers, succulents, honey and more! There’s a lot of fun things to do outdoors too, including the Cross Seminole Biking/Walking Trail and Lake Concord Park.
The city’s library is a great place to stop by and browse or check out a book with your kids. They offer storytimes, chess and Lego clubs, and more. You can even find a cool indoor reading spot in the West Branch Library! Check out their calendar to see what’s happening.
Longwood’s History
Longwood is one of the oldest communities in Seminole County. The city takes its history seriously and has a very well-preserved Historic District that can be explored by taking the walking tour. It covers 190 acres and has 37 contributing historic structures. The tour can be completed in about an hour.
In the early 1800s, settlers arrived in what was later to become Longwood. Two men were responsible for the community’s development – Edward Warren Henck and John Neil Searcy. Henck chose the name “Longwood” and served as the first mayor of the town.
A number of people important to the community’s development are buried in Longwood Cemetery at the corner of Grant St and Rosedale Ave. This is a beautiful cemetery that has some older headstones dating back to the 19th century. Fred Niemeyer, who lived at this house in the 1920s, was a member of Longwood’s City Council and worked at Clouser’s store, where he also served as postmaster for about 19 years. The house is a typical two-story Bungalow that was popular in Florida between 1910 and 1930.
Longwood’s Attractions
Longwood has plenty to offer those who enjoy a fun day out with the family. Kids can explore the downtown district that is on the National Register of Historic Places and play in any number of local parks. They can also have a blast at Wekiva River Park which offers canoeing and kayaking, walking trails, workout equipment, fishing pier and more.
Those looking for something a bit more relaxing can take in the sights along the Cross Seminole Trail, which offers a variety of scenery that’s sure to please hikers and bikers alike. If a shopping spree is in order, the city has a plethora of retail and specialty shops that are unique to Longwood.
For example, Judy’s Dolls Shop is a great place for doll lovers of all ages to find the perfect accessory or souvenir to remember their trip to Longwood. Meanwhile, Best Used Books is an excellent spot to browse a large selection of gently-used print materials.
Longwood’s Schools
If you have school-age children, it’s important to consider the schools in the area where you want to live. Check out the Seminole County Public Schools system’s find my school page to see which schools a particular property is zoned for.
Many homes in Longwood are located within top-rated school districts. These schools have been rated by GreatSchools based on a variety of factors, including test scores, graduation rates, college readiness, and more.
Several private schools are also available in Longwood. These schools offer a more personalized education and are often religiously affiliated. They may charge tuition but can receive some public funding through grants and private contributions. One example is The Academy at Longwood. This school emphasizes character, innovation, creativity, and excellence. Their goal is to help each scholar discover their true potential. Students at this school have a high sense of pride in themselves and their achievements. They have an excellent teacher-student ratio and a challenging curriculum.