DEMOGRAPHICS

Longwood is located in Seminole County and holds the distinction of being the smallest town in land area with 5.6 square miles and the second smallest population. Longwood is only 15 miles from Orlando making it another of the metro area’s desirable communities.

SCHOOLS

Known for their outstanding Schools, people often seek residence in Longwood just for this reason. Every school within the District offers art, music, physical education, and technology instruction and the elementary schools offer morning and/or after school child care programs, as well as full-day child care on Student Non-Attendance days and during the summer.

Elementary Schools (Public)

· Longwood Elementary School

· Woodlands Elementary School

· Highlands Elementary School

· Altamonte Elementary School

Middle Schools (Public)

· Greenwood Lakes Middle School

· Markham Woods Middle School

· Milwee Middle School

· Rock Lake Middle School

High Schools (Public)

· Lyman High School

· Lake Mary High School

· Winter Springs High School

GOVERNMENT

The Commission-Administrator form is Longwood’s system of government. A five-member commission is elected at-large in non-partisan elections for a term of two years. Commission- members are the leaders and policy makers elected to represent various segments of the community and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. The Administrator is appointed by the Mayor and Commission to carry out policy and ensure that the entire community is being served. The Mayor and Commission are the legislative body; The Mayor and Commission approves the budget and determines the tax rate, focus on the community's goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement plans, capital financing, and strategic planning. The Mayor and Commission hire a professional administrator to carry out the administrative responsibilities and supervise the administrator's performance.

HISTORY

Longwood has been a destination point for Florida travelers since coastal tribes used an ancient bald cypress named the Senator to find their way over land from the St. Johns River to trading grounds at Spring Hammock. The Senator, at more than 3000 years old, is easily Central Florida’s oldest tourist attraction and can still be seen today at Big Tree Park in Seminole County’s Spring Hammock Preserve near Longwood.

 Longwood shares its frontier beginnings with the early development that began after the Second Seminole War . Settlers began arriving in the area during the late 1850’s and early 1860’s with the earliest settlers arriving in the early 1870s. John Neill Searcy came from Tennessee in March of 1873, and Edward Warren Henck arrived from Boston in November of the same year; both by steamboat. They were granted homesteads and soon a small community developed. The South Florida Railroad began construction in the fall of 1879, with regular rail service starting at the end of 1880.

 The Great Freeze of December 1894 and January 1895 had a devastating impact on the citrus industry and caused many of the grove owners to relocate.  In the 1920’s Longwood began to grow again until the Great Depression. Growth boomed again in the 1960’s and 70’s fueled by the space industry and the Disney development when Longwood developed into a residential community.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Longwood is another of the Orlando Metro’s gems offering it’s residents a high quality of living. Longwood retains a small town atmosphere while being a larger metropolitan area. There are many cultural attractions such as the Seminole Cultural Arts Council and the Central Florida Performing Arts Alliance. For those seeking recreational activities, the city offers events year around. Two annual festivals, the Harvest Moon Ball for Seniors and the Annual Fall Festival are big attractions. There are also numerous parks located throughout the city to be enjoyed by all citizens. These parks offer tennis, fishing, playgrounds, basketball, and other sports activities.

REAL ESTATE

Longwood real estate is some of the most sought after in Central Florida with a thriving real estate market. There are a number of Gated and Golf Communities available as well as family neighborhoods. The average home price is $275,000.