Is Longwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Longwood

Longwood, Florida, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant Orlando metropolitan area. This Seminole County city is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, good schools, and a growing job market, making it an attractive place for both residents and businesses. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with proximity to natural attractions and major thoroughfares, facilitating easy commutes and access to diverse recreational opportunities.

As a part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, Longwood benefits from the economic dynamism of the larger region while maintaining its own distinct community character. The city’s strategic location, combined with its commitment to enhancing its downtown historic district and expanding its borders, has contributed to its steady growth and appeal.

Is it Safe to Live in Longwood?

Longwood presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than both national and state averages. The city reports a total crime rate that is 24% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This includes a violent crime rate that is 32.4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

In terms of property crime, Longwood also fares well, with a rate that is 22.5% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). During the most recently reported crime year, Longwood registered zero reported homicides (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics suggest a community where residents can feel secure, with a lower likelihood of falling victim to criminal activity compared to many other areas.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Longwood offers a range of options, with a median home value of $455,599 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a slight decrease of 2.2% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Homes in Longwood tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 22 days to pending status (as reported by Zillow).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Longwood is approximately $2,105 per month (as reported by Zillow). This reflects a modest increase of $88 over the last year (as reported by Zillow). The cost of living in Longwood is notably lower than the national average, coming in at 12% less (as reported by Payscale). This is largely driven by housing expenses, which are about 38% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Home Prices and Rental Costs

The median sale price of a home in Longwood was $350,000 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 4.9% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price currently stands at $468,900 (as reported by realtor.com®). This indicates a dynamic market where prices can fluctuate, offering potential opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Rental prices in Longwood show some variation, with an average rent of $1,657 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure is 1% higher than the national average rent price (as reported by Apartments.com). Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,657 per month, while a two-bedroom unit can be expected to rent for approximately $2,043 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Overall Cost of Living

Longwood’s cost of living is approximately 12% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability is a significant draw for residents, particularly when considering housing expenses, which are substantially lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are also slightly lower than the national average, by about 4% (as reported by Payscale).

While grocery prices in Longwood are about 5% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), this is offset by savings in other essential categories. Healthcare costs are also lower, coming in at 18% below the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses are also reduced, with costs for items like gas and bus fares being 4% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Longwood boasts a robust economy with a variety of major employers contributing to its job market. Key employers in the city include South Seminole Hospital, a part of the Orlando Health system, as well as UPS, FedEx, Collis Roofing, Comprehensive Energy Services, and Pemberton Attachments (as reported by Longwood, FL). These companies represent diverse sectors, from healthcare and logistics to construction and manufacturing.

The average household income in Longwood is around $77,347 (as reported by Longwood, FL), with a poverty rate of 10.35% (as reported by Longwood, FL). The average annual salary in Longwood is approximately $42,146, which breaks down to about $20.26 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This salary range offers a general benchmark for individuals seeking employment in the area.

Major Employers and Industries

Seminole County Schools is a significant employer in the Longwood area, with a large workforce (as reported by Longwood, FL). Other prominent employers include S.I. Goldman, a mechanical contractor, and the City of Longwood itself (as reported by Longwood, FL). Longwood Health and Rehabilitation Center also plays a role in the local employment landscape (as reported by Longwood, FL).

The presence of these diverse employers indicates a stable job market that supports a range of professional and vocational roles. The city’s economy is further bolstered by its proximity to Orlando’s larger economic hub, providing residents with access to a wider array of employment opportunities in sectors like technology, tourism, and advanced manufacturing.

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Longwood is reported to be $42,146, with most salaries falling between $30,500 and $51,516 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This range reflects the varying compensation across different professions and experience levels within the city. The top 10% of employees in Longwood earn more than $60,000 annually (as reported by 6figr.com).

While specific unemployment rate data for Longwood is not readily available, the broader Seminole County generally experiences low unemployment rates, aligning with state and national trends. The city’s growing business core and the presence of major employers suggest a healthy employment environment.

Climate and Weather

Longwood, Florida, experiences a warm subtropical climate characterized by long, hot, and humid summers and short, mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from 51°F to 91°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 38°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This climate is conducive to outdoor activities for a significant portion of the year.

The hot season lasts for about 4.3 months, from mid-May to late September, with average daily high temperatures above 86°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 90°F and lows near 75°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The cool season is shorter, from early December to late February, with average daily highs below 74°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 51°F and highs near 70°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Temperatures and Rainfall

Average temperatures in Longwood hover around a high of 88°F and a low of 66°F annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest months are July and August, with average highs in the low 90s°F. The coolest months are December and January, with average highs in the low 70s°F and lows in the low 50s°F.

Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 53 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June typically sees the most rainfall, averaging about 5.6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), while November is the driest month, with an average of 1.9 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The summer months, from June to October, can be quite humid, with dew points reaching muggy levels (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

Longwood is served by the Seminole County School System, which is highly regarded, ranking 5th out of 68 districts in Florida and first in the greater Orlando area (as reported by Longwood, FL). Lyman High School in Longwood is particularly recognized for its technical and pre-engineering curriculum, earning accolades as one of the best in the state (as reported by Longwood, FL).

The city has a population of approximately 16,337 residents, with a median age of 41 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The demographic makeup is diverse, with Caucasians forming the largest racial group at 63.4%, followed by Hispanic residents at 29% (as reported by World Population Review). The population is also characterized by a significant proportion of adults in the 25-64 age range, indicating a working-age population.

School Ratings and Quality

The Seminole County School System, which serves Longwood, is consistently ranked among the top in Florida (as reported by Longwood, FL). Longwood Elementary School, for instance, receives an overall Niche grade of B+, indicating it is an above-average public school (as reported by Niche). Its teachers are also highly rated within the state and the Orlando area (as reported by Niche).

The student-teacher ratio at Longwood Elementary is 15 to 1, and state test scores show that 57% of students are proficient in math and 59% in reading (as reported by Niche). This focus on educational quality contributes significantly to Longwood’s appeal as a place to raise a family.

Population and Diversity

Longwood’s population is estimated to be around 16,337, with a projected increase to 16,953 by 2026 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The city has experienced a population increase of 9.4% from 2019 to 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The median age is 40.7 years (as reported by World Population Review).

Racial demographics show White individuals making up 56.8% of the population, followed by Hispanic individuals at 29%, and those of two or more races at 5.6% (as reported by World Population Review). The gender distribution is nearly even, with 47.3% males and 52.7% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population is composed of approximately 6,465 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes).