Is Longwood safe?
Sanford, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Longwood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Longwood
“Go. Longwood is a safe, quiet, and established suburban community in Seminole County with violent crime rates significantly below both state and national averages. While largely car-dependent outside of its historic core and SunRail station, visitors will find a peaceful atmosphere with family-friendly parks and dining options.”
About the area
Located just south of Sanford in Central Florida, Longwood is characterized by mature tree canopies, historic homes, and sprawling suburban developments. It balances small-town historic charm around the district near Ronald Reagan Boulevard with major commercial corridors along State Road 434.
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban / Peaceful
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Longwood
Walk score: 41/100 · Bike score: 48/100
While commercial corridors lack dedicated bike lanes, the area connects toward the Seminole Wekiva Trail and local paved multi-use paths for recreational riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates trend far below the national and Florida medians
- High homeownership rate (over 70%) and strong median household incomes exceeding $80,000
- Direct SunRail commuter rail access connecting to Downtown Orlando and Sanford
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent layout outside the compact historic district
- High-speed traffic corridors along US Highway 17-92 and SR 434 pose pedestrian risks
- Suburban property crime like opportunistic vehicle break-ins occasionally occur in retail plazas
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal, with occasional individuals noticed near major intersections along US Highway 17-92 or SR 434, but encampments are not prevalent.
What Longwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with morning commuters and neighborhood joggers; very safe everywhere.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active along commercial arteries and strip malls with minimal safety concerns beyond road traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential streets and relaxed dining hubs make for a safe and low-stress evening out.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Suburban streets are quiet and dark; remains safe, though commercial strips are mostly deserted.
Transit, parking and getting around
Longwood is served by the LYNX bus network (notably Routes 103 and 434) and has its own SunRail commuter rail station located along Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
Parking is abundant and universally free across public lots, commercial plazas, and near the Longwood SunRail station park-and-ride lot.
Things to do in Longwood
- Stroll through the Longwood Historic District to see turn-of-the-century architecture and the historic Bradlee-McIntyre House
- Explore nature trails, boardwalks, and recreation fields at Candyland Park
- Catch the SunRail train for a day trip or dinner excursion along the Central Florida rail corridor
Local favorites
- Enzo's on the Lake · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1650)Fine Italian dining set in a romantic waterfront villa overlooking Lake Fairy.
- The Back Porch · Seafood & American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1820)Longstanding local favorite known for charcoal-grilled seafood and steaks in a rustic setting.
- Hourglass Brewing · Brewery · 4.7★ (1280)Spacious taproom and independent craft brewery serving an extensive selection of inventive ales and sours.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.