The Springs is one of the oldest planned communities in Seminole County - dating back to 1971 - and it's built around something even the best neighborhoods in Longwood can only wish they had: one of the state's largest natural springs. Originally called Shepherd's Spring, then renamed Starbuck Spring, this spring feeds a swimming lagoon that sits at the center of everything here.

The community runs under the slogan "At Home With Nature," and that's not marketing fluff - it's a literal description of how the neighborhood is designed. You've got a private, gated environment that somehow also puts you close to major Central Florida highways. Before you write an offer, you'll want a clear picture of what homes actually cost here, what the HOA is managing on your behalf, and what the surrounding area looks like day to day.

Real Estate Pricing and Property Styles

The broader Longwood market is sitting at a median sale price of roughly $385,000, with homes moving in about 27 days. The Springs runs higher than that citywide number. Recent data puts the average selling price around $460,000, while some local estimates place the neighborhood's median closer to $543,000.

The range inside the gates is wide. Smaller homes start in the mid-$300,000s, and larger or updated properties on premium lots can push past $1 million. Where a home sits within the community and how it's been maintained matters a lot to that final number.

Community Amenities and the HOA

The Springs Community Homeowners Association manages a long list of shared facilities, and the centerpiece is the spring-fed swimming lagoon paired with a separate community pool that includes men's and women's spas. Beyond the water amenities, there's a fitness center, walking and hiking trails, a playground, and a park.

The recreational infrastructure goes further than most communities this size. Residents have access to tennis and pickleball courts, basketball and racquetball facilities, and a community boat ramp. The HOA also oversees horse stables with eight turn-out pastures and a riding ring. And the whole community sits behind a main gate with 24/7 staffed security - not a keypad, actual staffed security.

Getting Around and Everyday Errands

There's an Interstate 4 access ramp just outside the community entrance, which puts downtown Orlando about 20 minutes away under normal traffic conditions. State Road 434 runs directly past the area as well, making it one of the more accessible gated communities you'll find in this part of Seminole County.

For day-to-day errands, you won't need to go far. Commercial plazas line the perimeter of the neighborhood, so groceries and meals are close.

Local Dining and Shopping Options

State Road 434 and Wekiva Springs Road are the main commercial corridors here. You'll find a mix of restaurants, grocery stores, and service businesses along both roads - nothing exotic, but everything practical within a few minutes of the gate.

The community itself stays entirely residential. That's intentional. The trade-off is that the suburban convenience sits just outside rather than inside, which most residents here seem to prefer.

Weather, Healthcare, and Education

Longwood has a subtropical climate - hot and humid summers averaging around 88 degrees, mild winters averaging around 66 degrees, and about 52 to 53 inches of rainfall per year. You get roughly 238 sunny days annually and no snow. If you're relocating from somewhere with real winters, the humidity in August will take some adjustment.

The neighborhood is within a short drive of several major medical networks and school campuses. Before you close, you'll want to confirm which specific facilities and districts actually serve your address.

Nearby Medical Centers

The closest facility is Orlando Health South Seminole, at 555 W State Road 434 in Longwood - but it's worth knowing that the original hospital at that address closed in January 2025 and was replaced by a freestanding emergency department. For full-service inpatient care, Lake Mary Hospital now serves as the primary replacement. Other options in the area include AdventHealth Altamonte Springs on East Altamonte Drive and HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital over in Sanford.

School District Assignments

Public school students here are served by Seminole County Public Schools. The closest public campuses to The Springs are Sabal Point Elementary, Forest City Elementary, Rock Lake Middle School, and Lake Brantley High School.

On the private side, nearby options include Annunciation Catholic Academy, Sweetwater Episcopal Academy, and Forest Lake Academy. Attendance boundaries can shift, so verify your specific address directly with the district before you close - don't rely on what a neighbor tells you.

How to Buy a Home in The Springs

Inventory in Longwood is sitting at roughly 45 available homes, which represents about 2.7 months of supply. Homes are selling in just under a month on average, so when something inside The Springs hits the market and it's the right fit, you don't have a lot of time to think it over.

About 20% of homes in the broader Longwood market are selling above list price, and the average sale-to-list ratio is nearly 99%. The Springs has its own pricing history and distinct HOA guidelines - the kind of details that matter when you're writing an offer - so working with someone who actually knows the neighborhood bylaws and has watched transactions close here is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are the HOA fees for The Springs in Longwood, and what amenities do they cover?

Specific fee amounts vary by property type, but they fund the spring-fed swimming lagoon, community pool, horse stables, tennis and pickleball courts, and the 24/7 staffed security gate, among other shared facilities.

Is the natural swimming spring inside The Springs community open to the public, or is it strictly for residents and their guests?

It's restricted to residents and their guests. The 24/7 staffed gate at the main entrance enforces that access.

What do new buyers need to know about the active bear population and wildlife rules in The Springs?

The community is built around a large natural spring and operates under the slogan "At Home With Nature." For specific wildlife guidelines and rules around outdoor trash storage, contact the Homeowners Association directly.

Are there long-term rental restrictions or Airbnb rules for homeowners buying property in The Springs?

The community has been managed by a formal Homeowners Association since 1971. Before you buy with any intent to rent, read the current HOA bylaws carefully - they govern all leasing terms and short-term rental policies.

Do homes in The Springs typically require flood insurance due to their proximity to the natural waterways and Wekiva River basin?

Water is a central part of this landscape - Starbuck Spring, the swimming lagoon, the community boat ramp. Every property will have its own flood zone designation. Check the specific zone for any home you're considering and talk to your insurance provider before you assume a flood policy isn't required.

What is the difference in exterior maintenance responsibilities between the townhouses and single-family homes in The Springs?

It depends on the specific property type and where it sits within the community. Request a copy of The Springs Community Homeowners Association documents - those will spell out exactly what the HOA covers versus what falls on the individual owner.