A drive down the palm tree-lined Cleveland Heights Boulevard might feel like you were transported onto a glamorous film set, but you’re actually in one of Lakeland’s oldest areas. With plenty of outdoor fun, a friendly community, and new businesses galore, there’s something for everyone to explore in this neighborhood.
Need to know
Cleveland Heights is home to both modest houses and larger properties, making it the perfect place to start out or the site of your dream home. Locals say it’s friendly for kids, dogs, walkers, and those who get into the holiday spirit each winter. It’s also centrally located in Lakeland, making it easy to travel to your favorite places around town.
The neighborhood grew again with real estate booms of the 1950s and 1980s.
Image via Florida Memory
The early days
While homes already existed around the area by 1901, it wasn’t until 1923 that real estate developer H.A. Stahl bought 560 acres and officially turned it into the Cleveland Heights neighborhood, named after his Ohio home. (The price tag for an entire neighborhood back then? Just $1 million.)
In 1925, Cleveland Heights’ first plat was filed with the city, and homes + schools began to quickly crop up — until development dramatically slowed. With less students in the neighborhood, the Cleveland Court School became the site of a Works Progress Administration training facility in the 1930s. There, workers assembled boats for World War II there, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Can’t miss
The neighborhood is bordered by the Cleveland Heights Golf Course on the east that was originally planned by Stahl and opened in 1925. Today, it offers 27 holes and, since it’s now owned by the City of Lakeland, they’re open to the public.
Take your pup this park for views of Cleveland Heights Golf Course.
Photo via City of Lakeland
Outdoors
The golf course isn’t the only way to get outside here. Get some vitamin D at these spots, many of which are within walking distance of each other.
- Lace up your sneakers for a walk or run down the Three Parks Trail. You’re sure to get your steps in on this 3.6-mile path that connects Peterson Park, Woodlake Park, and Publix Charities Park — plus, crews began construction on the trail in 2024 to make it even longer.
- Bring Rover with you to Dog Leg Woods, a dog park adjacent to the golf course. It’s open from dawn to dusk so you and your pups can play together.
- Head south to Peterson Park, one of our favorite places to relax and reconnect with nature. The park offers green spaces, walking trails, sports fields, and a rentable pavilion for outdoor events.
Eat + drink
There’s a restaurant for every palate down Cleveland Heights Boulevard. Pull up a seat at these casual, family-friendly eateries.
- Antojitos Navideños serves up Puerto Rican dishes from sandwiches to loaded platters. Also, did someone say all-day breakfast?
- Keep driving south to Hallam Plaza, where you’ll find Tea Largo. Stop in for a boba tea or acai bowl in an artsy setting that transports you right to the beach.
- In that same plaza is Zarza Latin Food & Grill. Visit this spot for freshly grilled chicken, steak, and seafood, plus dishes like fried rice + stir fry.
- Not a golfer? You can still hit the Cleveland Heights Golf Course clubhouse for a meal at 1916 Irish Pub overlooking the greens. Keep it traditional with shepherd’s pie, grab a Kobe beef burger, or share an order of Irish nachos.
Painting pottery or making mosaics? You choose at Picassoz.
Photo via @picassoz
Things to do
Find community while you explore these spots, from fitness studios to an art studio.
- Book a spin class at CYCLEdelic for a workout that’s both challenging and fun. Hop on a stationary bike for a Jive Ride or a Hip Trip in a welcoming, supportive environment.
- Get your creative juices flowing with a visit to Picassoz. Head up to the art loft above Tea Largo to create a mosaic, craft with clay, or paint a piece of pottery you’ll get to take home.
- Keep exercise exciting with a membership to the Lakeland Family YMCA. This facility offers youth sports, group fitness classes, and aquatics. Plus, it’s undergoing a major renovation that will add even more workout space soon.
- Got a gamer in your life? Take them to Cyber Sage Video Games where they can shop for new + used games — you can even introduce them to some of your own favorites from back in the day.
What’s new
Even if you’ve visited Cleveland Heights, there’s plenty to rediscover on another trip. Don’t miss these newly opened businesses all located next to each other in the Shoppes at Hallam Plaza.
- Start with a honey bear latte from Pour Bear Coffee, where you’ll find mid-century design in a cozy setting.
- Next door, venture into Makeup A Murder, a crime-inspired beauty store with products like “Kiss of Death” lip oils + “Forensic” eyeliners.
- When hunger strikes, Sabrina’s Delicacies has you covered with sandwiches, grab and go charcuterie boxes, and an Instagram-worthy vibe.
Where to live
If you’re sold + looking to buy a home in the area, here are some housing options currently on the market:
- 3203 S. Polk Ave. | 4 BD, 3 BA | $584,900 | This open-concept home with contemporary finishes offers a great room upstairs with additional living space.
- 615 Carleton St. | 3 BD, 1 BA | $340,000 | If being within walking distance to the golf course is top of mind, check out this home with a screened-in pool.
- 835 Heathercrest | 3 BD, 3 BA | $740,000 | This 3,546-sqft home has space to spare, along with two wood-burning fireplaces for cozy nights in.
