Cleveland is a tranquil Old Florida community on the Peace River
The Charlotte County community of Cleveland offers a tranquil setting on the Peace River, where residents enjoy a laidback coastal lifestyle. A typical day can include fishing and kayaking the river, or boating to nearby Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf for more nautical adventures. Housing options are vast, ranging from manufactured homes to riverfront estates. And more than 4,000 residents enjoy appealing proximity to shopping, dining and well-rated schools. “It’s a beautiful area with a lot to offer for every price range,” says Bobbie Leahey of EXP Realty, who has sold several homes in the community. “You have more land compared to other neighborhoods in Charlotte County. You’re not too far out, but you’re still getting the Old Florida lifestyle.”
Riverfront homes stand out; manufactured homes offer 55-plus affordability
Large homes with private docks along the river stand out among the residential offerings. Some of the community’s newest homes grace the riverfront. Other new construction includes contemporary model homes with driveways and attached garages in planned HOA neighborhoods. Midcentury and ranch-style homes are prominent among the older, non-HOA housing stock. Manufactured homes, the most affordable option, are concentrated in amenities-filled, 55-plus communities. The median sales price is just under $300,000. Homeowners should be aware that the community faces a high risk of flooding and wind damage -- especially during hurricane season -- and insurance rates will reflect that.
The Peace River is an endless source of recreation
The river provides an array of activities for boaters, anglers and outdoors enthusiasts. There are public launches in the community at Darst Park and Riverfront Park. The river is at its widest along the community’s shores, as its brackish water prepares to flow into Charlotte Harbor in downtown Punta Gorda. The river winds its way north through more rural areas of the county and beyond. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is a community attraction. The 30-acre sanctuary features a boardwalk through natural habitats and a butterfly house. There are several parks along the downtown Punta Gorda waterfront. “We have a lot of events and festivals at Laishley Park, and on Saturdays, there’s a farmers market,” Leahey says.
Punta Gorda's downtown waterfront is filled with popular restaurants
Santa Lucia Pizzeria & Restaurant and Peace River Seafood are highlights of the dining options along Duncan Road within the community. Peace River Seafood also has an on-site market, and a Winn-Dixie provides a convenient grocery option. The downtown commercial district is the “heart and soul” of Punta Gorda. “There are a lot of mom-and-pop restaurants, which is nice, and a lot of family-owned businesses,” says Leahey, who lists Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante and Celtic Ray Public House as local favorites. Fishermen’s Village is a charming retail and dining center built around a public marina. “Downtown has everything, just not name brands,” Leahey says. Shopping centers line U.S. Highway 41, known locally as Tamiami Trail, on both sides of the river.
East Elementary is a community school rated B-plus by Niche
Students can attend a trio of schools in the Charlotte County School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche. East Elementary, located in the community, is rated B-plus. Older students can attend Punta Gorda Middle School and Charlotte High School, rated B and B-plus, respectively. The two schools are adjacent to one another about 10 minutes from the community. The high school will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Easy access to I-75, Tamiami Trail
The community borders Punta Gorda Airport. Duncan Road, also known as Florida State Highway 17, runs through Cleveland and connects to Interstate 75 and Tamiami Trail just outside of the community. Both regional roadways lead north across the river into Port Charlotte and south to Fort Myers, about 30 miles away. Advent Health Port Charlotte is about 10 miles away. The Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers is about a 40-mile drive.
The community’s CAP Index score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average.
Written By
Matt Pallister
