Hillcrest Heights, FL

Tucked along the eastern shore of Crooked Lake, Hillcrest Heights is a peaceful, scenic enclave in Polk County’s ridge country. Home to roughly 250 residents, the town began as a winter getaway in the early 1900s, when the historic Hillcrest Lodge drew notable visitors like Babe Ruth, Bobby Jones, and William Jennings Bryan. Today, the pristine lake remains the centerpiece of the community, setting a relaxed backdrop for residents who appreciate quiet neighborhoods and open water.

ATTRDanTD / CC BY-SA 4.0

Because of its small footprint, the town shares resources with surrounding communities. It sits right between Lake Wales and Frostproof, with neighboring Babson Park and Warner University just moments away. Local students generally attend Babson Park Elementary, Frostproof Middle-Senior High, or nearby Lake Wales charter schools. Nature enthusiasts also benefit from the protected Crooked Lake Prairie preserve nearby, offering hiking trails through native scrub habitat and adding to the area's relaxed, rural appeal.