Playland Estates - Hollywood, FL

Playland Estates was built as an upscale outgrowth of Hollywood. A planned neighborhood, just like Hollywood itself, Playland has longtime residents who have been in their homes for their entire lives.

Although there are no museums to speak of in the Playland Estates area, the Seminole Tribe does have several educational facilities nearby. These also offer souvenirs and interesting art items as well as garments at some locations.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida hosts numerous annual cultural events. The annual Tribal Fair in February has live music with Native American dancing and competition, a drum circle, wildlife show, Seminole clothing contest and more.

Several chain restaurants line Sheridan Street, but you can find a real gem in SiamRice Thai & Tapas restaurant in the plaza behind them. Start with an appetizer, such as grapefruit with shrimp salad, and enjoy green curry as your entrée. Follow it with the amazingly scrumptious Thai donuts to enjoy a dessert fit for the gods.

If you enjoy the intense flavor of Cuban cuisine, visit the Black Beans Cafe on State Road 7. Sip on piping hot Cuban coffee while you peruse the reasonably priced menu options. The friendly staff and inviting dining room make this cafe a great place to dine with family and friends, or a spot to stop for lunch during your busy day. Try the lunch special if you aren't sure what to order; you won't be disappointed.

Sushi lovers usually gather at Kuro on Seminole Way. This sushi bar presents many options; sea bass and tuna crispy rice are local favorites. The elegant dining room and variety of options make Kuro a highly recommended restaurant in the area.

Those who live in Playland Estates find all the action and nightlife at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Big-name concerts, restaurants and high-end upscale boutiques are all in one convenient location at the busy and exciting Hard Rock. Choose from more than half a dozen bars, including the Improv Comedy Club and Wet Willie's.

Broward County Transit buses run frequently on both Sheridan Street and State Road 7, and a Tri-Rail station about a mile east on Sheridan Street near Interstate 95 also provides a major connection out of the neighborhood. It’s pretty easy to catch a cab from the Hard Rock, but otherwise you’d better call one, or keep Uber in your phone.

Residents of Playland Estates take advantage of free parking throughout the community, including in front of their homes. You can reach Interstate 95 easily via Sheridan Street on the south end of the neighborhood, with Florida’s turnpike also nearby.

This fun and friendly tropical neighborhood provides a safe and comfortable place to take your baby out in the stroller, walk your dog or ride a bicycle. Jogging and skateboarding are also popular among residents.

John Williams Park provides playground equipment for the kiddies. Bring Fido to enjoy the spacious, fenced-in dog park area while you enjoy the picnic pavilions, picnic tables and benches, and an instructional pavilion. The Sheridan Oak Forest within this park has a nature path with explanatory signs describing flora along the walk.

Northeast of Playland Estates, you'll find the Oak Lake Park Community Center, a 10,195 square foot facility with a large multi-purpose room, three meeting rooms, a reception area and a warming kitchen, as well as an amphitheater, skate park and playground. Hollywood West Athletic complex and concession stand share a parking lot. In spring, don’t miss the annual Marshmallow Drop and Spring Eggstravaganza held here. Parks, free on most weekdays, charge a small fee for weekend or holiday entry.

The cost of living in Playland Estates runs about the same as the rest of this part of South Florida, and compares favorably with the price of living in nearby Miami or Fort Lauderdale. You can get to downtown Hollywood and back on the bus for about $5, and taking the Tri-Rail north or south to the larger cities costs about the same.

A one-bedroom residence run you about $1,005 per month here. A beer will set you back an average of $5 a pint, but you can find some great drink deals at the casino or bingo hall. Gas prices in this neighborhood sit right at the national average.

Most of the high-end shopping is in the Hard Rock, which features more than a dozen exclusive boutiques. Visit Shoooz for the latest shoes, handbags and accessories from top designers, especially when you're ready to go clubbing. Brats sells children’s clothing store with an attitude. Bijoux Terner is the place to go for unexpected discoveries when you’re looking for branded luxury at a price that won’t break the bank.

Sheridan Plaza’s huge Publix store includes a small café, and Sedano’s supermarket is nearby for all of your traditional Hispanic food needs. There are no nearby farmer’s markets, but the Yellow Green farmers market is only a few miles away, featuring exotic foods, books, baked goods and live music.

Up 441 near the Hard Rock, the family-owned and operated Delaware Chicken Farm and Seafood Market has remained a South Florida favorite for over half a century. The market does catering and yacht provisioning and has game meats of various sorts available. Weekly specials are posted online and in the store for your shopping pleasure.