Welcome to Southwest Ranches
A rural hideaway just northwest of Downtown Miami
Just northwest of Miami lies Southwest Ranches, a suburban town on the edge of the Everglades. Luxury homes are constructed on stunning acreage, and the town offers a peaceful and quiet vibe outside of the hectic city.
The town, known today as Southwest Ranches, was originally part of Pembroke Pines. In 2000, it was incorporated as its own town to preserve its rural feel. The name was chosen to reflect the town’s location in the southwest of Broward County and the numerous ranches in the area.
While Southwest Ranches is a newer town, it’s quickly becoming a sought-after area for residents seeking privacy and tranquility. Southwest Ranches has a more rural feel than many parts of Miami-Dade County, so single-family homes on larger lots are much more prevalent. Sprawling mansions reaching well into the millions are common. There’s also the incredible Akai Estates, an exclusive gated luxury community.
What to Love
- Large yards and green space
- Equestrian lifestyle
- Privacy and peace
- Close to major cities
People & Lifestyle
Southwest Ranches is a suburban, semi-rural area with plenty of greenery and trails located close to the Everglades. With its laid-back vibe, Southwest Ranches provides the perfect respite for those who may be overwhelmed by bustling cities like Miami or Boca Raton.
Families love living in Southwest Ranches due to its privacy and availability of spectacular homes, many of which are located on over an acre of land. People who enjoy the equestrian lifestyle are also drawn to Southwest Ranches, where horse-related activities are abundant.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Southwest Ranches offers plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy nature while still residing close to major cities and beaches.
The area is home to top-notch equestrian facilities, including The British Barn, which offers riding lessons, horse boarding, and summer day camps, and Dagge Dressage, a facility with horse boarding and a dressage team. Many Southwest Ranches residents join The Club at Weston Hills, a family-oriented private club where members can golf, play tennis, and enjoy fine dining. For shopping, residents love the Waterway Shoppes at Weston.
Plenty of dining opportunities are available in Southwest Ranches, including Argentinian eatery Baires Grill and sushi hotspot Blue Ginger. Just a few minutes north, residents can enjoy Weston favorites like Acquolina and Tarantella Ristorante.
Things to Do
This semi-rural town with an equestrian focus is the perfect place to enjoy spending time outside with horses, whether you’re going on a trail ride or taking lessons for the first time!
Community engagement is important in Southwest Ranches, with residents and officials working together to make sure the town’s rural nature is preserved and enforced. This includes keeping the neighborhood from becoming overdeveloped. Residents can serve on one of the town’s advisory boards to get involved.
At the lushly-landscaped Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park, locals can bring their horse to a 10,400 square foot practice ring, walk their dog, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family. Miles of multi-use trails have been developed through Southwest Ranches, allowing residents to bike, walk, or ride their horses through town. Parks continue to be developed throughout the area.
Schools
Southwest Ranches is a part of the Broward County Public School System. Local children attend one of two elementary schools, one middle school, and graduate from West Broward High School. Top private educational opportunities include:
- American Heritage School: PK-12, private independent college preparatory school
- Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School: 9-12, private Catholic high school