history stretches back much further, rooted in agriculture and ranching. “Our smallest zoning area is one acre, and we’re very protective of that,” Mayor Steve Breitkreuz shares.“Some properties are grandfathered in and are smaller, but by and large, we are committed to keeping the size of properties large to maintain that rural feel.” For many residents, this is what makes Southwest Ranches special. The town is known for its ‘hobby farms,’ where people grow produce, raise chickens, and live with animals. “We still have active small ranches, and many residents do their farming,” Mayor Breitkreuz explains. “You’ll see eggs for sale and other local products—there’s a real mix of lifestyles here, which adds to the community’s charm.” But not everyone is moving in for the agricultural lifestyle. According to Mayor Breitkreuz, many new residents are drawn to the large properties but aren’t necessarily interested in farming.“We’re seeing a lot of new residents who want space for a luxurious home, not necessarily for the rural look,” he says.“Still, after living here for a while, they often appreciate the openness and the community feel. It’s a great environment to raise a family.” A HAVEN FOR FAMILIES The town’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly community is a major draw.“We’ve seen a significant increase in young families moving in over the past five to ten years,” Mayor Breitkreuz notes.“They might not be farmers, but they love having room to breathe, space for their kids to play, and maybe even a horse or two.” Schools also play a significant role in attracting families to the area.“Most of our town attends West Broward High School, which is highly rated,” Mayor Breitkreuz shares.“The feeder middle and elementary schools are also great, so education is a factor.” In addition, the town is home to Archbishop McCarthy High School, a private school known for its academics and athletics.“It’s one of the preeminent schools in the area,” adds Russell Muñiz, Town Administrator, “and a big draw for families moving into town.” In response to the influx of families, the town has also begun to develop more recreational programs. “We’ve started some sports programs for our youngest ranchers,” Mayor Breitkreuz says. “This summer, we had a program for younger kids, and we’re launching more activities for children between the ages of five and fifteen this fall. We’re building these familyoriented activities to create more opportunities for residents to get involved.” 301 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SOUTHWEST RANCHES, FL
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