Southwest Ranches, Florida

The Freedom of Wide-Open Living

Rooted in agriculture and ranching while paving a great path forward

With vast properties and dedication to its farming and ranching roots, Southwest Ranches is a rare gem in a region where suburban sprawl has primarily taken over. With its expansive open spaces and family-friendly atmosphere, this community offers a way of life that appeals to those seeking something more than the typical suburban experience.

Agricultural roots

Southwest Ranches was incorporated in 2000, but its 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 family-oriented activities to create more opportunities for residents to get involved.”

Unique infrastructure challenges

As a newer municipality, incorporated just over two decades ago, Southwest Ranches has had to catch up on infrastructure development, especially compared to its more established neighbors. “When we became a town, we were behind in many areas, particularly infrastructure,” Mayor Breitkreuz shares. “We were formed from what was left over after neighboring municipalities had taken their share, and the county didn’t plan us out.”

One of the town’s most significant challenges has been its drainage system or lack thereof. “Drainage is something we’ve had to focus on from the beginning because it’s so critical for our residents,” Mayor Breitkreuz says. “With climate change, it’s become even more important. But we’re ahead of the curve now—we’ve made significant improvements over the years.”

Another priority has been the town’s roads. “When we first took over from the county, there wasn’t a plan to maintain or improve the roads, and they were deteriorating,” Mayor Breitkreuz explains. “We developed a road repaving program about ten years ago to ensure all our roads are resurfaced on a 30-year cycle. We’ve budgeted for it yearly and are trying to get ahead of the curve.”

Looking to the future, the town’s most significant infrastructure project is constructing a new public safety building. “Right now, we contract with the neighboring town of Davie for our police and fire services, and they’ve been a great partner,” Muñiz says. “But we don’t have the infrastructure to house their personnel and equipment on the western side of town, so we’re building a firehouse and an emergency operations center. This is a big project for us, and we’re excited to see it move forward.”

Keeping taxes low

Southwest Ranches takes a unique approach to municipal operations by contracting out most of its services, which has helped keep taxes low. “We’re a contract town, which means we outsource many of the services that other towns handle in-house,” Mayor Breitkreuz explains. “Everything we do is competitively bid, so we avoid the bureaucracy that can drive up costs.”

This approach has paid off: Southwest Ranches now features the third-lowest millage rate in Broward County. “When we first formed, there were questions about whether we could even survive as a town,” Mayor Breitkreuz recalls. “But here we are, 24 years later, and we’ve kept our taxes low while still providing high-quality services.”

A part of the town’s strategy for financial stability involves developing light industrial zoning along its western edge, near US Highway 27. This corridor is particularly significant because it is a key artery between the Port of Miami and Central Florida. “That area is unsuitable for residential development,” Mayor Breitkreuz says. “Nobody wants to build a home right next to a highway with 18-wheelers going by all day.”

Instead, the town has zoned the area for light industrial use, mainly warehouses, which will provide a buffer between the highway and residential areas and serve as an economic boost due to the area’s strategic importance for freight and shipping.

The town is aiming to diversify its tax base through this development. “Right now, we rely heavily on residential property taxes, but adding these commercial developments can shift some of the tax burden onto businesses,” Muñiz explains. “It’s all about smart development in the right places, with minimal impact on residents.” The proximity to US Highway 27 and its critical role in connecting Miami to Central Florida makes this area especially attractive for businesses involved in freight and shipping, potentially bringing an economic stimulus to the town.

In line with this strategy, the town is also working on selling an extensive 24-acre property for light industrial development near the corridor. “If the sale goes through, we’ll be able to pay off all our debt, and we’ll be the only debt-free municipality in Broward County,” Mayor Breitkreuz shares. “That’s a huge goal for us, and we’re confident we’ll achieve it in the next year.”

Celebrating rural life

Despite these modern developments, Southwest Ranches remains firmly rooted in its agricultural and rural traditions, and the town hosts various events celebrating this heritage. “One of the events we’re proud of is the Fun Horse Show,” Mayor Breitkreuz shares. “It’s a fun, judged event that celebrates our equestrian roots, and it’s great to see the youth get involved.”

Another beloved event is the town’s annual chili cook-off, which draws residents from all corners of Southwest Ranches. “I’ve participated in the chili cook-off, though I haven’t won yet,” Mayor Breitkreuz says with a laugh. “But it’s all in good fun and a great way to unite the community.”

Southwest Ranches also hosts a famous farmer’s market, which has quickly grown into one of the largest in South Florida. “It started just a few years ago, but it’s taken off,” Mayor Breitkreuz shares. “It’s great because our residents can sell their eggs, honey, and even more unusual things like ostrich and emu eggs. The market showcases the creativity of our community.”

These events, car shows, barn dances, and even bingo nights, help foster a sense of community and celebrate the town’s rural identity. “We try to respect our agricultural roots while creating events that appeal to a wide range of residents,” Muñiz adds.

Rural meets modern

As Southwest Ranches continues to grow and evolve, the town’s leadership remains focused on preserving what makes it unique while adapting to the needs of a changing world. “Our challenge is to stay true to who we are while recognizing that the world around us is changing,” Mayor Breitkreuz shares. “We can’t ignore things like fiber internet and underground power, even though they don’t sound very rural.”

“There are always pressures to develop more, to become like the suburban areas around us,” Mayor Breitkreuz says. “But we know who we are, and we’re working hard to maintain that identity while still moving forward.”

For those who call it home, it’s a place to enjoy the best of both worlds—modern amenities set against a backdrop of open spaces and agricultural roots. “We’re proud of what we’ve built here,” Mayor Breitkreuz shares. “And we’re excited for what the future holds.”

AT A GLANCE

Southwest Ranches, Florida

What: A rural residential town in Broward County, Florida, known for its large lots, equestrian-friendly lifestyle, and commitment to preserving a country-like atmosphere.

Where: Located in Broward County, Florida, just northwest of Miami, between Weston and Pembroke Pines.

Website: https://www.southwestranches.org/