Southwest Ranches, Florida
Southwest Ranches
Broward's estate town — one-acre minimums, horses, privacy and some of the region's largest homes.
- ZIPs 33330–33332
- One-acre minimum lots
- Equestrian & agricultural zoning
- Minutes to I-75 at Griffin and Sheridan
By Ana Lopez, REALTOR® · Updated September 2, 2026
Quick answer
Southwest Ranches is a rural-residential town of roughly 7,500 residents wedged between Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Davie and Weston (ZIP codes 33330–33332). Incorporated in 2000 specifically to preserve its rural character, it enforces one-acre-minimum lots, allows horses and agricultural uses, and has no sidewalks, streetlights or commercial sprawl to speak of. The result is a market of estate homes — from 1970s ranches on acreage to new 6,000-square-foot builds — that Ana Lopez shows to buyers who want land and privacy fifteen minutes from Pembroke Pines.
What the town protects
Southwest Ranches exists to stay rural. Its neighborhoods — Sunshine Ranches, Rolling Oaks, Green Meadows, Ivanhoe, Landmark Ranch Estates and Chambers Estates — are laid out on one- to five-acre parcels along canals and equestrian trails, with barns, paddocks and long private drives as common as pools. Some sections have gated entries and homeowners associations; many have none. Commercial uses are minimal by design, so residents shop in Pembroke Pines, Davie or Weston.
Homes, land and due diligence
The housing stock ranges from original 1970s–80s ranch homes on acreage to new-construction estates of 5,000–8,000 square feet with guest houses and outbuildings. Because most properties are on wells and septic systems, buyers need water quality tests, septic inspections and a clear understanding of drainage and flood zone — the town sits low and west. Ana also verifies permits for barns, guest quarters and accessory structures, and confirms any equestrian or agricultural exemptions in place.
Schools and commute
Broward County Public Schools serve the town (zoning by address; confirm for each parcel), and many families also consider the private and charter options in neighboring cities. Griffin Road, Sheridan Street and Stirling Road connect to I-75 within minutes, so downtown Fort Lauderdale is roughly 30 minutes and Miami International Airport about 40 outside peak hours — rural living without a rural commute.
Who tends to choose Southwest Ranches
Buyers who want acreage, horses or room for a car collection and a workshop; multi-generational households looking for guest houses; and move-up sellers from Weston, Cooper City or western Pembroke Pines who are ready for land. Sellers benefit from scarce inventory, but pricing an estate correctly requires comparing land, improvements and outbuildings separately.
Thinking about Southwest Ranches?
Ana can walk you through current inventory, pricing trends and the trade-offs between neighboring communities.
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See all homes in Southwest RanchesFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum lot size in Southwest Ranches?
One acre in most of the town, with larger minimums in some districts — the rule that keeps the town rural. Ana confirms zoning for any specific parcel.
Can I have horses and a barn?
Yes, equestrian and agricultural uses are permitted in most districts, subject to setbacks and permits. Existing barns and accessory structures should have permits on file.
Is the town on city water and sewer?
Mostly no — wells and septic systems are the norm, so water testing and septic inspection are standard parts of Ana's contract period.
How much do Southwest Ranches homes cost?
The town is one of Broward's higher-priced markets because of lot sizes; estate homes range widely with acreage, home size and outbuildings. Live figures appear in the market snapshot above.
By Ana Lopez, REALTOR® · Updated September 2, 2026