Guide to Southwest Ranches
Top Guide to Southwest Ranches
History, food, things to do, schools, community, and real estate in Southwest Ranches
When you hear the name Southwest Ranches, you first think of cowboys. You imagine a town out in the wild west, built on cattle ranching and grit. And while this scenario would make for a great Clint Eastwood movie, it's not the case with Southwest Ranches.
Southwest Ranches is a lovely, rural town located in Broward County. And when I say rural, I mean rural. Residents in Southwest Ranches have the benefits of owning horses and even chickens. Plus, there are multiple farms close by—imagine having fresh produce year-round.
After you take a drive through the town and see its picturesque pastures, you’ll find it hard to believe that Southwest Ranches with its quaint countryside ambiance and slow pace of life is only 35 miles from the party capital of the United States, South Beach. Living in Southwest Ranches offers you an escape from the noise and traffic of city life. However, it’s not so far away that you couldn’t go out for a night on the town or visit some of the trendiest restaurants in the country. And, it’s only 15 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and 30 minutes away from the Miami International Airport, making international travel a breeze.
Today, over 7,000 people call Southwest Ranches home, and with the median age at 37.8, Southwest Ranches is a great place for families. It has a variety of homes in every price range. Plus, it’s a safe place to raise your kids. And while the town may not be known for its schools, its neighboring cities have a number of nationally recognized schools. So, finding a good school for your child to go to is no problem if you want to live in Southwest Ranches.
If you’re thinking of moving to Southwest Ranches, you should know that it’s a tight-knit community with traditional values. Southwest Ranches distinguishes itself from the rest of South Florida through its efforts to preserve its rural lifestyle. The town was actually formed in order to stop invading developments. Residents didn’t want their slice of paradise to be paved over and transformed into strip malls, so the town was created.
Living in Southwest Ranches is a unique experience that’s different from any other town or city in South Florida. With a variety of parks, recreational spaces, and a down-home feel, Southwest Ranches is the place to live if you truly want to live in a community that cares, a community where your neighbors have your back. Contact the best Southwest Ranches realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty if you want to find your community and move to Southwest Ranches.
History of Southwest Ranches
Southwest Ranches, it’s not all cowboys and whiskey
Like so many other cities and towns in Broward County, Southwest Ranches started out as an unincorporated community, a former tract of undeveloped land that eventually saw progress in the mid-1900s. People set their roots down and began to raise families and create a community.
And even though Southwest Ranches’ history doesn’t include cowboys or fast draws, it did start with a bit of controversy. In 1996, Pembroke Pines sought to annex the land from incorporate areas between Griffin Road, Sheridan Street, Flamingo Road, and SR 25—the land that would become Southwest Ranches. However, the current residents of this area took to the Pembroke Pines city hall to protest the proposed annexation.
Given the impromptu grassroots movement of the future Southwest Ranches residents, the state legislature passed a bill in 1997 that would allow the residents of the area to vote if they wanted to be annexed to Pembroke Pines, Davie, or become a new city altogether.
The Southwest Ranches Home Owners Association came together and decided that their best option would be to become their own city. And on July 3, 1999, the Southwest Ranches Home Owners Association sponsored a parade to declare that they wanted to be an independent city.
Soon a charter committee formed, and from July to August of 1999, the committee met every day to create a new charter for the fledgling city. In October, a local contest sprang up to name the city, and out of 122 submissions, the Town of Southwest Ranches was chosen.
After choosing a name, the Southwest Ranches Home Owners Association pushed for the vote on annexing or creating a new city to be moved up a year. And on March 14, 2000, residents voted for Southwest Ranches to become an official city, or rather an official town.
And finally, on July 25, 2000, the town’s first council members were elected, and the town of Southwest Ranches was officiated.
Since its start, Southwest Ranches has been known as a rural town that supports agriculture. It’s a place with traditional values and a strong community. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, and it’s a place that might feel like home. If you’re thinking of moving to Southwest Ranches and finding your home, contact the best Southwest Ranches realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty.
Top 5 Best Places to Eat in Southwest Ranches
Check out the top 5 places to eat in Southwest Ranches. Japanese? Cuban? Bar food? Diners? Fine Dining? Pizza? Beer? Breakfast? Alligator? Whatever you’re craving, Southwest Ranches has got you covered.
Shimuja Ramen
4921 SW 148th Ave. Southwest Ranches, Fla. (754)-200-8941
South Florida may be known for its Latin cuisine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get great, authentic ramen. Head on over to Shimuja Ramen for all of your Japanese cravings. Shimuja Ramen has a laid-back casual atmosphere that’s great for a relaxed dinner, and the ramen is like no other you’ve ever had before. Try the key lime ramen for a regional take on one of your favorite dishes; it tastes like your classic ramen took a vacation to Key West. Or order the fried chicken bao buns. With pillowy bao buns and perfectly fried, crispy chicken, it’s bound to be one of your favorites. Then finish everything off with Shimuja Ramen’s assortment of mochi ice cream.
Romeu’s Cuban Restaurant
Coquina Plaza 6800 Dykes Road Southwest Ranches, Fla. (954)-252-9788
You can’t make the best restaurants list in South Florida, and not include a Cuban restaurant. So, if you’re moving to Southwest Ranches, you should know that the best Cuban restaurant in Southwest Ranches is Romeu’s Cuban Restaurant. Romeu’s Cuban Restaurant has been serving South Florida for over 40 years. It’s a classic Cuban eatery with authentic dishes that even abuela would approve of. When you go, make sure to order all the classics. Sure, you can get a Cuban sandwich or a media noche anywhere, but the ones at Romeu’s put most others to shame. Also, order the house ham croquetas and a batido de mamey for the ultimate Cuban dining experience. Check Romeu’s Cuban Restaurant's website to see the daily lunch specials, too.
The Original Pancake House
6650 Dykes Road Southwest Ranches, Fla. (954)-272-0825
The Original Pancake House may be a chain, but that says nothing about how good the food is. Come to The Original Pancake House for the ultimate breakfast experience. Pancakes, waffles, crepes, omelets, burgers, benedicts, sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, hash, bacon, french toast, you name it; The Original Pancake House probably serves it. And while the options are endless, I recommend starting with one of the specialty pancakes, namely the apple pancake. Imagine the fluffiest, thickest pancake you've ever seen smothered in cooked Granny Smith apples with cinnamon. Or try the three pigs in a blanket, classic, fluffy buttermilk pancakes served savory sausage and finely dusted with powdered sugar. And if pancakes aren’t your thing, definitely go for one of the omelets. They’re baked in the oven to perfection and come with a variety of fixings. Try the Spanish, Greek, or Irish omelet for the best breakfast experience.
Cafe 27 Bar & Grill
4690 US-27 Southwest Ranches, Fla. (954)-306-4000
Cafe 27 Bar & Grill is the ultimate hang-out in Southwest Ranches. It’s classic Americana down to bar food, live music, and biker dudes that stop by. Cafe 27 Bar & Grill is technically a tiki bar truck stop, but really, it’s so much more than that. With regular live music and homemade picnic tables, Cafe 27 Bar & Grill is the place you go to let loose, the place you go to have a cold one, and the place to relax after a long week at work. If you go, make sure to try the alligator. Think crispy pieces of alligator coated in the perfect batter and then fried to golden perfection. The buffalo chicken strips are also a local favorite, and the beer is always cold.
Blue Ginger
15791 Sheridan St. Southwest Ranches, Fla. (954)-680-9998
If you’re in the mood for sushi, then Blue Ginger is the answer. There’s no better place to go for sushi in all of Southwest Ranches. Blue Ginger is the perfect place to go for a date night or really any special occasion. It has a laid-back yet nice atmosphere, and the food is to die for. Order a traditional roll or try one of Blue Ginger’s specialty rolls like the Miami Heat roll. Think spicy tuna, jalapeno, and tempura flakes served in a soy wrap and covered in spicy mayo and eel sauce. The strawberry dragon roll is also a local favorite that’s sure to be unlike any other roll you’ve ever had. It’s made with shrimp tempura, a crab mix, mango, avocado, and cream cheese, and then it’s topped with strawberries, avocado, and—rightfully named—yummy sauce. I know where I’m going this weekend.
Top 5 Things to Do in Southwest Ranches
Check out the top 5 things to do in Southwest Ranches. Explore nature, check out a farmer’s market, see the Everglades, ride a horse. You’re sure to find something in Southwest Ranches for the whole family.
Airboat Tour
One of the best things about living in Southwest Ranches is that you’re right on the Everglades, so spend the day enjoying nature with an airboat tour. Imagine being taken on a high-speed boat ride through one of the United States' most well-known national parks. You’ll see alligators and other South Floridian wildlife. The best place to book an airboat tour in Southwest Ranches is the Everglades Holiday Park. They offer public and private tours both for an hour, and you can also book an animal encounter where you can get up close and personal with Al, the baby alligator. To buy tickets, go to their website or call (954)-434-8111.
Flamingo Gardens
3750 S Flamingo Road Davie, Fla. (954)-473-2955
Even though Flamingo Gardens is technically located in Davie, it’s definitely worth the ten-minute drive. Flamingo Gardens is more than just your average botanical garden. It has 60 acres dedicated to showcasing more than 3,000 different species of exotic and native plants. It’s a wildlife sanctuary for injured animals, and it also has a museum on the grounds. The sanctuary is home to many different species of Florida wildlife, including alligators, bears, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks, and flamingos, and the Wray Home Museum honors and preserves the belongings of the founders of the Flamingo Gardens, the Wrays. To buy tickets and find out more information, go to the Flamingo Gardens website or call (954)-473-2955.
South Florida Hindu Temple
13010 Griffin Road Southwest Ranches, Fla. (954)-252-8802
When you think of South Florida, the first thing that comes to your mind is Cuban cafeterias and pristine beaches, not a Hindu temple. But if you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, visit the South Florida Hindu Temple. The South Florida Hindu Temple opened at its current location in 1998, and since then, it has been a place for people to come together, pray, and learn about Hinduism. The temple offers visitors an amazing opportunity to embrace and celebrate Indian culture through its multitude of classes and cultural events. The temple offers Bharatnatyam classes, Kathak classes, Yoga classes, and Tabla lessons, and puts on weekly events. To learn more about the temple and upcoming events, check out its website.
Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park
5840 SW 148th Ave. Southwest Ranches, Fla. (954)-434-0008
Southwest Ranches wouldn’t be Southwest Ranches if it didn't have somewhere for you to ride a horse. Visit the Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park to discover why you wanted to move to Southwest Ranches in the first place. At the Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park, you can learn how to ride a horse, take a stroll down one of its many beautiful trails, walk your dog, or simply hang out with friends in this lush, natural park. Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park even has a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect place to spend the day away from the stresses of everyday life. For more information about the Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park, visit its website.
Southwest Ranches Farmers Market
5150 S Flamingo Road, Southwest Ranches, Fla. (954)-854-4185
Sure, you could go to a regular store to get your groceries, but why would you do that when you could buy local? The Southwest Ranches Farmers Market is the best place to get your produce while supporting local farmers. It has a variety of produce, some locally grown in South Florida, as well as a multitude of homemade pies, juices, and even bath products. The market also sells hard-to-find items like farm-fresh eggs and raw cow’s milk. It’s a great place to walk around and enjoy, and it’s the perfect place to buy your groceries in Southwest Ranches.
Other things to do:
One of the great things about Southwest Ranches is that it’s close to a lot of great cities and parks. South Beach is only a short drive away, and Downtown isn’t too far either. To find out more information about other cities, towns, and things to do in Broward County and Miami-Dade County, check out these other city profiles.
The Best Schools in Southwest Ranches
Find the best schools in Southwest Ranches
If you plan on moving to Southwest Ranches, you probably have a million things running through your mind right now. What’s the community like? Where am I going to live? Is there city trash pick-up? How long is moving going to take? How much is the U-Haul going to cost? Can you actually have horses? (Yes, you can.) Where are the kids going to go to school?
Well, we can’t tell you much about the U-Haul prices. However, we can help you with schools. We did the research and found the best schools in Southwest Ranches or near the area from the compiled ratings of greatschools.org, niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability report.
Living in Southwest Ranches, residents are served by the Broward County Public School System which includes public district schools and public charter schools. Notably, there aren’t many options for education in Southwest Ranches. However, Pembroke Pines and Davie are close by, and we’ve included some of those schools in this guide to give you a comprehensive understanding of the best schools within and around Southwest Ranches. For a complete list of schools nearby, check out our Pembroke Pines and Davie city profiles.
The Best Elementary Schools in Southwest Ranches
The best elementary school in Southwest Ranches is Hawkes Bluff Elementary School, and the other recommended schools close by in Davie are Somerset Academy Davie Charter Elementary School and Atlantic Montessori Charter Elementary School. All of these schools were rated 9/10 by greatschools.org. And all received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
In terms of academic performance, all of these schools exceed the state standard in standardized testing in every subject. However, Somerset Academy Elementary leads the pack in all three subjects, scoring a 94% proficiency in math, a 90% proficiency in English, and a 76% proficiency in science. Atlantic Montessori Charter Elementary and Hawkes Bluff Elementary follow closely behind. Atlantic Montessori Charter Elementary scored an 87% proficiency in math, an 82% proficiency in English, and a 52% proficiency in science. And Hawkes Bluff Elementary scored a 79% proficiency in math, a 76% proficiency in English, and a 59% proficiency in science.
Obviously, all of these schools perform academically. However, it’s worth noting that Hawkes Bluff Elementary is the only public district school, and the others are a part of Broward County’s public charter school system. This means that students have to apply and be accepted to attend these schools.
Another notable difference in these schools is parent testimony. Overall, Hawkes Bluff Elementary receives the most positive parent testimony while the other schools receive mixed feedback according to greatschools.org.
One Hawkes Bluff Elementary parent said, “I love this school. It has a small-town feel to it like those awesome schools you on see on TV! Lots of interaction...academic enhancement, fairs, field trips, celebrations, and competitions.”
To find out more about these schools and read additional parent testimonials, go to greatschools.org or check out the individual school’s websites. Remember you can also check out the schools in our Davie and Pembroke Pines city profiles.
The Best Middle Schools in Southwest Ranches
The best middle school in Southwest Ranches is Silver Trail Middle School, and the other recommended middle schools are Indian Ridge Middle School and Franklin Academy K-8. Indian Ridge Middle is located in Davie, and Franklin Academy K-8 is located in Pembroke Pines. Greatschools.org rates Silver Trail Middle a 9/10, Indian Ridge Middle a 7/10, and Franklin Academy K-8 a 10/10. However, all schools receive an “A’ from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
In terms of academic performance, all of these schools do well in that they exceed state standards for standardized testing in every subject. But, Franklin Academy K-8 leads the pack. Franklin Academy K-8 scored an 83% proficiency in math, an 83% proficiency in English, and an 87 % proficiency in science while Silver Trail Middle scored a 76% proficiency in math, a 74% proficiency in English, and a 63% proficiency in science. And, Indian Ridge Middle scored a 71% proficiency in math, a 67% proficiency in English, and a 53% proficiency in science.
It’s worth noting that while Franklin Academy K-8 may perform the best academically, it is a charter school. So, students have to apply and be selected to attend. Whereas with the other schools, students do not need to apply to go.
In addition, all of these schools receive mixed parent reviews and testimony from greatschools.org, but Silver Trail Middle does receive the highest score from parents, 3.4 stars out of 5.
One Silver Trail Middle parent said, “AMAZING SCHOOL! My kid only came because she had to finish off public school to get the MKay Scholarship! And I have to say this school was perfect she went only for 8th and we had the best experience! Teachers all spoke English and thats a big plus! She is no in American heritage with the scholarship and is doing amazing thanks to this school preparing her! This was really a good choice. I recommend it to any parents! 10/10.”
However, note that this is the review from only one parent. To learn about these schools more in-depth, read additional parent testimonials at greatschools.org and check out each school’s website. If you’re unsatisfied with any of our recommendations, you can always explore more schools in Davie and Pembroke Pines.
The Best High Schools in Southwest Ranches
There’s one high school in Southwest Ranches, but we do not recommend it. Instead, we suggest you look at other high schools in the Pembroke Pines and Davie areas. The best schools in those areas are Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Somerset Charter High School, and William T. McFatter Technical High School. Pembroke Pines Charter High and Somerset Charter High are in Pembroke Pines while McFatter Technical High is located in Davie. Greatschools.org rates McFatter Technical High a 10/10, Pembroke Pines Charter High a 9/10, and Somerset Charter High an 8/10. In addition, all of these schools received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
In terms of academic performance, all of these schools do well; they all exceeded the state standards in standardized testing for every subject. However, McFatter Technical High leads the pack, scoring a 92% proficiency in United States history, an 89% proficiency in Geometry, and an 88% proficiency in biology. Pembroke Pines Charter High follows closely behind with an 84% proficiency in algebra, a 76 % proficiency in geometry, and an 88% proficiency in biology. And then comes Somerset Charter High with a 73% proficiency in algebra, a 70% proficiency in geometry, and an 85% proficiency in biology. Note that not all of these schools have scores published from the same subjects.
Also, each school earned the College Success Award for their efforts in preparing students for college and later careers. McFatter Technical High earned it in 2018 and 2019, and the other two schools earned it in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Note that none of these schools is a part of the Broward County public district school system, and students have to apply and be selected to attend. McFatter Technical High is unique in that it is a magnet school that provides education in technical and traditional academic areas. Students who attend McFatter Technical High are required to take 24 credits of college preparatory curriculum and eight technical credits in whichever field the student chooses. The other two schools follow a traditional college preparatory program, but both have numerous AP classes and provide many opportunities for your child to succeed.
Regarding parent testimony, McFatter Technical High is the most highly praised by parents. However, all schools do receive mixed reviews, so it’s worth going to greatschools.org to read the testimonials for yourself.
But one McFatter Technical High parent did say, “We love McFatter, the administration, support staff through guidance and dedicated teachers make this school exceptional. What a change from my son attending a mediocre middle school to this experience. The staff are proactive, creative and make the students a priority. So far it's been a wonderful experience.”
To find more about these high schools, visit their websites and maybe even call the front office to arrange a tour of the school. This could help you decide which school is the best fit for your child. And, you can always explore other schools in Pembroke Pines and Davie that are listed in our profiles for those cities.
For more information about each of these schools’ COVID-19 protocols, check out the Broward County public school website. Also, visit greatschools.org and niche.com for additional parent testimonials and to explore any other schools in more depth. And to see the criteria for Florida Department of Education ratings, go to their website. Note that all quotes listed above come from parent reviews at greatschools.org.
Southwest Ranches Community
Get involved and learn more about the Southwest Ranches Community
If you’re thinking about moving to Southwest Ranches, you might want to know a little bit more about the community and how the municipal government works. After all, the best way to become a part of a community is to learn about it and what you can do to become involved, and Southwest Ranches is no exception.
In Southwest Ranches, the mayor and four elected council members make up the Town Council which acts as the main legislative body of Southwest Ranches. All five members of the council have equal voting power—this includes the mayor and vice mayor. The mayor has no more legislative power over the other council members and is merely the official head of the city. The city at large is run by the city town administrator who is appointed by the council. Each council member represents a district of Southwest Ranches. To learn which district of the four districts you may be in, go to the city’s website.
The current Southwest Ranches Mayor Steve Breitkreuz has lived in Southwest Ranches for over 25 years. Before becoming mayor, Breitkreuz served on the Town Council as the vice mayor and a council member. Breitkreuz was a council member for nine years and served as the vice mayor for an additional three years. Breitkreuz has also served Southwest Ranches outside of the Town Council. He was the chair of the Drainage Committee, and he helped create the TSDOR plan that dealt with the repavement of Southwest Ranches’ roads. Breitkreuz is known for supporting the agricultural industry in Southwest Ranches and advocating for the local farmers markets.
For more information about Breitkreuz and the other council members, visit the city’s website. And to get involved in the Southwest Ranches community, attend council meetings and contact the council member representing your district to voice your concerns. To find out how you can participate and see the upcoming schedule of meetings, check out the city’s website.
You can also visit the city’s website to stay updated on volunteer opportunities like how to become a part of the Southwest Ranches volunteer firefighter program. And be sure to read the monthly newsletter to read about upcoming events, new ordinances, and resources for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Southwest Ranches Real Estate
Find the best homes in Southwest Ranches
If you can see yourself driving down country roads, grilling at the community barbeque, and shopping at the local farmers markets, then Southwest Ranches might be right for you. Imagine owning a horse and having a backyard with your own space and privacy. Sounds amazing, right? Well, if you’re seriously thinking about making the move to Southwest Ranches and having your own slice of paradise, then contact the best realtors in Southwest Ranches, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. They’re the best people to help you find a home in Southwest Ranches and provide you with more information on the area. Call them today at (305)-680-3268.
