Southwest Ranches is a charming town in Broward County, Florida, located on the eastern edge of the Everglades, approximately 15 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale.
Incorporated in 2000 to preserve its rural lifestyle, this unique community is known for its equestrian culture, spacious properties, and natural beauty.
The Scott Schneider Group, led by experienced real estate professionals like Edward Herd, serves as a premier resource for those looking to buy or sell property in this desirable area.
What makes Southwest Ranches particularly appealing is its perfect blend of rural charm and modern amenities – offering large estates, equestrian facilities, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful atmosphere that stands in contrast to South Florida’s typically fast-paced lifestyle.
Homes for Sale in Southwest Ranches
1. Price Range
Southwest Ranches properties range from $1,199,000 to over $39 million. The median home sale price was $1,500,000 as of January 2025, up 23% from last year. Entry-level homes start around $1 million, with properties like those on Emerald Estates Drive at $1,020,000.
Mid-range properties make up most of the market, with median home values at $1,341,768, showing a 9.7% yearly increase. Luxury estates include 16745 Stratford Court at $39,499,000 and 17250 SW 52nd Ct at $24,000,000.
2. Property Types
Single-family homes dominate Southwest Ranches real estate in various architectural styles. Q3 2024 data shows 27 house sales with a $1.4 million median price. Luxury estates often feature pools and guest houses, with living spaces between 5,000 to 12,000 square feet.
Equestrian properties with stables reflect the area’s strong horse culture, with many including barns and professional-grade arenas. Vacant land for custom builds is available but limited as the town preserves its rural character.
3. Common Features & Amenities
Southwest Ranches homes typically offer large open floor plans for comfortable living and entertaining. Many showcase high ceilings and modern finishes, like the recently renovated estate at 4661 SW 128th Ave with updated bathrooms, new flooring, and fresh paint.
Gourmet kitchens are standard in luxury properties. Private pools and outdoor kitchens are common, with many estates featuring resort-style pools and outdoor entertainment areas. Properties sit on 1 to 5+ acre lots with expansive landscaped yards, protected by local laws requiring minimum lot sizes to maintain the area’s rural character.
Why Choose Southwest Ranches, FL?
Large Properties & Open Spaces
Southwest Ranches offers homes with a minimum of one to two-and-a-half-acre lots. Local laws preserve the rural character by enforcing these spacious requirements. Properties provide privacy amid lush greenery, as the town protects its open spaces. Since 2000, Southwest Ranches has acquired about 150 acres of parks. These large lots give homeowners room for horses, small farms, and gardens that typical suburban settings can’t accommodate.
Equestrian Lifestyle
Southwest Ranches is a true horse country where riding is a common way to travel. The town features numerous equestrian trails supporting its rural lifestyle. Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park offers about 10 acres of trails, a 10,400 square-foot practice ring, and a 37,500 square-foot show ring with judges’ stand.
American Horse Trails serves riders of all skill levels. Many properties include barns and stables, making horses central to the community’s identity.
Luxury Homes & Estates
Properties in Southwest Ranches range from $1,199,000 to over $39 million. Current listings include estates like 16745 Stratford Court at $39,499,000 and 17250 SW 52nd Ct for $24,000,000. These homes often feature resort-style pools, gated entrances, and private lakes.
The Chateau Estates includes a 23,000 sq ft barn and luxury horse arena. Many homes showcase Mediterranean architecture or modern designs with expansive living spaces, some with 8-9 bedrooms and over 12,000 square feet.
Peaceful & Private Community
Southwest Ranches was incorporated in 2000 to avoid annexation and preserve its semi rural lifestyle. The area lacks sidewalks, has minimal streetlamps, and no commercial development.
Residents enjoy a quiet, safe environment where you can hear “donkeys braying and roosters crowing.” With no high-rise buildings, the town maintains unobstructed views and a country feel. Winding roads and tree-lined streets create a peaceful setting away from city life.
Convenient Location
Despite its rural character, Southwest Ranches sits just 15 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale and 12 miles north of Miami/Dade County. Miami is accessible within about 45 minutes. The town is only 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. This location offers rural living with quick access to urban centers, beaches, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Why Work with Scott Schneider Group?
Services Offered
The Scott Schneider Group provides comprehensive real estate services in Southeast Florida. Their team offers exclusive property listings across various price points and conducts personalized home tours tailored to buyers’ specific needs.
Led by experienced professionals like Edward Herd, they provide expert market analysis to help clients make informed decisions. Their negotiation and closing assistance has earned them a perfect 5.0 rating from satisfied clients.
Advantages
With 21 years of experience, the Scott Schneider Group brings significant local expertise to their clients. Team members like Edward Herd are described as “very knowledgeable in real estate”. Clients consistently highlight their responsiveness, with one reviewer noting Edward “was always available and always provided detailed updates”.
Their client-first approach is evident in testimonials where clients mention how they “go the distance” and remain “focused on your needs”. The team maintains a transparent process that clients describe as making them “the calm in the storm of the home buying process”.
Home Buying Guide for Southwest Ranches
Define Needs & Budget
When buying in Southwest Ranches, determine must-have features like acreage (properties sit on minimum 1-2.5 acre lots), equestrian facilities, or specific home styles.
Set a realistic budget considering the market’s price range ($1.2M-$39.5M), with median prices around $1.5-2.3M. The average listing price is $2.3M while sold prices average $1.6M. Get mortgage pre-approval to strengthen your offer in this competitive luxury market.
Property Search Process
The Scott Schneider Group website offers comprehensive listings for Southwest Ranches properties. Their experienced team, including professionals like Edward Herd, provides access to exclusive listings across various price points.
Use filtering options to narrow your search by acreage, home size, amenities, and price range. Currently, 90 properties are available on the MLS in Southwest Ranches.
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Viewing Properties
Schedule personalized home tours with the Scott Schneider team, who offer client-focused service with a perfect 5.0 rating. When viewing, assess lot size, privacy features, home condition, and potential for equestrian facilities if desired.
Making an Offer
Work with your agent on negotiation strategies in this luxury market. The team’s local expertise helps secure competitive pricing while navigating the unique aspects of ranch property purchases.
Closing Process
The process includes inspections, paperwork completion, and final closing steps, all managed with the team’s transparent approach and communication.
Conclusion
Southwest Ranches offers a unique rural lifestyle with spacious properties, equestrian facilities, and natural beauty just minutes from urban amenities.
This town balances agricultural heritage with luxury living on a minimum of 1-2.5 acre lots. Visit www.scottschneidergroup.com to explore available properties and connect with experienced professionals like Edward Herd.
For personalized assistance with buying or selling in Southwest Ranches, contact the Scott Schneider Group at 954-263-0551 or email Realtorscott@bellsouth.net to begin your journey to wide-open living.
