Thinking about more land, more privacy, and room for your lifestyle in western Broward? If you are comparing Southwest Ranches and Davie, you are weighing two great options that feel similar at first glance but work very differently once you dig into zoning, HOAs, utilities, and day-to-day convenience. You want clarity before you commit. In this guide, you will learn how lot sizes, equestrian rules, services, and costs compare so you can match the right town to your plans. Let’s dive in.
Southwest Ranches at a glance
Southwest Ranches was created to protect a semi-rural lifestyle. Many properties sit on 1-acre or larger lots, and the town’s rules aim to keep an open, equestrian-friendly feel. Inventory is limited and tends to command a premium. If your must-haves include acreage, barns or arenas, and fewer HOA constraints, this town often checks those boxes.
Davie at a glance
Davie is larger and more varied. You will find agricultural and estate areas that allow acreage and horses, along with many suburban neighborhoods that have smaller lot sizes and typical municipal services. Because housing types range widely, pricing and availability vary by neighborhood. If you want choices that span both acreage and conventional subdivisions, Davie offers more variety.
Lot sizes and zoning
- Southwest Ranches: Zoning is designed around low density. Many districts require minimum 1-acre lots, with parcels from about 1 to 10 acres or more found throughout the town.
- Davie: Zoning is a patchwork. Some districts permit 1-acre or larger lots and support agricultural or equestrian uses. Others are suburban with smaller lots.
What this means for you: Do not assume a parcel’s size or use by town name alone. Always verify zoning for the specific address and confirm any planned changes. If a barn, arena, or certain fencing is part of your plan, check setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage rules before you write an offer.
Equestrian rules and uses
Both towns have strong equestrian roots, but their allowances differ by parcel.
- Southwest Ranches: Generally horse friendly on residential acreage. Accessory structures like barns, stables, and arenas are common, subject to permits and setbacks.
- Davie: Many areas allow horses, particularly in agricultural and estate zones. Newer planned communities may restrict livestock through HOA rules.
Before you buy, verify permits required for barns or arenas, manure management rules, fencing standards, and whether commercial boarding is allowed. Private use and business use are not the same in the eyes of local code.
HOAs and deed restrictions
- Southwest Ranches: Fewer HOA-governed subdivisions overall. Many homes are on individual parcels without a community association. Some gated enclaves do have HOAs and added covenants.
- Davie: Expect more HOAs in suburban and newer neighborhoods. Acreage parcels can be independent or inside planned communities with rules.
Always request the full set of covenants, conditions and restrictions early in your diligence. HOA rules can be stricter than town zoning and may control animals, accessory structures, building materials, and even fencing materials or heights.
Utilities and services
Acreage living often means more self-sufficiency.
- Water and sewer: Many rural pockets in both towns rely on private wells and septic systems. Davie has more municipal water and sewer coverage near denser corridors, but not everywhere.
- Maintenance: Plan for septic pumping every few years based on use, well system upkeep, and water-quality testing. Connecting to municipal utilities, where available, can be costly and may not be an option for every parcel.
- Driveways and drainage: Long driveways, gated entries, and roadside ditches are common. Heavy rain and low-lying areas call for thoughtful drainage and ongoing maintenance.
- Broadband and trash: Internet options can vary by street. Some acreage owners use fixed wireless or satellite. Trash may be municipal or private depending on location.
Confirm utility availability and service providers by address before you fall in love with a property.
Access, commute and amenities
Western Broward acreage areas connect to the region through Florida’s Turnpike, I-75, and I-595. You will also use corridors like Griffin Road, Flamingo Road, Pines Boulevard, and US 441.
- Southwest Ranches: Quieter setting that may be set back from major highways. Drive times to expressways vary by parcel.
- Davie: Often closer to the Turnpike and I-595 in many neighborhoods, which can shorten commutes.
Both towns sit within practical distance of shopping, schools, and healthcare across the Fort Lauderdale metro. For daily convenience, evaluate your routes for school drop-offs, groceries, and activities from each specific address.
Costs, insurance and risk
Acreage ownership carries different cost drivers than a typical suburban home.
- Purchase price: You are often paying for land, privacy, and improvements like barns or arenas. Southwest Ranches listings tend to run higher on average due to larger lots and limited supply.
- Holding costs: Budget for property taxes, higher insurance for multiple structures, and land maintenance. If you keep horses, consider farm or equine liability coverage.
- Flood risk: Parts of Broward are flood prone. Check FEMA flood maps and parcel elevation. Lenders may require separate flood insurance.
Factor these into your total cost of ownership, not just your purchase price.
Equestrian facilities and upkeep
If you plan to keep horses at home, look at the site through a management lens.
- Common features: Barns, run-in sheds, paddocks with cross-fencing, sand arenas, wash racks, and secure tack storage.
- Land and footing: Sandy soils drain well but may need amendments for arenas or pasture. Good drainage reduces maintenance after heavy rain.
- Ongoing tasks: Fence repair, pasture mowing and weed control, manure removal or composting, and barn upkeep. Storms can increase repair needs.
Not ready for on-site horses yet? Some owners buy acreage and board horses nearby while they design improvements over time.
What to inspect before you commit
Use this checklist to compare parcels with confidence:
- Confirm zoning and permitted uses for the address.
- Request and review recorded covenants and any HOA rules.
- Verify water, sewer, power, internet, and trash services by provider.
- Order or review a recent survey. Note easements and drainage rights-of-way.
- Check flood zone, elevation, and estimated flood insurance needs.
- Inspect septic and well systems and gather service records.
- Review permit history for barns, arenas, fencing, and outbuildings.
- Map nearby emergency services, equine vets and farriers, hay suppliers, and arena contractors.
- Get quotes for fencing, arena builds, barn work, and pasture maintenance.
- Talk to insurance agents about homeowner, farm, and equine liability coverage.
Which town fits you best
Choose Southwest Ranches if you prioritize larger lots as the norm, a consistent rural-equestrian setting, and fewer HOAs. Choose Davie if you want a wider range of options that include acreage pockets and more conventional neighborhoods, plus generally closer access to I-595 and the Turnpike in many areas.
Either way, focus on the parcel, not just the zip code. In western Broward, including the 33331 area, rules, utilities, and convenience can change block by block.
Next steps
If acreage is on your wishlist, line up your due diligence early. Get clarity on zoning, covenants, utilities, flood status, and permits before you negotiate. When you are ready to tour handpicked properties, coordinate inspections, and compare true ownership costs, our team can guide you from first look to close with a discreet, concierge approach. Connect with the Melissa Miller Group to get started.
FAQs
Can I keep horses on any acreage parcel in Southwest Ranches or Davie?
- Not automatically. Many parcels allow horses, but you must confirm zoning, review any HOA covenants, and secure permits for barns, fencing, and arenas.
Will my acreage home have municipal water and sewer service?
- It depends on location. Rural pockets often use private wells and septic, while denser corridors are more likely to have municipal service.
Do acreage properties in western Broward flood?
- Some do. Always check FEMA flood maps and parcel elevation, then price out flood insurance and any needed drainage improvements.
Are HOAs common, and can they limit equestrian use?
- HOAs are less common in Southwest Ranches and more common in Davie. Any HOA can be stricter than town zoning, so review CC&Rs before you buy.
What ongoing costs should I expect with equestrian facilities?
- Budget for fencing repairs, pasture care, arena maintenance, manure management, and higher insurance for multiple structures.
How is commute access different between the two towns?
- Southwest Ranches is quieter and may sit farther from major highways depending on the parcel. Many Davie neighborhoods are closer to I-595 and the Turnpike.
What permits do I need for barns, arenas, or fencing?
- Most structures require permits and must meet setback, height, and coverage limits. Confirm specifics with the town’s building department before construction.
Is reliable high-speed internet available on acreage parcels?
- Coverage varies. Some streets have wired broadband; others rely on fixed wireless or satellite. Verify providers by address during due diligence.
