Is East Southwest Ranches safe?
Southwest Ranches, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates East Southwest Ranches as “Go”.
Gogo's take on East Southwest Ranches
“Go. East Southwest Ranches is an exceptionally safe, affluent, semi-rural enclave in western Broward County. Visitors will encounter minimal crime, though you should exercise caution when navigating narrow, unlit rural roads at night.”
About the area
East Southwest Ranches is characterized by spacious multi-acre lots, equestrian estates, plant nurseries, and quiet residential lanes preserved against dense suburban development. It offers a relaxed, rural atmosphere directly adjacent to the suburban amenities of Davie and Pembroke Pines.
- Equestrian
- Affluent
- Rural / Acreage
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in East Southwest Ranches
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 36/100
There are no public bike-share programs, but equestrian and multi-use greenway easements line several major thoroughfares, connecting outward toward broader Broward County greenway trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low rates of violent and property crime compared to the wider South Florida metro
- Affluent, stable community with high homeownership rates and household incomes well above state averages
- Peaceful, low-density rural setting with abundant green space and horse farms
Cons
- Lack of sidewalks and street lighting poses pedestrian hazards along rural two-lane roads
- Complete vehicle dependency with minimal commercial amenities inside the neighborhood borders
- Occasional isolated property crimes or vehicle break-ins typical of spread-out acreage properties
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within this rural residential neighborhood, with emergency shelters and support services situated in denser urban centers farther east in Broward County.
What East Southwest Ranches is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with horse trailers, local equestrians, and maintenance crews moving along quiet roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very calm with light residential traffic; completely safe for daytime exploration by car or bicycle.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and tranquil as residents return home, though darkness sets in quickly without standard municipal streetlights.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and deserted; personal safety is high regarding crime, but pedestrian travel is hazardous due to poor roadway visibility.
Transit, parking and getting around
Broward County Transit (BCT) provides bus services primarily on perimeter arterial corridors like Griffin Road and Flamingo Road (Route 16 and Route 23), with no transit penetration into the interior residential roads. There is no direct passenger rail connection.
Free and ample parking is standard at local parks and commercial establishments along the town's perimeter; on-street parking on residential swales is generally restricted or discouraged.
Things to do in East Southwest Ranches
- Explore equestrian trails and enjoy peaceful nature walks at Rolling Oaks Park
- Pick up fresh local produce, plants, and farm goods at local nurseries along Griffin Road
- Tour the quiet rural lanes and view distinctive horse ranches and estate architecture
Local favorites
- Vienna Wine Bar · European Restaurant · 4.6★ (820)Upscale continental dining and extensive wine selections situated near the town border.
- The Grove Farm and Market · Produce Market · 4.5★ (110)Rustic local market offering fresh regional produce, honey, and specialty items.
- Capriccio Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.7★ (1450)Classic fine Italian dining with live piano music located just on the municipal edge.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.