Welcome to Martha Bright Farms: A Neighborhood with Character
Nestled in the western part of Davie, FL, the Martha Bright Farms neighborhood holds a unique place in the town’s historical tapestry. With shady tree-lined avenues, wide lots, and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, this community balances rural charm with suburban comfort. Yet, what makes Martha Bright Farms truly special is its deep roots—tracing back to when Davie itself was little more than a farming outpost dotting the edge of the Everglades.
Humble Beginnings: The Origins of Martha Bright Farms
Long before the area was parceled into residential lots, this swath of western Davie was known for its fertile soil and open fields. In the early 20th century, South Florida’s land boom and subsequent agricultural expansion set the stage for growth throughout Broward County. Against this backdrop, in the 1940s, a pioneering woman named Martha Bright purchased and cultivated these acres, envisioning a working farm where citrus groves and vegetables could thrive.
The story goes that Martha, originally from Georgia, was drawn to Davie by tales of its rich muck land and farming potential. She settled near what is now Southwest 136th Avenue, building not just a home, but a legacy. Her farm became both a source of produce for the local markets and a gathering spot for neighbors—a tradition reflected in the neighborhood’s community spirit to this day.
How Martha Bright Farms Got Its Name
As the decades rolled on, the land remained in the Bright family, with Martha’s children carrying forward her agricultural work and community involvement. When Broward County experienced a post-war population surge in the 1960s and 70s, tracts of farmland began transitioning into residential neighborhoods. The Bright family, wishing to honor their matriarch’s memory and ideals, sold their property with a gentle stipulation: that the neighborhood would bear her name, and preserve its pastoral feel.
Martha Bright Farms thus became not only a tribute to its founder, but a living reminder of Davie’s agricultural heritage.
Key Historical Milestones
Several moments mark the evolution of Martha Bright Farms:
- 1940s: Martha Bright purchases and develops her farm west of Davie Road.
- 1967: The transition from working farm to planned neighborhood begins, with the first residential roads such as SW 135th Avenue and SW 20th Court mapped out—many still retaining names that harken back to that early era.
- 1972: The Martha Bright Farms Homeowners’ Association is formed, writing into its charter both a commitment to green space and the “country lifestyle” so beloved by its first residents.
- 1980s-1990s: Custom homes rise on large lots. Residents maintain horses, gardens, and even vestigial groves, preserving the neighborhood’s rural atmosphere.
- Today: The area has become sought-after for its serene setting, friendly neighbors, and easy access to Davie’s best amenities.
Notable Landmarks, Institutions, and Streets
Though Martha Bright Farms is mostly residential, several features stand out:
- Southwest 136th Avenue and SW 20th Street form its heart, with beautiful canopies and wide-open views evocative of Florida’s countryside.
- Liberty Park, just a few minutes away on SW 136th Avenue, offers open fields, a playground, and scenic walking paths—a modern homage to the neighborhood’s farming past.
- The Davie Equestrian Trail runs nearby, connecting Martha Bright Farms to Davie’s famous horse community and allowing local riders a glimpse of old Davie, unchanged by time.
- The Bright House, once the original homestead of Martha herself, still stands—restored and cherished, occasionally serving as a venue for neighborhood gatherings.
The Spirit of Martha Bright Farms
What defines life in Martha Bright Farms more than anything is its warm sense of belonging. Over the decades, residents have fiercely protected the neighborhood’s low-density zoning, preferring large lots and open skies to the crowded developments seen elsewhere in South Florida. You'll see kids riding bikes on quiet cul-de-sacs, neighbors waving across garden fences, and the occasional sandhill crane ambling across a front lawn.
Annual events like the fall harvest festival and spring neighborhood potluck recall the days when Martha herself would invite families to pick oranges and share a lemonade under the oaks.
Growth and Change: A Neighborhood Evolving
While the core of Martha Bright Farms remains rooted in tradition, there’s no denying it has evolved. As Davie has become one of Broward County’s most desirable towns, the area now attracts families seeking tranquility with easy access to I-595, top-rated schools, and unique local businesses. Yet despite this growth, development within Martha Bright Farms has been gentle and intentional.
Modern homes blend seamlessly with the original ranch houses, and green space is prized. There’s even an informal “watchword” among residents: preserve what makes this neighborhood special, even as the world changes beyond SW 136th Avenue.
Lasting Heritage in Davie
Martha Bright Farms stands as a living link to Davie’s earliest days—a tranquil, distinctive neighborhood that showcases how history and heritage can shape the character of a community for generations. Whether you’re wandering its peaceful streets, riding a horse on a nearby trail, or sitting on your porch watching a storm roll in, it’s easy to feel a connection to the past and hope for the future.
Come visit any time—neighbors will always welcome you with a smile, and maybe even a story about Martha herself.