Is East Driftwood safe?
Hollywood, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates East Driftwood as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on East Driftwood
“Go. East Driftwood is a quiet, settled suburban enclave in western Hollywood that poses little safety concern for everyday visitors. While it is mostly residential without major tourist attractions, it offers safe streets, pleasant neighborhood parks, and easy access to standard suburban retail.”
About the area
East Driftwood is an established, mid-century residential neighborhood in Hollywood characterized by single-family ranch homes, cul-de-sacs, and mature landscaping. It primarily accommodates families and working professionals seeking suburban stability in Broward County. Visitors typically come to utilize the local community parks or patronize family-run eateries along the Taft Street corridor.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in East Driftwood
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Residential streets are calm and easy to navigate on a bicycle, though dedicated bike lanes on arterial roads like Taft Street are intermittent, and public bike-share programs are not present.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Stable residential fabric characterized by high rates of owner-occupied single-family homes.
- Violent crime rates remain consistently low compared to urban Broward County averages.
- Well-utilized community assets such as Driftwood Park and the Driftwood Community Pool.
- Convenient access to essential neighborhood shopping, groceries, and dining along Taft Street.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package theft.
- Interior residential streets lack pedestrian sidewalks and adequate night lighting.
- Car-dependent layout requires a vehicle to comfortably access dining and entertainment.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is negligible within the residential heart of the neighborhood, with only occasional individuals observed near bus stops along major commercial cross streets.
What East Driftwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and very safe with neighbors jogging, walking dogs, and heading to work.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with standard suburban traffic and family activity around local parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally relaxed and safe, though commercial strip mall parking lots see increased vehicle turnover.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet with little activity; standard awareness is advised due to sparse street lighting.
Transit, parking and getting around
Broward County Transit (BCT) provides bus access primarily via Route 12 along Taft Street, connecting to broader county routes. The nearest commuter rail link is the Sheridan Street Tri-Rail Station, situated roughly 4 miles to the east.
Parking is abundant and free, with spacious private driveways throughout residential blocks and ample surface lot parking in Taft Street strip plazas.
Things to do in East Driftwood
- Play tennis, basketball, or walk the trails at Driftwood Park.
- Swim or attend recreation programs at the Driftwood Community Pool and Recreation Center.
- Explore diverse Latin American and Caribbean family-run restaurants along the Taft Street commercial corridor.
Local favorites
- El Guanaco Restaurant & Taqueria · Latin American Restaurant · 4.4★ (890)Unpretentious, popular spot serving authentic Salvadoran pupusas, tacos, and traditional platters.
- Pachamama Peruvian Restaurant · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.6★ (560)Neighborhood Peruvian eatery known for fresh ceviche, lomo saltado, and friendly service.
- Carini's Pizza & Pasta · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (410)Longtime casual strip-mall pizzeria offering classic New York-style pies and pasta dinners.
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.