Is East Scott Lake safe?
Miami Gardens, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates East Scott Lake as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on East Scott Lake
“Go with care. East Scott Lake is a quiet, primarily residential working-class neighborhood that is generally peaceful during daylight hours. Visitors should maintain basic situational awareness, lock vehicles, and avoid wandering poorly lit residential side streets late at night.”
Citywide initiatives in Miami Gardens have expanded ShotSpotter technology and community policing to reduce regional violent crime incidents.
About the area
East Scott Lake is a predominantly residential enclave within Miami Gardens characterized by modest single-family mid-century ranch homes and proximity to Scott Lake. It offers a low-key suburban atmosphere with local Caribbean and Southern dining options along surrounding commercial thoroughfares.
- Suburban Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet Neighborhood
- Working-Class
Walking and biking in East Scott Lake
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or municipal bike-share kiosks in the neighborhood, and cyclists must share standard roadways with vehicular traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Established single-family residential streets with high local homeownership rates
- Convenient driving access to the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and I-95
- Rich selection of authentic Caribbean, Haitian, and soul food eateries nearby
- Close proximity to Hard Rock Stadium events and entertainment
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle break-in rates remain above the national average
- Low walkability and minimal pedestrian infrastructure on interior streets
- Limited commercial nightlife or direct visitor attractions within the immediate boundaries
- Higher poverty levels compared to broader Miami-Dade County suburban averages
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks of East Scott Lake, though occasional individuals may be encountered near major commercial intersections along NW 183rd Street.
What East Scott Lake is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm as residents commute and school buses run through the residential avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally quiet residential streets with moderate vehicle traffic along the perimeter arteries.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk; outdoor foot traffic decreases and standard urban caution is recommended.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are deserted and dimly lit; walking alone late at night is not recommended due to property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates Metrobus routes 9, 75, and 183 along the perimeter avenues; the nearest Metrorail station is Golden Glades or Northside, which require a multi-bus connection.
Free residential street parking and private driveways are standard throughout the neighborhood, and commercial plazas offer free surface lots.
Things to do in East Scott Lake
- Enjoy casual lake views and outdoor walking around nearby Scott Lake Park
- Sample traditional Jamaican jerk and oxtail at neighborhood eateries along NW 183rd Street
- Catch a major sporting event or concert a short drive away at Hard Rock Stadium
Local favorites
- Awash Ethiopian Restaurant · Ethiopian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)Acclaimed dining spot serving authentic injera platters, spicy stews, and traditional coffee ceremonies.
- Lorna's Caribbean & American Grille · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.3★ (1100)Popular local staple known for generous portions of jerk chicken, curry goat, and fried plantains.
- Top Taste Restaurant · Jamaican Restaurant · 4.4★ (320)No-frills counter-serve spot dishing out flavorful oxtail, curry chicken, and traditional patties.
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.