Is Kendall safe?
Pinecrest, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Kendall as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Kendall
“Go. This affluent suburban area of South Miami-Dade is exceptionally safe for visitors, boasting low violent crime rates and very strong community municipal services. Standard precautions against occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins along commercial corridors are all that is typically required.”
Local law enforcement continues routine proactive patrols focused on deterring residential and vehicle property theft along the US-1 retail corridor.
About the area
Pinecrest and Kendall form a lush, upscale suburban corridor known for sprawling residential estates, top-tier botanical gardens, and regional shopping destinations like Dadeland Mall. While largely residential and car-dominated, it offers visitors a peaceful, manicured setting with excellent dining and retail options.
- Affluent Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Lush & Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Kendall
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 51/100
Cyclists can access the M-Path/Underline multi-use trail beginning at Dadeland South Metrorail station, though municipal bike-share programs are minimal in the area.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both national and countywide averages
- High median household incomes exceeding $160,000 in Pinecrest with very low poverty rates
- Well-resourced local police department and prompt emergency service response times
- High rate of owner-occupied, exceptionally maintained single-family estates and gated communities
Cons
- Occasional vehicle burglaries in large commercial parking lots and along US-1
- Heavy vehicular traffic and high-speed multi-lane roads create safety hazards for pedestrians
- Extremely car-dependent layout outside of the immediate Dadeland transit core
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low throughout Pinecrest and Kendall residential areas, with occasional individuals present near major Metrorail stations and transit stops along US-1.
What Kendall is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists navigating quiet residential streets and parks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy along US-1 and Kendall Drive with heavy shopper traffic; residential neighborhoods remain quiet and secure.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented with pleasant dining crowds at local strip centers and Dadeland Mall restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet residential streets with minimal foot traffic, monitored by regular police patrols.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates the Metrorail with northern Kendall/Pinecrest access at Dadeland South and Dadeland North stations, complemented by Metrobus routes along US-1 and Kendall Drive.
Parking is abundant and largely free in large suburban plazas and attractions, though garage or valet fees apply at Dadeland Mall and medical complexes.
Things to do in Kendall
- Stroll through the lush tropical landscapes and art exhibits at Pinecrest Gardens
- Shop and dine at the open-air and enclosed spaces of Dadeland Mall
- Pick fresh seasonal produce and enjoy fruit milkshakes at nearby local fruit stands and groves
Local favorites
- Pinecrest Gardens · Botanical Garden & Cultural Center · 4.7★ (3200)Historic botanical park featuring lush banyan trees, a petting zoo, and outdoor cultural events.
- Roasters 'N Toasters · Deli & Bagel Shop · 4.4★ (1150)Beloved traditional New York-style deli serving hearty breakfasts, pastrami, and fresh bagels.
- Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant and Bar · Fine Dining · 4.5★ (2100)Upscale Napa-inspired restaurant in Kendall offering creative seasonal dishes and fine wines.
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.