Is North Kendall Lakes safe?
Kendale Lakes, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates North Kendall Lakes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on North Kendall Lakes
“Go. North Kendall Lakes is a safe, stable suburban community in southwest Miami-Dade County with low rates of violent crime and strong residential cohesion. Visitors can comfortably explore local eateries and parks, with little concern beyond standard suburban precautions against opportunistic vehicle break-ins.”
About the area
North Kendall Lakes is a quiet, family-centric residential area defined by winding residential avenues, man-made lakes, and neighborhood shopping centers. Largely car-dependent, the neighborhood provides a relaxed atmosphere with convenient access to authentic Latin dining, golf courses, and community green spaces.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
- Residential
Walking and biking in North Kendall Lakes
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 47/100
There is no city bike-share program, and dedicated bike lanes are sparse on main corridors, making cycling primarily recreational within quiet interior residential streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly below both the Miami-Dade County and national averages.
- Strong economic stability driven by high homeownership rates and solid median household incomes.
- Well-maintained, peaceful residential subdivisions with low foot traffic and minimal street-level crime.
Cons
- Occasional property offenses such as vehicle break-ins and catalytic converter theft in unmonitored lots.
- Heavily automobile-dependent layout with limited walkability outside of self-contained plazas.
- Congested commuter traffic along primary access corridors like SW 88th Street and SW 137th Avenue.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the neighborhood, with only occasional individuals observed near major commercial intersections along Kendall Drive, and no established encampments.
What North Kendall Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, with locals jogging along neighborhood streets and walking dogs near lake edges.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet in residential pockets with steady, relaxed customer traffic in strip malls and dining plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful across subdivisions while local restaurants and retail centers maintain a safe, welcoming presence.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark along residential roads with minimal foot traffic and generally high safety.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates Metrobus routes along SW 88th Street (Kendall Drive) and SW 137th Avenue, connecting eastward to the Dadeland North and South Metrorail stations located approximately 7 to 8 miles away.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample surface parking lots in commercial strips and easy street or driveway parking in residential areas.
Things to do in North Kendall Lakes
- Play a round of 18 holes or practice on the driving range at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club.
- Take a relaxing stroll, jog, or picnic around the green lawns of Kendale Lakes Park.
- Sample authentic Latin cuisine, pastries, and Cuban espresso along the neighborhood's commercial plazas.
Local favorites
- Miccosukee Golf & Country Club · Golf Course · 4.1★ (1020)A classic 27-hole golf facility hosting tournaments, casual play, and events.
- El Rinconcito Latino · Cuban Restaurant · 4.3★ (2450)Popular local hub serving hearty Cuban comfort classics, sandwiches, and fresh juices.
- Finka Table & Tap · Fusion Restaurant · 4.5★ (3890)Acclaimed gastropub blending Cuban, Peruvian, and Korean flavors with craft cocktails.
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.