Is Northwest Kendale 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 Northwest Kendale Lakes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Northwest Kendale Lakes
“Go. Northwest Kendale Lakes is a peaceful, family-oriented suburban community in western Miami-Dade County that is very safe for visitors. There are virtually no violent crime concerns, though typical suburban vehicle burglary precautions apply.”
About the area
Northwest Kendale Lakes is an established residential enclave characterized by single-family homes, townhouses, and strip plazas serving a predominantly Hispanic community. It offers a quiet suburban atmosphere with quick access to neighborhood shopping centers, golf courses, and green spaces.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Northwest Kendale Lakes
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no bike-share programs in the immediate area; cycling is generally confined to residential neighborhood streets and sidewalk riding, as designated bike lanes on arterial roads are sparse.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are consistently well below both state and national averages
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained residential properties
- Strong middle-class economic base with low poverty levels
- Quiet, family-friendly suburban streets with active neighborhood watch presence
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins along commercial strips
- Heavy car dependency requiring a vehicle for almost all outings
- Heavy commuter traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like Sunset Drive (SW 72nd St) and SW 137th Ave
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the interior residential streets, with only occasional individuals observed near major commercial intersections or bus stops along SW 137th Ave.
What Northwest Kendale Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with local school drop-offs, joggers, and residents heading to work.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate activity centered around local shopping strip malls.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and safe, with families dining out locally and neighbors walking dogs.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet streets where walking is safe, though suburban lighting can be dim in interior cul-de-sacs.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates local bus routes like Route 72 and Route 137 along the perimeter corridors; there is no direct rail connection, with the Dadeland North Metrorail Station located roughly 8 miles east.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area in open plaza lots, private driveways, and designated residential parking spaces.
Things to do in Northwest Kendale Lakes
- Play a round of golf or enjoy the driving range at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club nearby
- Stroll and picnic around the lake trails at Kendale Lakes Park
- Sample authentic Cuban and Latin American pastries and coffees at local bakeries along SW 137th Avenue
Local favorites
- El Atlakatl · Salvadoran Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Popular local spot serving authentic pupusas and hearty Central American platters.
- Pinecrest Bakery - Kendale Lakes · Bakery · 4.3★ (1420)24-hour Cuban bakery famous for fresh pastelitos, sandwiches, and cafecito.
- Sergio's Restaurant · Cuban Restaurant · 4.2★ (1850)Vibrant and casual regional chain known for classic Cuban dishes and breakfast plates.
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.