Is Northwest Miami Shores safe?
Miami Shores, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Northwest Miami Shores as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Northwest Miami Shores
“Go. Northwest Miami Shores is a calm, leafy suburban enclave anchored by Barry University that offers a safe and tranquil environment for visitors. While bordering busier commercial corridors and less affluent areas to the west, the neighborhood benefits from dedicated municipal policing and high homeownership.”
About the area
Northwest Miami Shores is a largely residential, tree-shaded community characterized by historic mid-century homes, quiet avenues, and the Barry University campus. It balances a collegiate presence with quiet suburban living just north of downtown Miami.
- Suburban
- Collegiate
- Tree-Lined
- Quiet
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Northwest Miami Shores
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Neighborhood streets are quiet and low-stress for cycling, though protected bike lanes and dedicated bike-share stations (like Citi Bike) are sparse in this section.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Dedicated local police patrol (Miami Shores Police Department) with swift response times
- High rates of owner-occupied single-family housing and well-kept properties
- Low rates of violent crime compared to broader Miami-Dade averages
- Peaceful, shaded neighborhood streets with minimal cut-through traffic
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins along perimeter streets
- Proximity to busier commercial thoroughfares along NW 95th St and North Miami Avenue
- Very car-dependent with minimal commercial retail directly within the residential core
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually absent within the interior residential blocks of Miami Shores, though individuals may occasionally be seen near major bus stops along North Miami Avenue or NW 95th Street.
What Northwest Miami Shores is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with dog walkers, university students, and joggers enjoying quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with light traffic centered around the university campus and school dismissals.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and residential with well-lit streets; walking feels secure and neighborhood activity winds down.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet; caution is advisable near perimeter thoroughfares like NW 95th Street.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates local bus routes (such as Routes 2, 9, and 10) along North Miami Ave and NE 2nd Ave, though the nearest Metrorail stations (Northside or Tri-Rail Metrorail Transfer) require a 10-to-15-minute drive.
Residential street parking is readily available and generally free, while Barry University and nearby commercial strips offer ample dedicated surface lots.
Things to do in Northwest Miami Shores
- Stroll through the lush, manicured campus grounds of Barry University
- Explore the quiet tree-lined streets featuring 1940s and 1950s South Florida architecture
- Visit nearby Miami Shores Country Club for a round of golf or dining
Local favorites
- Biscayne Bagel & Deli · Bagel Shop / Cafe · 4.5★ (320)A neighborhood staple serving fresh New York-style bagels, sandwiches, and coffee.
- Sins Burrito Bar · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (480)Popular local eatery serving generous burritos, tacos, and craft beers in a casual setting.
- Proper Sausages · Artisanal Butcher / Sandwich Shop · 4.8★ (410)High-end butcher and cafe famous for specialty handcrafted sausages and gourmet sandwiches.
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.