Is Richmond West safe?
Richmond West, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Richmond West as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Richmond West
“Go. Richmond West is a quiet, predominantly residential suburban community in southwestern Miami-Dade County that is generally very safe for visitors. There is little reason to visit for traditional tourism, but day-to-day violent crime is low and standard suburban precautions are sufficient.”
About the area
Richmond West is a sprawling, master-planned suburban census-designated place known for single-family subdivisions, quiet cul-de-sacs, and family-oriented neighborhoods. It offers direct proximity to regional attractions like Zoo Miami and Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park just to its northeast.
- Quiet Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Residential Enclave
Walking and biking in Richmond West
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no public bike-share systems, but residential streets are wide and low-speed, with connections to shared-use paths near the Zoo Miami perimeter.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are notably lower than the Miami-Dade County average
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained single-family residential properties
- Close proximity to major regional outdoor recreation spots like Zoo Miami and surrounding parks
Cons
- Car-dependent layout with virtually no centralized walkable downtown or commercial core
- Occasional suburban property theft, including vehicle break-ins and package theft
- Long commute times and limited direct public transit into central Miami
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Richmond West, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near larger arterial shopping centers or bus stops along SW 152nd Street.
What Richmond West is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with local residents jogging, walking dogs, and departing on morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate local traffic along major arterials like SW 152nd Street.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure across subdivisions, though commercial plazas remain moderately active with casual diners.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet streets; generally safe, though standard awareness of your surroundings is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates local bus routes like the 137 (West Dade Connection) and 252 (Coral Reef MAX), providing links to the Dadeland South Metrorail station, which is roughly 10 miles away.
Parking is exceptionally easy, with free and abundant surface parking lots at all commercial plazas and unrestricted curbside parking in most residential neighborhoods.
Things to do in Richmond West
- Explore the nearby walking paths and lake at Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park
- Spend a full day visiting animal exhibits at adjacent Zoo Miami
- Sample traditional Cuban and Latin cuisine at neighborhood strip-mall restaurants along SW 152nd Street
Local favorites
- El Rinconcito Latino · Cuban Restaurant · 4.3★ (1820)A popular, casual local staple serving generous portions of classic Cuban comfort dishes and cafecito.
- Super Arepa Express · Venezuelan Restaurant · 4.5★ (510)Low-key neighborhood eatery offering stuffed Venezuelan arepas, cachapas, and empanadas.
- Pinecrest Bakery - Richmond · Bakery & Cafe · 4.2★ (1240)24-hour Cuban bakery offering pastelitos, specialty sandwiches, and espresso drinks.
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.