Is South Auburndale safe?
Miami, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates South Auburndale as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on South Auburndale
“Go. South Auburndale is a quiet, predominantly residential neighborhood situated conveniently between Little Havana and Coral Gables. Visitors will find safe, family-oriented streets with authentic Cuban and Latin American eateries nearby, though basic urban precautions should be taken along perimeter arterial roads.”
Recent area news centers on minor property crimes, vehicle thefts, and city infrastructure upgrades along major thoroughfares, with no notable violent crime surges.
About the area
South Auburndale is an unpretentious, tree-shaded residential pocket in Miami characterized by mid-century single-family homes and duplexes. Its location directly between Coral Way and Calle Ocho offers straightforward access to dining and cultural attractions while retaining a relaxed neighborhood rhythm.
- Quiet Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Latin Culture
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in South Auburndale
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 65/100
The neighborhood has modest bike lanes on select surrounding corridors and is roughly a 10-minute ride to The Underline multi-use trail along US-1.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates relative to the broader Miami urban core
- High residential stability with established multi-generational families and low vacancy
- Convenient central location bordered by vibrant dining corridors along SW 8th St and Coral Way
Cons
- Periodic opportunistic property crime and vehicle break-ins along perimeter avenues
- Inconsistent sidewalk quality and street lighting across some interior residential streets
- High traffic volume and speeding on surrounding commuter corridors like SW 27th Ave and SW 37th Ave
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks, though individuals experiencing homelessness are occasionally seen near major bus stops and plazas along SW 8th St and SW 27th Ave.
What South Auburndale is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with locals walking dogs and heading out for morning coladas at neighborhood cafeterias.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and quiet along interior residential blocks, with bustling commercial activity on Coral Way and Calle Ocho.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally safe for an evening stroll, though lighting varies across interior side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very calm and sleepy, but caution is recommended near quieter perimeter avenues and unlit alleys.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit serves the area with frequent bus routes along SW 8th St (Route 8) and SW 27th Ave (Route 27), while the Douglas Road Metrorail Station is located roughly 1.5 miles south.
Street parking is generally easy and free in residential sections, though commercial zones along Calle Ocho and Coral Way may have metered street parking or tight customer lots.
Things to do in South Auburndale
- Sample traditional Cuban fritas, pressed sandwiches, and fruit batidos along Calle Ocho
- Browse local neighborhood grocers, bakeries, and botanicas scattered along surrounding commercial strips
- Take a quiet walk through the residential grid to admire historic Miami single-family architecture and lush tropical foliage
Local favorites
- El Rey de las Fritas · Cuban Restaurant · 4.6★ (2400)Iconic casual counter serving acclaimed Cuban frita burgers, classic pressed sandwiches, and tropical shakes.
- Punta Cana Restaurant · Dominican Restaurant · 4.4★ (850)Long-running neighborhood staple dishing out hearty Dominican classics like mofongo and roast pork.
- Mary's Cafe & Coin Laundry · Bakery & Cafe · 4.5★ (1200)Famous 24/7 laundromat takeout counter serving late-night Cuban sandwiches, pan con bistec, and coladas.
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.