Is South Coconut Grove safe?
Miami, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Coconut Grove as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Coconut Grove
“Go. South Coconut Grove is one of Miami's most affluent, tranquil, and picturesque residential enclaves, boasting exceptionally low violent crime rates. Visitors will find lush banyan-canopied streets and historic estates that feel worlds away from the city's intense urban core. Standard precautions regarding opportunistic vehicle theft are all that is typically needed.”
About the area
South Coconut Grove is a historic, heavily wooded neighborhood nestled along Biscayne Bay, renowned for its bohemian-turned-upscale character, private compounds, and tropical greenery. The area is predominantly residential and quiet, offering easy access to botanic gardens, waterfront parks, and the lively Coconut Grove village center to the north. It provides a peaceful, leafy retreat ideal for walking, cycling, and sightseeing.
- Lush / Tree-Lined
- Historic / Scenic
- Quiet Residential
- Upscale Enclave
Walking and biking in South Coconut Grove
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 64/100
The Commodore Trail runs directly through South Coconut Grove along South Bayshore Drive and Main Highway, connecting seamlessly to the Old Cutler Trail heading south.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the City of Miami, supported by active private security and neighborhood patrols.
- Extremely high median household income exceeding $140,000 and strong owner-occupancy with well-maintained properties.
- Lush, shaded residential streets offer excellent natural tree canopy and serene residential ambiance.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package theft occur.
- Limited commercial density within South Grove proper, requiring a car or bike to reach dining and retail hubs.
- Narrow roads, heavy foliage, and lack of sidewalks in some residential sections can challenge night pedestrian navigation.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within South Coconut Grove's interior residential streets, with occasional individuals present only along major peripheral corridors like South Dixie Highway (US-1).
What South Coconut Grove is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers moving comfortably along the shaded roadways.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Tranquil and safe with minimal traffic, though Florida heat and humidity make shaded pathways essential.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential as locals return home, feeling very secure with light residential foot traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark due to dense tree cover and low streetlight density, remaining safe but requiring attention to dark road curves.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit provides the Metrorail via Douglas Road Station and Coconut Grove Station roughly 1.5 to 2.5 miles northwest, supplemented by the free Coconut Grove Trolley and Metrobus Route 37 along peripheral arterials.
Street parking in pure residential zones is often restricted or tight due to swales and private landscaping; paid municipal lots and garages are readily available nearby in the central Coconut Grove commercial village.
Things to do in South Coconut Grove
- Tour The Kampong, a stunning 9-acre botanical garden that was once the private estate of famed plant explorer David Fairchild.
- Bike or stroll along the shaded Commodore Trail and historic Main Highway under massive banyan trees.
- Visit the historic architecture and serene grounds of Plymouth Congregational Church and nearby coral rock homes.
Local favorites
- The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden · Botanical Garden · 4.8★ (320)A serene bayside heritage garden showcasing rare tropical fruits, flowering trees, and exotic flora.
- Strada in the Grove · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1150)A cozy, long-standing trattoria near the northern edge serving classic pastas, charcuterie, and fine wines.
- Daily Bread Marketplace · Middle Eastern Deli & Market · 4.6★ (1420)A beloved staple on the neighborhood perimeter offering fresh falafel, shawarma, and imported Mediterranean goods.
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.