Is South 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 South Kendale Lakes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Kendale Lakes
“Go. South Kendale Lakes is a tranquil, established suburban community in southwest Miami-Dade County with very low rates of violent crime. Visitors will find safe, family-oriented residential blocks, convenient shopping plazas, and peaceful community parks, though a vehicle is necessary to navigate the area.”
About the area
South Kendale Lakes is an expansive suburban neighborhood characterized by single-family homes, townhouses, and scenic canals near the Miccosukee Golf & Country Club. It is predominantly residential with quiet subdivisions and standard neighborhood shopping centers along major thoroughfares.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Safe Residential
Walking and biking in South Kendale Lakes
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in this area; cyclists primarily ride on residential side streets and standard sidewalks, as dedicated on-street bike lanes along major thoroughfares are sparse.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than the Miami-Dade County average
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained residential subdivisions
- Solid median household income above the county median with low poverty levels
- Proximity to neighborhood shopping plazas and family-friendly community parks
Cons
- Occasional vehicle burglaries reported in retail parking plazas and residential driveways
- Heavy car dependency with significant traffic congestion along SW 88th St (Kendall Dr) and SW 137th Ave
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure outside of immediate subdivision loop roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in South Kendale Lakes, with only occasional individuals observed near major commercial intersections or transit bus shelters.
What South Kendale Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading out along tree-lined residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate commercial activity and parking traffic at local strip malls.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and comfortable, with families walking through subdivisions and locals dining at neighborhood restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet streets where standard personal awareness is sufficient for safe late-night movement.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates bus routes including Route 72, Route 88, and Route 137 along the perimeter arterials. The nearest Metrorail hub is Dadeland North Station, roughly 7 miles east and best accessed via bus or rideshare.
Parking is abundant and free throughout South Kendale Lakes, with expansive lots at shopping centers and easy driveway or curb parking in residential subdivisions.
Things to do in South Kendale Lakes
- Play a round of golf or practice at the Miccosukee Golf & Country Club driving range
- Stroll, jog, or play basketball at Kendale Lakes Park
- Enjoy casual dining and retail shopping along the SW 137th Avenue commercial corridor
Local favorites
- Miccosukee Golf & Country Club · Golf Course · 4.1★ (820)A classic 27-hole championship golf course offering lighted driving range facilities and a casual clubhouse restaurant.
- Sergio's Restaurant - Kendale · Cuban Restaurant · 4.4★ (2350)Popular local staple serving classic Cuban fare, espresso, and ventanita specialties in a family-friendly setting.
- El Rinconcito Latino · Latin American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1640)Lively neighborhood diner offering generous portions of Cuban, Latin, and seafood dishes at value prices.
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.