Is South Kendall safe?
Kendall, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Kendall as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Kendall
“Go. South Kendall is a safe, quiet, and established suburban district in southwest Miami-Dade County where violent crime is rare. The primary security considerations for visitors are standard suburban risks like vehicle break-ins in large retail plazas. A rental car is essential for navigating the area smoothly.”
About the area
South Kendall is a sprawling residential community characterized by manicured subdivisions, strip malls, canal-laced neighborhoods, and vast family parks. It is best known to visitors as the gateway to major regional attractions including Zoo Miami and the Gold Coast Railroad Museum.
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Suburb
- Car-Dependent
- Strip Mall Dining
Walking and biking in South Kendall
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There is no municipal bike-share system; while quiet interior neighborhood streets and canal paths are pleasant for riding, major multi-lane arterials lack dedicated protected bike infrastructure.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Miami-Dade County metropolitan averages
- Strong socio-economic stability with median household incomes exceeding $85,000 and high homeownership
- Direct access to premier family attractions including Zoo Miami and Larry and Penny Thompson Park
- Quiet, well-maintained residential streets and active local policing
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins in shopping center parking lots
- Heavy car dependency with frequent rush-hour gridlock along major corridors like SW 104th and SW 152nd Streets
- Virtually no walkable urban core or late-night entertainment clusters
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal throughout South Kendall, with only occasional panhandling observed near major arterial intersections and turnpike ramps.
What South Kendall is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with morning joggers, dog walkers, and school commuters along suburban residential avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling commercial centers and plaza traffic with a safe, everyday suburban ambiance.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Plaza restaurants fill with families and locals, maintaining a relaxed and secure environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal foot traffic, posing low personal safety risks though deserted lots warrant typical caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates bus routes like the 104, 137, and 252 throughout the area, connecting east to the Dadeland South Metrorail station located roughly a 15- to 25-minute drive away.
Parking is exceptionally easy and universally free in vast surface lots servicing shopping plazas, parks, and residential complexes.
Things to do in South Kendall
- Explore open-air exhibits and botanical gardens at Zoo Miami
- Tour historic rail equipment and model train displays at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum
- Camp, hike, and picnic amid native pine rocklands at Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park
Local favorites
- Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant and Bar · New American Restaurant · 4.6★ (2900)Upscale dining venue serving bold Napa Valley-inspired dishes, steaks, and a curated wine list.
- Dr. Limon Ceviche Bar - Kendall · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1800)Lively local favorite dishing out creative ceviches and Peruvian coastal classics with medical-themed names.
- Sports Grill South Kendall · Bar & Grill · 4.5★ (1450)Casual neighborhood sports bar renowned across Miami for its signature 'special' grilled chicken wings.
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.