Is South Kendall West safe?
Kendall West, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Kendall West as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Kendall West
“Go. South Kendall West is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community in southwest Miami-Dade with very low crime risks for visitors. The neighborhood is safe to explore day and night, with the primary nuisance being standard commuter traffic along major avenues.”
About the area
South Kendall West is a sprawling residential community characterized by tidy single-family developments, canals, and neighborhood strip malls. It offers a relaxed, authentic suburban slice of Miami-Dade with easy access to neighborhood Latin eateries and local parks.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
- Residential
Walking and biking in South Kendall West
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There are no public bike-share programs available, and while interior neighborhood roads are pleasant for cycling, arterial roads lack protected bike lanes and have high vehicular speeds.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to the greater Miami metro average
- High homeownership rate and stable, well-maintained residential subdivisions
- Strong middle-to-upper-middle household income levels with low overall poverty
- Peaceful, family-centric atmosphere with quiet residential streets
Cons
- Car break-ins and package theft occasionally occur in residential driveways
- Severe traffic congestion during peak hours along Kendall Drive (SW 88th St)
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure along high-speed arterial roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low in this area, with occasional individuals near major commercial intersections or bus stops, but no encampments or concentrated services exist locally.
What South Kendall West is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are bustling with school drop-offs and commuters, feeling very safe for joggers and dog walkers.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are active and secure around shopping centers and quiet throughout interior residential streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings remain safe and relaxed as residents dine out in local plazas and unwind in residential neighborhoods.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are peaceful and low-risk, though standard precautions apply in poorly lit areas and commercial parking lots.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates local bus routes like Route 88 and Route 104 along major thoroughfares, but the nearest Metrorail station (Dadeland North) is over 10 miles away, making transit slow and inconvenient.
Parking is exceptionally easy, with plentiful free surface lots at all shopping plazas and ample private driveway space throughout subdivisions.
Things to do in South Kendall West
- Sample authentic Cuban pastries and coffee at neighborhood strip mall ventanitas
- Enjoy green space, sports facilities, and walking paths at nearby Westwind Lakes Park
- Explore local Latin dining hubs along the SW 88th Street (Kendall Drive) corridor
Local favorites
- El Rinconcito Latino · Cuban Restaurant · 4.4★ (3150)A bustling local staple known for generous portions of classic Cuban fare, breakfasts, and cafe con leche.
- Mondongo's Restaurante · Colombian Restaurant · 4.5★ (2900)Beloved family restaurant specializing in hearty Colombian comfort food, including signature tripe soup and bandeja paisa.
- Bocas House Kendall · Latin American Restaurant · 4.5★ (2420)Popular gathering spot serving creative Latin fusion dishes, shareable parrilladas, and over-the-top milkshakes.
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.