Is South Westwood Lake safe?
Westwood Lakes, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Westwood Lake as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Westwood Lake
“Go. South Westwood Lake is a calm, stable suburban residential community in southwest Miami-Dade County with very low violent crime. While it offers limited tourist attractions, visitors passing through or staying in the area will find safe, family-oriented streets and easy driving access to surrounding Miami amenities.”
About the area
South Westwood Lake is a quiet, predominantly residential neighborhood characterized by mid-century single-family homes, tranquil artificial lakes, and quiet cul-de-sacs. The area is heavily car-dependent and primarily serves local families, offering convenient proximity to major corridors like Bird Road and the Florida Turnpike.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in South Westwood Lake
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 46/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse, limited to painted lanes on select major roads with no municipal bike-share stations available in the immediate neighborhood.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to the wider Miami metropolitan baseline
- High homeownership rate exceeding 80%, fostering stable, well-maintained residential blocks
- Low poverty rate and steady median household incomes supporting neighborhood upkeep
Cons
- Extremely car-dependent layout with minimal retail or dining within walking distance of residential streets
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins along residential driveways
- Prone to localized street flooding during severe tropical downpours and storms
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within South Westwood Lake, with no visible encampments in the residential neighborhoods and occasional individuals seen only near major transit stops on outer commercial avenues.
What South Westwood Lake is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant as residents walk dogs, jog along lakefront streets, and commute to work.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet suburban atmosphere with light local residential traffic and good general safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and subdued, with families outdoors in driveways and minimal foot traffic along main avenues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dark and very quiet; streets are safe, though street lighting is limited on internal residential blocks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates local Metrobus routes (such as Routes 24, 56, and 107) along the perimeter thoroughfares of SW 40th St, SW 56th St, and SW 107th Ave. There is no direct passenger rail connection; the nearest Metrorail station (Dadeland North) is roughly six miles east.
Parking is abundant, free, and straightforward, primarily consisting of private residential driveways, open street parking, and free surface lots at neighboring shopping plazas.
Things to do in South Westwood Lake
- Stroll or jog around the perimeter of Westwood Lake Park and neighboring residential waterways
- Sample authentic Cuban coffee and pastries along the nearby Bird Road commercial strip
- Take a short drive to Tropical Park for extensive sports facilities, walking paths, and community events
Local favorites
- Sergio's Restaurant · Cuban Restaurant · 4.3★ (3200)Popular local staple serving classic Cuban comfort food, cafecito, and all-day breakfast nearby on Bird Road.
- El Palacio de los Jugos · Latin American / Juice Bar · 4.4★ (4100)Vibrant outdoor-style food hall famous for fresh tropical fruit juices, chicharron, and hearty Latin platters.
- Finka Table & Tap · Gastropub · 4.5★ (3850)Trendy, energetic dining room blending Cuban, Peruvian, and Korean flavors with craft cocktails.
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.