Is Southeast 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 Southeast Kendall West as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Southeast Kendall West
“Go. Southeast Kendall West is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community in western Miami-Dade County with low violent crime rates. While it holds little traditional tourism appeal, visitors staying in the area or visiting local dining spots can expect a secure, relaxed environment.”
About the area
Southeast Kendall West is a classic South Florida suburban neighborhood characterized by single-family developments, canals, and strip shopping plazas. The community is predominantly residential with a vibrant Hispanic cultural presence, well-kept yards, and local parks.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Residential
Walking and biking in Southeast Kendall West
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no public bike-share program in the area; cycling is largely recreational on neighborhood streets or sidewalks, as major multi-lane roads lack dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates than Miami-Dade County averages
- High homeownership rate and stable middle-class residential communities
- Convenient access to neighborhood plazas with authentic Latin American dining
- Abundant free parking and well-maintained suburban infrastructure
Cons
- High car dependency makes getting around without a vehicle difficult
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins in residential driveways
- Heavy traffic congestion during morning and evening rush hours along arterial roads
Homelessness: Homelessness is not a notable presence in this suburban area, with only occasional individuals visible near major arterial intersections and no established encampments.
What Southeast Kendall West is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters and school traffic; neighborhood streets feel very safe and welcoming.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and calm throughout the subdivisions with routine errand traffic at shopping centers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Plazas and restaurants see steady family crowds; residential streets remain peaceful for walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Suburban streets become very quiet and dark, remaining generally safe with minimal street activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit serves the area via local Metrobus routes such as Route 72 and Route 88 along major corridors. The nearest Metrorail hub is Dadeland South Station, located roughly 10 miles east.
Parking is abundant and free across all shopping centers, parks, and residential streets, with no parking meters or garages required.
Things to do in Southeast Kendall West
- Enjoy outdoor walking paths, soccer fields, and community events at Westwind Lakes Park
- Sample authentic Cuban, Colombian, and Venezuelan cuisine along SW 152nd and SW 157th Avenues
- Visit nearby Olympic Park for tennis courts, playgrounds, and open green space
Local favorites
- Sergio's Restaurant · Cuban Restaurant · 4.3★ (2150)Popular South Florida staple known for traditional Cuban platters, cafecito, and fresh croquetas.
- Los Verdes Kendall West · Latin American Restaurant · 4.4★ (890)Casual Colombian fast-food joint serving specialty burgers, loaded hot dogs, and maicitos.
- El Rey De Las Fritas · Cuban Restaurant · 4.5★ (1420)Iconic counter-serve spot celebrated for its savory Cuban-style burgers topped with crispy shoestring potatoes.
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.