Is Southwest 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 Southwest Kendall West as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Southwest Kendall West
“Go. Southwest Kendall West is a safe, quiet suburban enclave characterized by established residential communities, strong homeownership, and low violent crime rates. Visitors can comfortably explore local parks, shopping plazas, and dining spots, though a car is necessary to navigate the area effectively.”
About the area
Southwest Kendall West is a sprawling residential community on the western edge of suburban Miami-Dade County near the Everglades. Primarily composed of family-centric subdivisions, townhome complexes, and commercial strip centers, it offers an authentic, car-oriented slice of South Florida life with deep Latin American cultural roots.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Residential
Walking and biking in Southwest Kendall West
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There are no public bike-share programs available, and while residential streets are quiet for cycling, arterial roads lack dedicated, protected bike infrastructure.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both county and national averages.
- Strong homeownership rates and well-maintained properties create a stable community environment.
- Low poverty and steady economic indicators across residential subdivisions.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, including vehicle break-ins and package theft.
- Heavy vehicular traffic and long commute times along major arteries like SW 88th and SW 104th Streets.
- Very low walkability and limited shade make pedestrian transit impractical.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a significant presence in Southwest Kendall West, with only occasional panhandling reported near busy commercial intersections along Kendall Drive.
What Southwest Kendall West is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe with residents exercising and commuters departing along major avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and generally secure, with regular traffic around schools and retail shopping centers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential streets and well-patronized dining plazas make for a safe evening environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very calm with little foot traffic; quiet residential roads are safe, though standard vigilance is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates bus lines such as Routes 88 and 104 along major east-west corridors, connecting riders to the Dadeland North and South Metrorail stations located roughly 9 miles east.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, consisting of spacious retail surface lots and ample residential driveway and street parking.
Things to do in Southwest Kendall West
- Visit Westwind Lakes Park for skateboarding, walking paths, and community sports facilities.
- Explore diverse Latin American dining options ranging from Cuban bakeries to Peruvian cevicherias.
- Take a short drive west to experience airboat tours and wildlife viewing along the Everglades border.
Local favorites
- El Rinconcito Super Latino · Cuban Restaurant · 4.4★ (2850)A casual local staple serving hearty portions of Cuban breakfast, vaca frita, and fresh tropical shakes.
- Aromas del Peru - West Kendall · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1420)Upscale casual dining room known for fresh ceviches, lomo saltado, and traditional Peruvian cuisine.
- Westwind Lakes Action Sports Park · Skate Park & Recreation · 4.6★ (680)A premier public outdoor sports facility featuring a lighted skate park, soccer fields, and a recreation center.
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.