Is The Hammocks Southwest safe?
The Hammocks, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates The Hammocks Southwest as “Go”.
Gogo's take on The Hammocks Southwest
“Go. The Hammocks Southwest is a tranquil, well-kept master-planned suburban community offering high levels of safety and stability. While you will need a car to get around, the neighborhood poses minimal safety concerns for visitors beyond standard precautions against opportunistic property crime.”
About the area
Situated in the West Kendall area of southwestern Miami-Dade County, The Hammocks Southwest consists of quiet residential subdivisions, interconnected lakes, and neighborhood shopping plazas. It is largely inhabited by middle- to upper-middle-class families and retirees who enjoy a serene, self-contained suburban atmosphere.
- Suburban Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Lakeside Trails
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in The Hammocks Southwest
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 58/100
The neighborhood contains over seven miles of dedicated multi-use greenway trails encircling the community lakes, though there is no public bike-share system or direct off-street connection to downtown Miami's trail networks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both Miami-Dade County and national benchmarks
- High homeownership rate and strong economic indicators with median household incomes well above regional averages
- Extensive network of scenic, well-lit paved multi-use paths encircling local lakes and neighborhood parks
Cons
- Isolated and car-dependent layout far from Miami's urban core and transit network
- Occasional vehicle burglaries and opportunistic porch thefts common in quiet residential developments
- Severe rush-hour traffic bottlenecks along major perimeter arteries like Kendall Drive (SW 88th St)
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in this master-planned suburban community, with no established encampments or regular panhandling.
What The Hammocks Southwest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting along scenic lakefront paths.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with light school traffic and visitors frequenting neighborhood shopping centers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasant and quiet as families gather at home and local plaza restaurants fill with diners.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and deserted across residential cul-de-sacs, remaining safe but devoid of foot traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transportation is operated by Miami-Dade Transit, primarily via Metrobus routes along SW 88th St (Kendall Drive) and SW 104th St. The nearest rail option, Metrorail's Dadeland South station, is roughly 10 miles east and requires a lengthy bus connection or drive.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free throughout the area, featuring large, free surface lots in commercial plazas and ample private residential driveways or designated parking stalls.
Things to do in The Hammocks Southwest
- Walk, jog, or rollerblade along the scenic multi-mile greenway trails surrounding The Hammocks Lake system
- Enjoy outdoor sports, skate facilities, and green spaces at nearby Westwind Lakes Park
- Sample authentic Latin American cuisines, from Cuban pastries to Venezuelan specialties, in local strip plazas
Local favorites
- Empanada Harry's Bakery & Cafe · Bakery & Cafe · 4.8★ (1150)Celebrated local bakery known for innovative artisanal empanadas, brunch items, and gourmet pastries.
- Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant and Bar · New American · 4.5★ (3200)Upscale Napa Valley-inspired dining venue offering chef-driven steaks, seafood, and extensive wine lists.
- El Rinconcito Latino · Cuban Restaurant · 4.3★ (1450)Lively casual eatery dishing up generous portions of Cuban classics, fresh juices, and cafe con leche.
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.