Is University of Miami safe?
Coral Gables, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates University of Miami as “Go”.
Gogo's take on University of Miami
“Go. The University of Miami campus and its surrounding Coral Gables environs are exceptionally safe, meticulously maintained, and welcoming for visitors. As with any collegiate or urban area, opportunistic thefts of unattended belongings can happen, but violent crime is exceedingly rare.”
About the area
Centering on the lush, tropical grounds of a premier private research university, this area blends active academic vitality with Coral Gables' affluent suburban charm. Lake Osceola and botanical pathways anchor the interior campus, surrounded by quiet residential streets and convenient transit connections along US-1.
- Collegiate
- Lush & Tropical
- Affluent Suburban
- Safe & Patrolled
Walking and biking in University of Miami
Walk score: 72/100 · Bike score: 81/100
The neighborhood provides direct access to The Underline, a dedicated multi-use linear park and bike trail running underneath the Metrorail guideway from Dadeland north toward Downtown Miami.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Dedicated 24/7 University of Miami Police Department (UMPD) alongside rapid Coral Gables Police coverage
- Exceptionally low violent crime rates significantly below national and county benchmarks
- Situated in an affluent municipality with robust municipal infrastructure and strict code enforcement
- Direct multi-modal connectivity via on-site Metrorail access and The Underline linear park
Cons
- Periodic opportunistic property crimes such as bicycle and unattended electronic thefts in common areas
- High-speed arterial traffic along South Dixie Highway (US-1) creates pedestrian pinch points
- Strict, paid-only visitor parking rules with vigilant enforcement across campus garages and lots
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the campus or nearby residential blocks, though individuals experiencing homelessness are occasionally seen passing through the adjacent University Metrorail station.
What University of Miami is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, students, and groundskeepers along well-lit, manicured paths.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling academic rhythm with open public facilities, steady foot traffic, and an entirely secure atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasant and populated as students dine and study lakeside, with ample architectural lighting throughout.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and secure, supported by regular UMPD patrols, emergency blue-light call boxes, and campus safety escort shuttles.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit serves the area directly via the University Metrorail Station on the campus edge, supplemented by Metrobus routes and the free Coral Gables Trolley connecting north to Miracle Mile.
Campus parking is strictly regulated; visitors must use designated garages (such as Pavia or Levante) or pay-by-phone surface visitor stalls averaging $1.50 to $2.00 per hour.
Things to do in University of Miami
- Walk the scenic perimeter of Lake Osceola to view local wildlife and the iconic campus fountain
- Tour rotating contemporary art and regional antiquities at the Lowe Art Museum
- Explore diverse tropical flora and rare trees within the John C. Gifford Arboretum
Local favorites
- Lowe Art Museum · Art Museum · 4.6★ (270)Renowned campus institution showcasing a diverse permanent collection of global art and rotating exhibits.
- The Rathskeller · American Restaurant & Bar · 4.5★ (360)Iconic lakeside campus gathering spot offering casual American eats, cold drinks, and outdoor patio seating.
- Moon Thai & Japanese · Thai / Japanese Restaurant · 4.5★ (1880)Popular dining staple across US-1 serving extensive sushi rolls, curry, and noodles in a bustling setting.
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.