Is West Centris safe?
Kendall, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates West Centris as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Centris
“Go. West Centris in Kendall is a quiet, comfortable suburban community with low overall crime and a strong family presence. Visitors can explore local Latin dining spots and retail plazas with minimal safety concerns beyond standard awareness in large parking lots.”
About the area
Located in southwestern Miami-Dade County, West Centris is a peaceful suburban pocket characterized by gated communities, strip plazas, and tree-lined residential streets. It offers strong connectivity to regional healthcare centers, the Florida Turnpike, and Kendall's vibrant Hispanic dining scene.
- Suburban Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Latin Dining Hub
Walking and biking in West Centris
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 49/100
Bike lanes along major multi-lane roads are limited and vehicular speeds are high; bike-share systems like Citi Bike do not operate in this suburban corridor.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than the Miami-Dade County metro average.
- Healthy economic profile with median household incomes well above the national median and low poverty.
- Well-maintained suburban housing stock and high owner-occupancy rates.
- Immediate access to top-tier healthcare facilities and regional commercial hubs.
Cons
- Car-dependent layout with heavy commuter congestion along Kendall Drive (SW 88th St).
- Occasional vehicle burglaries and retail theft in commercial surface parking lots.
- Limited walkability for pedestrians navigating multi-lane arterial intersections.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in West Centris, with only occasional individuals panhandling near major highway exits or busy commercial intersections along Kendall Drive.
What West Centris is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters heading out and residents jogging or walking dogs through subdivisions.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy around retail centers and major thoroughfares, remaining safe and functional for errands.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively at neighborhood restaurants and strip plazas with a relaxed, family-centric atmosphere.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and quiet across residential blocks, with minimal foot traffic and standard suburban safety.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit operates Metrobus routes (such as Route 88 and Route 107) along primary corridors, connecting east to the Dadeland North and Dadeland South Metrorail stations roughly 4 to 6 miles away.
Parking is exceptionally easy and almost universally free in expansive surface lots at shopping centers and within residential developments.
Things to do in West Centris
- Sample authentic Cuban and Latin American cuisine at neighborhood strip-plaza cafes.
- Spend an afternoon outdoors at nearby Kendall Indian Hammocks Park enjoying nature trails and the skate park.
- Shop at nearby open-air centers like The Palms at Town & Country.
Local favorites
- Sports Grill Kendall · American Sports Bar & Grill · 4.5★ (2350)Popular local staple known for its special grilled wings, cold beer, and casual neighborhood vibe.
- SpecialTea Lounge & Cafe · Tea House & Cafe · 4.6★ (1150)Cozy neighborhood spot serving organic teas, boba, and light vegetarian-friendly sandwiches.
- El Rinconcito Latino Kendall · Cuban Restaurant · 4.3★ (3100)Bustling casual eatery serving generous portions of classic Cuban comfort food and espresso.
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.