Is West Miami Lakes safe?
Miami Lakes, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates West Miami Lakes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Miami Lakes
“Go. West Miami Lakes is an exceptionally quiet, well-maintained, master-planned suburban enclave with very low violent crime and a strong sense of community. While primarily residential and car-dependent, it offers a secure, relaxed environment for visitors exploring the northwestern edge of Miami-Dade County.”
About the area
West Miami Lakes is characterized by tranquil tree-lined residential streets, artificial lakes, well-manicured pocket parks, and gated subdivisions. Developed as part of the master-planned Town of Miami Lakes, it combines peaceful suburban living with convenient access to major South Florida highways.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in West Miami Lakes
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 53/100
No dedicated bike-share system is present, but neighborhood streets are wide and relatively calm with shared road markings and connected sidewalk trails in town parks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to greater Miami-Dade averages
- High median household incomes (exceeding $85,000) and high owner-occupancy rates fostering well-kept properties
- Dedicated town policing contract with Miami-Dade Police Department ensuring rapid response and frequent neighborhood patrols
- Abundance of green space, lakes, and neighborhood pocket parks
Cons
- Heavy car dependency with minimal walkability outside of specific commercial strips
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins along shopping plazas and unfenced driveways
- Heavy peak-hour commuter congestion along NW 87th Ave, NW 154th St, and nearby Palmetto Expressway (SR 826)
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in West Miami Lakes due to active municipal enforcement, private community patrols, and lack of nearby service shelters.
What West Miami Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading out along lush, tree-canopied streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and sunny with light residential traffic and community members gathering around local parks and shopping plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and safe, with families dining out locally and residents taking evening walks along neighborhood lakes.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity and very dark on side streets, but remains secure and safe for residents and visitors.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Miami-Dade Transit with local bus routes like the 73 and 183 serving perimeter arterial roads, alongside the town's free local shuttle (Miami Lakes Moover). The nearest Metrorail rail terminal is the Palmetto Station, roughly 5 miles south and requiring a bus transfer or rideshare.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free throughout the neighborhood, featuring free, large surface parking lots at shopping centers and parks, along with private driveways in residential zones.
Things to do in West Miami Lakes
- Stroll or jog along the scenic fitness paths and open green fields of Royal Oaks Park
- Enjoy the family-friendly amenities, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions at Picnic Park West
- Dine and shop at the nearby Mediterranean-style Main Street Miami Lakes commercial district
Local favorites
- Nando Grill · Latin American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1280)Popular local eatery serving generous portions of grilled Venezuelan and Latin American meats and burgers.
- Vicky Bakery Miami Lakes · Cuban Bakery · 4.4★ (940)Neighborhood staple famous for traditional Cuban pastries, croquetas, sandwiches, and strong espresso.
- Picnic Park West Cafe · Park Cafe · 4.5★ (115)Casual outdoor park cafe serving juices, breakfast items, and light bites to parkgoers and runners.
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.