The 15 Safest Neighborhoods In Miami: 2022's Ultimate List

Jessica Stone
by Jessica Stone
Miami, Florida is a tourist destination for many, but thousands of residents call it home. There are many dangerous neighborhoods in Miami, but 10 neighborhoods such as West Flagler, Star Island, and Little Havana are the safest places to live in the city. Between South Coconut Grove, Coral Way, and more, let’s take a look at the safest neighborhoods in Miami.

When one thinks of arguably the most famous Florida city, what comes to mind is the white sand beaches, art deco architecture, Cuban food, vibrant culture, and tropical atmosphere. Miami has so much to offer its residents and visitors, both on and beyond the beaches. Situated on the southern tip of mainland Florida, Miami is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay to the east and the Everglades National Park to the west.

Based on statistics, Fisher Island, Coral Way, Star Island, Flagami, and Sunny Isles Beach are the safest neighborhoods in Miami, Florida. These neighborhoods rank highest when it comes to safety and livability, with between 68-97% higher safety ratings than all of Miami. Other safe neighborhoods in the Miami area include North Coconut Grove, Brickell, Aventura, and Pinecrest.

Living in Miami can be an absolute adventure, with its abundance of nightlife, beauty, artwork, and diverse cultural experiences. Whether you’re relocating to Miami as a snowbird, young professional, or alongside your family, the safety aspect is always at the top of everyone’s priority list.

What Are The Safest Neighborhoods in Miami?

If you base safety in Miami solely on statistics, it cannot be considered a safe city. However, that’s not to say that The Magic City doesn’t have secure areas. There are plenty of neighborhoods with crime rates well below both city and national averages.

Although crime remains a concern for both Miami residents and visitors, many neighborhoods within the city limits are reported to be high on safety and security and low on crime. To aid in your search for the perfect place to call home, we assembled a list of some of these neighborhoods that we speak of.

1. Fisher Island

  • Home Price: $492,873 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,819 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 97% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 80% of areas

When it comes to finding the safest place to live in Miami, Fisher Island is at the top of the list. Fisher Island’s security is unparalleled. This ultra-exclusive and private island just south of South Beach is totally self-contained and is located in one of the most affluent zip codes in the country.

The island is only accessible by ferry or boat, and guests are only permitted via ‘Invitation Only.’ Residents enjoy exclusivity and solitude. Fisher Island residents are also protected by approximately 50 security officers and a 24-hour sea patrol.

Fisher Island ranks 80% better in livability than other areas in Miami. This neighborhood is also 97% safer than other areas. According to statistics, the median purchase price of homes in the area is $492,873, with the average rent being $1,819.

2. Coral Way

  • Home Price: $311,115 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,310 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 85% of areas

A traditional Florida neighborhood located within Miami city limits, Coral Way, is defined by a road of the same name established in the 1920s. The community is known for its peaceful and quiet nature and architecture reminiscent of the early 20th century.

Coral Way is the ideal choice for those looking for a safe neighborhood that offers the typical Florida experience and is close to the Miami city setting.

Coral Way ranks 85% better in livability than other areas in Miami. This neighborhood is also 81% safer than other Florida neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of homes in the area is $311,115, with the average rent being $1,310.

3. Star Island

  • Home Price: $136,300 median purchase price
  • Rent: $968 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 79% of areas

With a population of approximately 100 residents, Star Island is a tiny Miami community. It is a manufactured island that is located in Biscayne Bay, just south of the Venetian Islands and east of the Palm and Hibiscus Islands.

The neighborhood was completed in 1922 by Army Corps Engineers by dredging sand, and while a developer initially owned it, it later became a part of the city.

Star Island is home or has been home to several celebrities, including Gloria Estefan, Sean Combs, Rosie O’Donnell, and Shaquille O’Neal. As you might expect, Star Island is an affluent community that is filled with many extensive, breathtaking mansions on large properties.

Star Island has a livability of 79 percent. In comparison to other Miami neighborhoods, this one is 81 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $136,300, and the average rent is $968.

4. Flagami

  • Home Price: $151,929 median purchase price
  • Rent: $939 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 96% of areas

With a population of roughly 59,000 residents, Flagami is the distinctive “tail” that protrudes out the western border of Miami. The neighborhood is situated south and east of the Tamiami Canal, north of the Tamiami Trail, west of Red Road, and is bisected by Flagler Street. Its name comes from a blend of “Flagler” and “Tamiami.”

Flagami’s residents are primarily middle-class Hispanics, with some white Americans. Residentially, this neighborhood is a wide array of moderately priced apartments, single-family homes, and duplexes. Locals enjoy many small shopping centers, a variety of supper clubs, and popular lounges that attract people both day and night.

Flagami is 96 percent more livable than nearby Miami neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 77% safer than the rest of Miami. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $151,929, with an average rent of $939.

5. Sunny Isles Beach

  • Home Price: $316,300 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,499 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 97% of areas

Sunny Isles Beach is probably one of the best options for condo living with beautiful ocean views and easy access to local beaches. This opulent address in North Miami is right across Aventura, separated only by the Intracoastal Waterway.

The residents of this barrier island have access to various amenities, including private yacht clubs, private beaches, and a variety of eateries within walking distance. A few malls, a few parks, and even a fishing pier are all within walking distance of the community.

Sunny Isles Beach has a 97% livability advantage over other Miami neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 72 percent safer than similar areas in Miami. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the community is $316,300, with an average rent of $1,499.

6. Key Biscayne

  • Home Price: $1,034,800 median purchase price
  • Rent: $2,549 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 92% of areas

Key Biscayne is another region in Miami where you may consider relocating if safety is a top priority in your house search. The Rickenbacker Causeway is the sole means to get to this island community, located just southeast of Downtown Miami and east of Coral Gables.

Key Biscayne can easily brag about its safety, as its crime rate is 38 percent lower than the national average. It’s also 76 percent safer than the rest of the United States cities.

This neighborhood is 92 percent more livable than nearby Miami neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 68% safer than the rest of Miami. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $1,034,800, with an average rent of $2,549.

7. Brickell

  • Home Price: $297,766 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,219 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 85% of areas

The Financial District of Miami is located in Brickell, which is part of Downtown Miami. While there are many young professionals and business people in this neighborhood, it also has many pensioners and families with children.

You may believe that because Brickell is part of Downtown Miami, it is a crime-ridden area. It is, on the contrary, one of the safest neighborhoods in the entire state. Brickell and the rest of Downtown Miami have a crime rate that is 25% lower than the national average.

Brickell ranks 85% better in livability than other areas in Miami. This neighborhood is also 66% safer than other Miami neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of homes in the area is $297,766, with the average rent being $1,219.

8. North Coconut Grove

  • Home Price: $592,500 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,401 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 87% of areas

North Coconut Grove is the slightly larger sibling of the aforementioned South Coconut Grove neighborhood. It is situated in the northern part of the all-encompassing Coconut Grove community and contains roughly 10,440 residents. As opposed to South Grove, North Coconut Grove is much closer to downtown Miami, Brickell, Key Biscayne, and many great beaches.

It also offers more homes that are situated on large lots and the average home prices tend to be lower than its southern counterpart. The lower average housing costs in North Coconut Grove has to do with the fewer number of homes in gated communities and those on the waterfront.

In terms of livability, North Coconut Grove exceeds other Miami neighborhoods by 87 percent. This neighborhood is 62% safer than other Miami neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $592,500 and the average rent is $1,401.

9. Doral

  • Home Price: $328,600 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,806 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 82% of areas

The City of Doral is located just a mile from Miami International Airport and a short commute from Downtown Miami. Despite not being as well-known as its Miami competitors, it remains one of the most livable places in the region.

Doral is one of the safest neighborhoods in Miami, and it is safer than 39% of the cities in the United States. Its crime rate has also decreased this year, with a 10% decrease from the previous year. Residents enjoy the peace and quiet, as well as the beautiful Mediterranean-style villas that line the streets.

Doral exceeds some other Miami neighborhoods by 82 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 56 percent safer than others in Miami. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $328,600, and the average rent is $1,806.

10. Kendall

  • Home Price: $249,200 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,626 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 54% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks 96% better than of areas

Kendall is a neighborhood located southwest of Coral Gables. This neighborhood is deemed child-friendly and is essentially a suburban setting. The Dadeland Mall, which is near the Snapper Creek Canal, is located inside the boundaries of this area. The Falls, the Sabal Chase neighborhood, and Kendall Acres Condominium are all located in this area.

Kendall has a crime rate that is 40% lower than the national average, making it 52 percent safer than the rest of the country.

In terms of livability, Kendall exceeds other Miami neighborhoods by 96 percent. This neighborhood is 54% safer than others. According to statistics, the median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $249,200, and the average rent is $1,626.

11. Palmetto Bay

  • Home Price: $467,400 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,218 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 85% of areas

Palmetto Bay is located south of Pinecrest and southeast of Kendall. This hamlet is a suburb that is ideal for families and individuals looking for a tranquil community to settle down in. It is also one of the safest enclaves in the southern portion of Miami. Palmetto Bay, also known as the Village of Parks, is known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and coastal activities.

In terms of livability, Palmetto Bay exceeds other Miami neighborhoods by 85 percent. This neighborhood is 49% safer than other Miami neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $467,400, and the average rent is $1,218

12. Aventura

  • Home Price: $310,300 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,681 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 71% of areas

This area, which is near Sunny Isles Beach and Golden Beach in North Miami and is only a half-hour drive from Downtown Miami, is one of the planned suburban communities in Miami. The majority of the homes in Aventura are condominiums that were built in the 1970s.

When it comes to safety in Aventura, it’s been said that this portion of Miami is safer than 20% of the cities in the United States. It is tough to resist the sunny weather, numerous local amenities, and clean streets surrounded by palm palms that make it incredibly livable.

Aventura is 71 percent more livable than nearby Miami neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 48% safer than the rest of Miami. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $310,300, with an average rent of $1,681.

13. Pinecrest

  • Home Price: $840,900 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,313 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 89% of areas

Pinecrest is regarded as one of Miami’s most prestigious neighborhoods for a variety of reasons. This is one of the few neighborhoods in Miami where traditional family values and community activities like farmers’ markets, park playdates, and family picnics are still practiced.

Pinecrest is deemed 58 percent safer than all other cities in the United States when it comes to safety. While there may be a few tiny crimes here and there, it has been noticed that the annual percentage of crimes in the neighborhood is actually decreasing, with a 17 percent decline indicated for the current year.

This neighborhood outperforms other Miami neighborhoods in terms of livability by 89 percent. In comparison to other local neighborhoods, this one is 47 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $840,900, and the average rent is $1,313.

14. Coral Gables

  • Home Price: $696,000 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,412 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 45% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 93% of areas

Coral Gables is one of the cities in Miami that residents adore and consider to be really safe to live in. This neighborhood, located just south of Miami International Airport and southwest of Downtown Miami, is one of the region’s first planned neighborhoods.

It is reported to be safer than 11% of all other cities in the country, with a crime index of 11. It is regarded as one of the greatest areas to live if you have small children, and it is also ideal for boat enthusiasts due to the abundance of boat storage choices.

Coral Gables has a 93% livability advantage over other Miami neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 45 percent safer than similar areas in Miami. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the neighborhood is $696,000, with an average rent of $1,412.

15. Bal Harbour

  • Home Price: $641,900 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,727 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of Florida cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 85% of areas

Bal Harbour is located at the northernmost tip of the famous Miami Beach’s North Beach, and is considered one of the more expensive addresses in the city. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and the Bay Harbor Islands, this area of Miami is a desirable spot to live.

High-rise condominiums, well-known brand names in shopping centers, and private beaches where residents may enjoy the sun, sand, and sea to their hearts’ delight can all be found here.

Bal Harbour has a high level of safety, being rated safer than 48% of other cities in the country. It is regarded as one of Miami’s most pleasant neighborhoods, thanks to a low crime rate, a stable housing market, and a plethora of local facilities.

New Braunfels exceeds other Miami neighborhoods by 85 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 42 percent safer than others in Miami. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $641,900, and the average rent is $1,727.

Is Miami Safe?

Miami has one of the highest rates for violence in the nation, especially of the gang and drug-related variety. With such high crime rates, both visitors and residents to the city find themselves asking, is Miami safe? Although the city cannot be classified as safe based on statistics, there are areas of Miami that are safe.

As evidenced in our list outlined above, there are several communities across The Magic City that are safe to settle down. On the other hand, neighborhoods should definitely be avoided in Miami, especially those with crime that is significantly above both city and national averages.

Check Out These Guides For Comparisons Between Miami And Other Major Cities

Jessica Stone
Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

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