For your next stay in Florida, you are wondering if there are dangerous neighborhoods in Miami. Indeed, you want to book a hotel or apartment in one of the best areas to stay in Miami. To do this, you need to know how to identify the neighborhoods to avoid or the red light districts of Miami.
That's the goal of this Miami neighborhood guide. The information used in this article has been gathered from various business media, local press, and statistical rankings and studies. It is therefore a synthesis of data that does not involve any judgment or discrimination.
Now discover this guide and map that will help you identify areas that have a reputation for being dangerous neighborhoods in Miami.
Is Miami a safe city in 2024?
Miami's crime rate, which was among the highest in the United States in the 80s and 90s, had fallen sharply in the 2000s. See the article « Miami, from drugs to tourism: a successful big gap"
However, Miami is still not one of the safest cities in the United States.
This is confirmed by the last Numbeo ranking of the most criminal cities in North America. Miami would be the 38th most crime-ridden city of the 100 cities in the ranking with a crime index that is in the high average. See map of the Numbeo site:
Au world level, we can see that in 2024 Miami is not one of the most dangerous cities. It is average in terms of crime index.
In comparison, it is less criminal than cities like Cancun, Milan, Rome, London ou Paris.
Map of Miami neighborhoods
The city of Miami is divided into 13 large districts which are themselves made up of sub-districts. Among the best known are Downtown Miami (downtown and the business district), Overtown just above Downtown and Midtown Miami even further north.
To better locate the worst and best neighborhoods in Miami, the map below can be enlarged: https://goo.gl/maps/UDfzoc7aigs4YehK8
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Miami
According to the latest statistics, the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates, and therefore the most dangerous, in Miami are:
Liberty city
This area of Miami, also called Model City, is notorious for its violent and drug-related crimes. The crimes are numerous and range from simple burglary, to settling of scores and even shootings. See location of Liberty City
The rate of crimes and misdemeanors continues to increase for this area of Miami. See the figures on areaviles.com.
overtown
This neighborhood is the liveliest neighborhood in the city of Miami. But it is also affected by violence due to drug phenomena. According to figures, it is one of the worst neighborhoods in Miami. See location of Overtown
Little Haiti
Little Haiti is a neighborhood that is worth a visit during the day for its Caribbean atmosphere, its restaurants and its Caribbean Marketplace. See location of Little Haiti
However, you should definitely avoid this area at night or late at night. Here is what Wikipedia says: " Little Haiti is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Miami. Crime is high there because of the presence of gangs and mafia networks"
Little Havana
This neighborhood is a nice little sample of Cuba but it is also a dangerous area of Miami. See location of Little Havana
Known to be dangerous, visitors are advised not to stray from tourist areas and not to walk there at night.
Wynwood
This area has always been one to avoid because there is a high rate of theft and petty crime. See location of Wynwood
However, in recent years the Wynwood area known for its street art has grown into a more fashionable area.
Allahabad
Formerly this neighborhood was very safe but today it has become a red-light district of Miami. See location of Allapattah
Its crime rate is 125% higher than the national average even with a strong police presence. See the numbers at: https://www.areavibes.com/miami-fl/allapattah/crime/
Best Miami neighborhoods
The 3 most beautiful neighborhoods in Miami are of course also completely safe neighborhoods: Brickell, Coconut Grove et Miami Beach.
It is in these 3 districts that we find the best 5-star hotels and other palaces in the city
Here are their characteristics and their interest according to your type of stay:
Upscale neighborhoods to stay in Miami
For a stay in a chic, trendy and hyper modern district of Miami, I recommend the 2 rich districts of Miami: Brickell et Coconut Grove.
They are located on a long area on the edge of the Ocean which houses many offices, the largest banks but also the most beautiful luxury residences in the city. Biscayne Bay is one of Miami's trendiest areas with its rooftop bars, art galleries and beautiful luxury boutiques.
Here is one of the most beautiful hotels located on the island of Brickell Key with a breathtaking view of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay: The Mandarin Oriental.
Best area in Miami for tourists
To enjoy Miami during a tourist and seaside stay, I recommend you Miami Beach.
Here is a historic hotel in the heart of the Art Deco district of Miami Beach and all the entertainment of Ocean Boulevard: the Betsy Hotel.
Indeed, its location is simply ideal for tourists:
Cheap hotel Miami Beach
If you are on a tight budget like me, here is a very good hotel, well located and with excellent value for money: