Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Miami Gardens, Florida

A city in Florida, Miami Gardens is a part of the Miami metropolitan region. It is known for its connection to Hard Rock Stadium, the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes, and has a population of more than 100,000.

But Miami Gardens is also known for several districts that have become notorious for being dangerous for both locals and tourists because of high rates of violence and crime.

Here are the top five riskiest neighborhoods in Miami Gardens based on the number of crimes per 100,000 residents, as determined by my research and conversations with multiple sources.

1. Bunche Park

In the northern region of the city, near the intersection of Northwest 27th Avenue and Northwest 159th Street, is the neighborhood known as Bunche Park. There are about 3,000 people living there, most of whom being low-income and African American.

With 2,252 violent offenses per 100,000 residents, Bunche Park has a high rate of violent crime, according to NeighborhoodScout. This percentage exceeds both the national average (1,664%) and the Miami Gardens average (1,462%).

The most frequent violent crime categories in this region are murder, robbery, and assault. Furthermore, at 9,034 offenses per 100,000 residents, Bunche Park has a notable property crime rate that is 358% higher than the city average and 492% higher than the national average. In this neighborhood, theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are the most common property crimes.

2. Carol City

Carol City is located close to the intersection of Northwest 183rd Street and Northwest 27th Avenue in the western side of the city. Of the roughly 35,000 people who live there, the majority are Hispanic and African American.

With 1,512 recorded offenses per 100,000 residents, Carol City has a high rate of violent crime, according to NeighborhoodScout. Notably, this number is 1,132% greater than the national average and 982% higher than the Miami Gardens average. The most common violent crimes in this region are murder, assault, and robbery.

In addition, Carol City has a high rate of property crimes—7,649 crimes reported for per 100,000 residents. This rate is 303% more than the local average and 417 percent higher than the national average. Theft, burglary, and car theft are the three most common property crimes in this community.

3. The Norwood

The neighborhood of Norwood is situated around the intersection of Northwest 199th Street and Northwest Second Avenue in the southern region of the city. Approximately 8,000 people call it home, the bulk of them are African Americans and Latinos.

At 1,378 offenses per 100,000 residents, Norwood has a high violent crime rate, according to NeighborhoodScout. This number is 1,038% higher than the national average and 894% higher than the average for Miami Gardens.

The most common violent crimes in this area are rape, robbery, and assault. Furthermore, Norwood has a high rate of property crime—7,386 offenses per 100,000 residents—that is 403% greater than the national average and 292% higher than the municipal average. Theft, car theft, and burglary are the most common property crimes in this neighborhood.

4. Scott Lake

In the eastern side of the city, near the intersection of Northwest 215th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue, is the neighborhood known as Scott Lake. There are about 9,000 people living there, mostly Hispanic and African American.

Scott Lake has a high violent crime rate—1,244 incidents reported per 100,000 residents, according to NeighborhoodScout. This rate is notably greater than the national average (945% higher) as well as the Miami Gardens average (807% higher).

The most frequent violent crime categories in this region are murder, assault, and robbery. Furthermore, Scott Lake reports 7,125 property offenses for every 100,000 residents, which is a high rate of property crime. This rate is greater above the national average by 389% as well as the local average by 282%. Theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft are the most common property crimes in this area.

5. Andover

With 8,000 or so residents, Andover is a neighborhood in the northeastern region of the city, close to the intersection of Northwest Second Avenue and Northwest 207th Street. Hispanic and African American residents make up the bulk of the population.

Andover has a violent crime rate of 1,111 offenses per 100,000 residents, according to NeighborhoodScout. This rate is 850% greater than the national average and 722% higher than the average for Miami Gardens. The most common violent crime categories in this region are rape, robbery, and assault.

Furthermore, Andover has a high property crime rate—6,864 incidents for every 100,000 residents. Compared to the national average, this rate is 375% higher while the city average is 272% higher. In this neighborhood, theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are the most frequent property crimes.

In summary

Although Miami Gardens has a lot to offer in terms of prospects and attractions, there are risks involved. Because of their greater incidence of crime and violence, some communities should be avoided or approached with caution.

Based on available statistics and sources, the aforementioned five neighborhoods are acknowledged as some of the city’s most dangerous regions. That being said, this does not mean that these particular communities are hopeless or that all other neighborhoods are completely safe.

There are probably nice people and notable establishments in these areas, and there may be efforts and projects in progress to improve safety and quality of life there as well. As such, it is still essential to do independent research and use common sense before entering or staying in any Miami Gardens neighborhood.