There are a lot of different cultures and ways of life in Miami’s neighborhoods, and each one has its own unique charm and personality. Miami has areas for all tastes, from trendy hipster neighborhoods and high-end spots to student-friendly and less wealthy areas. People consistently name Miami as one of the best places to live in the country. Its appeal comes from its strong economy and lively cultural scene. But not all of Miami is known for being sunny. Some areas have problems that need to be solved. In this report, we will look at the neighborhoods that need work and the ones that stand out in Miami’s beautiful scenery.
Beyond Paradise: The Ten Worst Areas of Miami 2023 (Photo: pt.Dreamstime)
Standout Neighborhood: Coral Way
Not every area can be the best, but Coral Way is a great place to live in Miami with its unique charm.
Spotlight on Desirable Neighborhoods
We looked closely at 15 neighborhoods to find the ones that don’t meet Miami’s high standards. The following list shows the areas of the city that don’t quite live up to their excellent reputation:
1. Overtown
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- Population: 9,640
- Violent Crime: 1,894
- Property Crime: 11,159
- Total Reported Crime: 13,053
Overview: Overtown, one of Miami’s oldest African-American neighborhoods, boasts a rich history and culture. However, it grapples with high crime rates, particularly gun violence, making late-night strolls inadvisable. In 2022, Overtown reported 13,053 crimes, including violent and property crimes. The neighborhood’s crime rate has consistently increased by at least 2% annually.
2. Opa-Locka
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- Population: 16,245
- Violent Crime: 1,957
- Property Crime: 6,139
- Total Reported Crime: 8,096
Overview: Opa-Locka, a blend of urban and suburban living where most residents rent their homes, reports many crimes. In 2022, the neighborhood faced a total of 8,096 crimes, including both violent and property-related offenses.
3. Downtown
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- Population: 30,065
- Violent Crime: 1,109
- Property Crime: 6,649
- Total Reported Crime: 7,758
Overview: Downtown Miami is a famous place for tourists to visit, but according to crimegrade.org, it has a crime rate of 308% higher than the national average. In addition, it has one of the highest rates of serious crime in all of Miami.
4. Wynwood
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- Population: 17,923
- Violent Crime: 726
- Property Crime: 6,542
- Total Reported Crime: 7,268
Overview: Wynwood is known for having an artistic vibe but has some crime-related problems. A total of 7,268 crimes were recorded in the neighborhood in 2022. These were a mix of violent and property crimes.
5. Model City
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- Population: 25,023
- Violent Crime: 1,781
- Property Crime: 4,710
- Total Reported Crime: 6,491
Overview: Even though Model City has a lot of people, it had 6,491 crimes in 2022, including severe and property crimes.
READ ALSO: Exploring Anaheim, CA: Unveiling The Top 10 Most Challenging Neighborhoods
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- Population: 7,725
- Violent Crime: 697
- Property Crime: 5,548
- Total Reported Crime: 6,245
Overview: Since 7,725 people live in the Upper Eastside, there are a lot of recorded crimes, both violent and property crimes.
7. North Miami
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- Population: 62,158
- Violent Crime: 762
- Property Crime: 1,382
- Total Reported Crime: 3,944
Overview: With a slightly larger population, North Miami had 3,944 recorded crimes in 2022. These crimes included both violent and property-related ones.
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- Population: 21,854
- Violent Crime: 667
- Property Crime: 4,211
- Total Reported Crime: 4,878
Overview: A total of 4,878 crimes were recorded in Bayside Harbor in 2022. These crimes included both violent and property-related types.
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- Population: 112,514
- Violent Crime: 782
- Property Crime: 2,775
- Total Reported Crime: 3,557
Overview: Miami Gardens’s average annual crime rate is 29.64 per 1,000. Residents consider the northwest the safest. In 2022, 3,557 crimes were reported, including murder, rape, assault, burglary, and auto theft. Property crime made up 2,775, while violent offenses made up 782.
10. Little Haiti
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- Population: 33,229
- Violent Crime: 1,056
- Property Crime: 3,444
- Total Reported Crime: 4,500
Overview: Little Haiti, initially a Caribbean refuge for Haitians, has a rich culture and great Haitian food. It also has high crime rates and a dangerous nightlife. This area has 132% more crime than usual. In 2022, Little Haiti had 4,500 crimes and 33,229 residents. These were 1,056 violent and 3,444 property crimes. Most households earn $40,948, but houses cost $340,210, demonstrating a sizeable income-housing discrepancy.
