Kendall, Florida, is one of Miami-Dade County’s most popular suburban communities. Known for its balance of suburban comfort and urban convenience, Kendall attracts families, retirees, young professionals, and students alike. With its proximity to downtown Miami, top-rated schools, robust healthcare, and diverse cultural offerings, it’s easy to see why so many people consider Kendall a great place to live.
But like any community, Kendall has both advantages and drawbacks. From traffic congestion to hurricane risks, moving here requires weighing the pros and cons carefully.
If you’re considering relocating to Kendall—or moving from another part of Miami-Dade—this guide explores everything you need to know. And with My Stack Box portable storage solutions, making the move to Kendall is easier and more convenient than ever.
Pros of Living in Kendall, FL
1. Suburban Serenity with Urban Proximity
Kendall is beloved for its quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods while still being close to Miami’s bustling downtown. Communities like Kendale Lakes, The Hammocks, and The Falls feature tree-lined streets, parks, and lower traffic compared to Miami’s urban core.
Yet, within a 20–30 minute drive, residents can reach:
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Downtown Miami for nightlife, jobs, and events.
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Miami International Airport, convenient for frequent travelers.
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Little Havana and other cultural hubs.
The Dadeland Mall and surrounding area also serve as a local commercial hub, offering retail, dining, and entertainment without the crowds of downtown.
Moving Tip: My Stack Box offers portable storage delivery right to your Kendall home, making it easy to organize and declutter during a move, renovation, or seasonal transition.
2. Abundant Outdoor Recreation
For those who love the outdoors, Kendall doesn’t disappoint. The area features several well-maintained parks and recreational facilities, such as:
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Tropical Park – soccer fields, equestrian trails, and jogging paths.
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Kendall Indian Hammocks Park – shaded picnic areas and nature preserves.
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The Everglades – just a short drive away for airboat tours and hiking.
Residents also enjoy year-round farmers’ markets, including the Kendall Green Market, which promotes fresh produce and community gatherings.
3. Strong Educational Options
Families with children benefit from Miami-Dade County’s A-rated schools, including:
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TERRA Environmental Research Institute (STEM-focused).
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Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center.
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Somerset Academy Charter Schools with strong STEM and arts programs.
Higher education is also close by. Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus and Florida International University (FIU) both provide excellent academic resources and career pathways.
4. Cultural Diversity and Dining Scene
Kendall is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its cuisine, events, and festivals. Residents enjoy everything from Cuban favorites at El Palacio de los Jugos to authentic barbecue at Hometown Barbecue. Haitian griot, Peruvian ceviche, and Colombian arepas are just as common as American comfort food.
Annual events like the Kendall International Food Festival and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations make it easy to embrace the area’s diversity.
5. More Affordable Housing Compared to Coastal Miami
While Kendall is not the cheapest place to live in South Florida, it offers more affordable housing compared to areas like Miami Beach or Coral Gables.
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Median home prices: Around $450,000.
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Townhomes/condos: Starting at $350,000 in communities like The Crossings.
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Rental prices: Average about $2,200/month, compared to downtown’s $3,500+.
This affordability makes Kendall especially appealing to families and retirees who want suburban comfort without the steep costs of coastal living.
6. Family-Friendly Amenities and Safety
Kendall consistently ranks as one of the safer communities in Miami-Dade. Crime rates are about 20% lower than the citywide average. Gated communities, neighborhood watch programs, and local law enforcement presence provide additional peace of mind.
Popular family attractions include:
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Zoo Miami (just south of Kendall).
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The Barnacle Historic State Park for history and family outings.
7. Excellent Healthcare Access
Healthcare is another major perk of living in Kendall. The area is home to world-class hospitals like:
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Baptist Health Kendall.
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West Kendall Baptist Hospital.
Residents have access to maternity wards, urgent care, cancer treatment centers, and specialty clinics—all without needing to drive far.
Cons of Living in Kendall, FL
1. Traffic and Commuting Challenges
One of the biggest frustrations in Kendall is traffic. Rapid growth has overwhelmed local roads, particularly Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street) and the Don Shula Expressway (SR 874).
A 20-minute trip can easily turn into an hour during rush hour. Public transportation options like Metrobus are limited, making car dependency almost unavoidable.
2. Hurricane and Flood Risks
Like much of South Florida, Kendall is vulnerable to hurricanes. Residents must prepare for:
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Power outages during major storms.
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Flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
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Additional insurance costs (flood insurance averages $1,200/year).
Storm preparation and strong building codes help, but climate risks remain part of life here.
Storage Tip: My Stack Box containers provide secure storage for belongings before and after a storm. Whether you need to safeguard items during a renovation or temporarily relocate them after flooding, portable storage is a smart solution.
3. Intense Heat and Humidity
South Florida summers are hot and humid, with daily highs over 90°F and “feels like” temperatures topping 105°F. Many residents restrict outdoor activity to mornings or evenings.
Utility bills also spike in the summer, with households often spending $200–$300 per month on air conditioning.
4. Limited Nightlife Options
Kendall is not known for its nightlife. Entertainment is largely family-oriented, with options like AMC Dadeland Mall 20 or Dave & Buster’s. For trendy nightclubs, concerts, or live music, residents usually head to Wynwood, Brickell, or South Beach.
This makes Kendall less appealing to young professionals seeking a vibrant nightlife scene.
5. Rising Cost of Living
Although more affordable than coastal Miami, Kendall is still expensive compared to the U.S. average. The cost of living is about 28% higher than the national average. Residents face:
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Property taxes averaging 1.1% of home value.
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Insurance premiums that have surged in recent years.
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Higher grocery prices compared to other Florida metros.
6. Urban Sprawl and Environmental Pressures
Development in Kendall has expanded into wetlands and natural areas, threatening local ecosystems. Urban sprawl has contributed to:
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Loss of wildlife habitats.
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Longer commutes and increased air pollution.
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Strain on green spaces and recreational land.
7. Car Dependency and Limited Walkability
Kendall’s sprawling design means most errands require a car. Walkability is limited outside of specific neighborhoods, and bike lanes are inconsistent. For families, this often translates to owning two or more cars, which adds significantly to household expenses.
Balancing Life in Kendall, FL
Ultimately, Kendall offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with strong schools, healthcare, and family-friendly amenities—all within reach of Miami’s job market and cultural offerings. However, residents must navigate traffic congestion, climate risks, and higher-than-average living costs.
For many, the pros outweigh the cons, particularly for families looking for safe neighborhoods and top-rated schools. Professionals working in Miami may find the commute challenging but manageable with flexible schedules or hybrid work arrangements.
How My Stack Box Makes Moving to Kendall Easy
Relocating to Kendall? Whether you’re moving across Miami-Dade County, within Kendall itself, or relocating from another part of Florida, My Stack Box portable storage containers make the transition stress-free:
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Convenient delivery – containers are dropped off right at your home.
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Flexible loading time – pack at your own pace, no pressure.
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Secure storage – weather-resistant units protect your belongings from Florida’s heat, humidity, and storms.
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Local expertise – as a family-owned Florida company, we understand the unique moving and storage challenges across Florida.
My Stack Box is also a valuable solution for:
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Temporary storage during renovations.
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Storm preparation or recovery.
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Seasonal storage for decor, sports gear, or business equipment.
Conclusion: Is Kendall, FL Right for You?
Kendall is a thriving South Florida community with a lot to offer. From excellent schools and healthcare to suburban comfort and cultural diversity, it’s no surprise that so many families and professionals choose to call Kendall home.
Of course, traffic congestion, summer heat, and storm preparation are realities of life here. But for many, the benefits outweigh the challenges.
If you’re planning a move within Kendall or anywhere in Southern Florida, let My Stack Box make it easier. With portable storage solutions designed for Florida living, we’ll help you transition smoothly into your new home—whether you’re moving across the street or across the region.