Westwood Lakes, Miami — A Cheat Sheet for Buyers, Visitors, & the Curious

LIVING IN WESTWOOD LAKES

Is Westwood Lakes a good place to live?

Westwood Lakes is considered a desirable suburban neighborhood for buyers looking for more space, quieter streets, and a residential setting while remaining centrally located in Miami-Dade County.

It offers a balance of accessibility and privacy, with larger homes, lower density than surrounding areas, and a layout built around lakes and interior streets rather than heavy commercial corridors.

Buyers who prioritize lot size, parking, and a calmer environment tend to find Westwood Lakes a strong fit compared to denser nearby neighborhoods.

Is Westwood Lakes safe? 

Westwood Lakes is generally regarded as a safe residential area with lower crime levels than more urban parts of Miami-Dade County.

Because it is unincorporated, the area is served by the Miami-Dade Police Department, which provides consistent patrol coverage.

The neighborhood’s layout—with interior streets, limited cut-through traffic, and a high percentage of long-term residents—contributes to a more stable and community-oriented environment.

Is Westwood Lakes expensive?

Westwood Lakes is considered moderately expensive within the Miami market, primarily due to its larger lot sizes and single-family home inventory.

While it is generally more affordable than Coral Gables, pricing is often higher than in smaller-lot neighborhoods in Westchester due to land value and space.

Buyers are paying not only for the home itself but also for lot size, parking flexibility, and overall residential feel.

What are home prices in Westwood Lakes?

Single-family homes in Westwood Lakes typically range from approximately $650,000 to $1.1 million, depending on size, condition, and location within the neighborhood.

Original-condition homes often fall between $650K and $800K, while renovated properties range from $850K to over $1M.

Lakefront homes or larger properties exceeding 2,500 to 3,000 square feet can surpass $1.1M, depending on upgrades and water frontage.

Are there new construction homes in Westwood Lakes?

New construction is limited in Westwood Lakes because most of the neighborhood is already built out.

However, some buyers pursue tear-downs or major renovations, resulting in modernized homes with updated layouts, expanded square footage, and contemporary finishes.

Completely new builds are rare but do exist when older homes are replaced.

How big are the lots in Westwood Lakes?

Lot sizes typically range from approximately 7,000 to 12,000 square feet, which is larger than many surrounding Miami neighborhoods.

Some lakefront or oversized properties can exceed 15,000 square feet, allowing for pools, home expansions, or additional parking.

Lot size is one of the most consistent reasons buyers choose Westwood Lakes over denser areas.

What types of homes are in Westwood Lakes?

The neighborhood consists primarily of single-family homes built between the 1950s and 1980s.

Most properties are one-story ranch-style homes, with some two-story residences and extensively renovated properties with modern designs.

Typical layouts include 3 to 4 bedrooms in 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, while upgraded homes may exceed 3,000 square feet.

Are there lakefront homes in Westwood Lakes?

Yes, a portion of the neighborhood includes homes with direct lakefrontage, offering water views and backyard access to the lakes.

These properties are typically priced at a premium and often include features such as extended patios, private docks, or larger lot configurations.

Lakefront inventory is limited and tends to attract competitive buyer interest.

Are the lakes in Westwood Lakes real or man-made?

The lakes in Westwood Lakes are man-made and were developed as part of the neighborhood’s design and drainage system.

They function as permanent water features that shape the community while also contributing to stormwater management.

Can you swim, kayak, or fish in Westwood Lakes?

The lakes are not officially designated for recreational swimming and do not have maintained public access points or lifeguard supervision.

Some residents use certain areas for kayaking or informal catch-and-release fishing, depending on access and location.

These lakes are not city-managed recreational facilities, so usage is limited and varies by property and section.

Do the lakes increase flood risk in Westwood Lakes?

The lakes play a role in drainage, but proximity to water can affect flood zone designation for certain properties.

Homes closer to the lakes may fall within FEMA flood zones, which can require flood insurance depending on elevation and lender requirements.

Flood insurance typically ranges from approximately $500 to $2,000+ annually, with older homes sometimes lacking elevation certificates, which can influence cost.

What are property taxes like in Westwood Lakes?

Property taxes generally fall within Miami-Dade County’s range of approximately 1.8% to 2.2% of assessed value.

For a home valued at $800,000, annual property taxes may range from about $14,000 to $17,500, depending on exemptions such as homestead status.

How much are utilities and insurance in Westwood Lakes?

Utilities, including electricity, water, and waste services, typically range from $150 to $350 per month, depending on home size and usage.

Homeowners insurance usually ranges from approximately $3,000 to $7,000+ annually, with higher costs for older roofs, larger homes, or properties closer to water.

Flood insurance is an additional cost for properties located in designated flood zones.

What is the cost of living in Westwood Lakes?

The cost of living is above the national average and aligns with broader Miami-Dade trends.

Housing represents the largest expense, while groceries, transportation, and utilities are consistent with those in surrounding suburban areas.

Some sections include HOA fees, though many homes have none.

Are there HOA fees in Westwood Lakes?

Some parts of Westwood Lakes have HOA or neighborhood associations, while others do not.

Monthly fees typically range from about $25 to $150, depending on the subdivision and services provided.

Many homes operate without strict HOA oversight, offering more flexibility than newer planned communities.

What do HOAs regulate in Westwood Lakes?

HOA regulations may include property maintenance standards, exterior changes, parking guidelines, and upkeep of shared spaces.

The level of enforcement varies by subdivision, with some areas maintaining minimal oversight and others applying more structured rules.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Westwood Lakes?

Short-term rentals are regulated under Miami-Dade County rules, which generally restrict rentals of less than 30 days in many residential areas.

Additionally, individual HOA rules may further limit or prohibit short-term leasing.

Investors should verify zoning and association rules before purchasing for rental purposes.

Is Westwood Lakes a good place for families?

Westwood Lakes is considered family-friendly due to its quiet streets, larger homes, and proximity to schools and parks.

The residential layout limits heavy traffic flow, creating a more comfortable environment for households with children.

Is Westwood Lakes a good place to raise a family?

Westwood Lakes offers a strong setting for raising a family, combining residential stability, access to nearby schools, and larger living spaces.

Families benefit from backyard space, quieter surroundings, and proximity to both public and private education options.

Is Westwood Lakes walkable?

Westwood Lakes is not highly walkable, as it is designed as a suburban residential neighborhood without concentrated commercial zones.

Most errands, dining, and shopping require driving, with limited pedestrian infrastructure for daily needs.

Is Westwood Lakes quiet?

The neighborhood is known for its quiet atmosphere, with limited through traffic and minimal commercial disruption.

Most streets are residential, contributing to a slower-paced environment compared to busier parts of Miami.

What is parking like in Westwood Lakes?

Parking is generally abundant, with most homes featuring private driveways, garages, and additional space for multiple vehicles.

Larger lots often allow for boats, trailers, or recreational vehicles, depending on HOA guidelines.

What schools are near Westwood Lakes?

Westwood Lakes is served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, with nearby options including Royal Green Elementary School and Tropical Elementary School, each serving several hundred students with typical class ratios around 15:1 to 18:1.

Middle school options include Ruben Dario Middle School, and high school zoning commonly includes Southwest Miami Senior High School, which serves over 1,500 students.

These schools generally offer standard academic programs, magnet options, and extracurricular activities, making them practical choices for families within a short driving distance.

For more information, check out Best Schools in Westwood Lakes.

What is the commute like from Westwood Lakes?

Westwood Lakes provides access to major roads, such as SW 8th Street (Tamiami Trail), SW 40th Street (Bird Road), and the Florida Turnpike.

Commute times typically range from 20 to 35 minutes to Downtown Miami, depending on time of day and traffic patterns, and approximately 15 to 25 minutes to Miami International Airport.

VISITING WESTWOOD LAKES

Is Westwood Lakes worth visiting?

Westwood Lakes is primarily a residential neighborhood and is not considered a traditional tourist destination.

Visitors typically come for residential visits or nearby conveniences rather than attractions.

What can you do in Westwood Lakes?

Activities are centered around neighborhood living, including walking, jogging, and enjoying views around the lakes.

The environment is designed for residential comfort rather than entertainment or nightlife.

For a typical day in Westwood Lakes, visit Top 5 Things to Do in Westwood Lakes.

Are there parks in Westwood Lakes?

Westwood Lakes Park serves as a central recreational area with green space, walking paths, and sports facilities.

Additional parks are available within a short drive in nearby Westchester and Kendall.

For parks that allow dogs, check out Dog-Friendly Parks in Westwood Lakes.

Are there restaurants in Westwood Lakes?

Dining options within Westwood Lakes are limited, but nearby corridors along Bird Road and SW 8th Street offer a wide range of restaurants.

These include Cuban cuisine, Latin American eateries, and casual dining options within a few minutes’ drive.

Top 5 Places to Eat Near Westwood Lakes highlights several restaurants in the area.

Is there shopping near Westwood Lakes?

Shopping is accessible along Bird Road, Coral Way, and surrounding areas, with grocery stores, plazas, and retail centers typically within 5 to 10 minutes.

Larger shopping destinations are available in nearby Kendall.

For nearby retail options, visit Top 5 Shopping Spots Near Westwood Lakes.

UNDERSTANDING WESTWOOD LAKES

Where is Westwood Lakes located?

Westwood Lakes is located in southwestern Miami-Dade County, generally between SW 97th Avenue and SW 117th Avenue, and between SW 40th Street (Bird Road) and SW 56th Street.

It is positioned between Westchester and Kendall, offering central access within suburban Miami.

Is Westwood Lakes part of Miami or Kendall?

Westwood Lakes is an unincorporated area of Miami-Dade County and is often associated with both Miami and Kendall, depending on context.

It is not an independent city and falls under county governance.

What is Westwood Lakes known for?

Westwood Lakes is known for its lake-centered layout, larger residential lots, and suburban character.

The presence of multiple lakes throughout the neighborhood distinguishes it from the surrounding areas.

What is the population of Westwood Lakes?

The neighborhood has an estimated population of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 residents.

It is primarily composed of long-term homeowners and families.

What is the demographic makeup of Westwood Lakes?

The population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting broader trends in the surrounding Westchester and Kendall areas.

Many households are multi-generational, contributing to neighborhood stability.

How does Westwood Lakes compare to Westchester?

Westwood Lakes typically offers larger lots and more lakefront properties than Westchester.

Westchester has more commercial activity and higher density, while Westwood Lakes is quieter and more residential.

How does Westwood Lakes compare to Kendall?

Compared to Kendall, Westwood Lakes is smaller, less dense, and more established.

Kendall offers more retail, newer developments, and higher traffic volume, while Westwood Lakes maintains a more traditional suburban layout.

Is Westwood Lakes a good investment?

Westwood Lakes is considered a stable long-term investment due to its location, lot sizes, and consistent demand from families.

Property values tend to appreciate steadily rather than rapidly, making it attractive for long-term ownership.

Who typically buys homes in Westwood Lakes?

Buyers are often families, move-up buyers, and long-term residents seeking larger homes and quieter surroundings.

The neighborhood appeals to those prioritizing space, parking, and residential stability over walkability or urban density.