When you think of Miami, a glamorous image comes to mind, but honestly, it is not free from safety issues.

I've compiled information on where is safe and where to be cautious, combining data and personal experiences.

The goal is not to scare you, but to help you live more safely by being informed.

The overall crime rate in the City of Miami ranks in the mid to upper range among major U.S. cities. According to FBI crime statistics, Miami's violent crime rate is around 700 to 900 incidents per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of about 370 incidents. Property crimes (theft, vehicle theft, burglary) occur even more frequently. In particular, the South Beach area, which attracts many tourists, often reports vehicle break-ins (smash-and-grab).

Never leave luggage or valuables in rental cars or foreign cars unattended.

Vehicle glass break-ins are also common in parking structures in downtown Miami.

There are certain areas that require special caution. Overtown is historically one of the highest crime rate areas in Miami. While it is adjacent to major thoroughfares, it is advisable to avoid walking there late at night.

Liberty City and Model City are also known for high rates of violent crime. Some areas of Little Haiti require caution when walking at night. In contrast, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Doral, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Bal Harbour, and Aventura are areas in Miami-Dade County with low crime rates and a high sense of safety.

Here are some practical safety tips for living in Miami.

First, never leave valuables or bags in your car.

Second, be aware of card skimming (ATM card information theft) risks, so use ATMs inside banks or official bank ATMs.

Third, when walking alone late at night in downtown Miami or South Beach, it is best to stick to main streets.

Fourth, do not disclose your home address and routine on social media. Some home invasion crimes target individuals based on information shared on social media.

Miami is both a tourist destination and an immigrant city, making tourists and new immigrants particularly vulnerable to crime.