One of the most affluent areas in southwest Florida is Bonita Springs located between Naples and Fort Myers. It is also the youngest city in Florida at 23 years old.
With a population of 57,000 people Bonita Springs is the little sister of Naples -there has been a similar amount of luxury real estate sold here as there was in Tampa the largest city in south west Florida.
First incorporated in 1925 just 7 years later the city would give up its charter and remain an unincorporated community part of lee county for the next 67 years. In 1999 residents voted and approved to once again become a city.
With only 1 exit off interstate 75 Bonita Springs is relatively small compared to the 2 large cities surrounding it Naples south and Fort Myers north.
Here is everything you need to know about Bonita Springs.
Where is Bonita Springs Florida?
Bonita Springs is located 24 miles south of Fort Myers and 14 miles north of Naples. There are 2 airport both about 17 miles away and a 30 minute drive. Southwest Florida International airport (RSW) located 17 miles north in Fort Myers and the Naples airport (NAP) south.
What is Bonita Springs known for?
Bonita Springs is know for having a small town charm and high end community feel. With Naples being so close these two cities have a lot in common. The main attraction is Bonita Beach and something very unique here is the amount of 4 story Luxury homes.
There are a lot of new gated communities one the east end of Bonita Springs and many new construction homes on the beach.
What is the best part about Bonita Springs?
East of I 75 there are 9 gated communities. Most of them are relatively new and have high end resort amenities. They are between 6-12 miles from Bonita Beach Park so this is one of the closest proximities to the water east of the highway.
In the Center of Bonita Springs between I 75 and US 41 we have majority of the homes here that were developed by the earlier settlers and this area could be referred to as old Florida.
West of US 41 is is Bonita Bay which is the primary neighborhood. There are several golf courses, tennis clubs and all kinds of social activities. Towards the water we have 8 condominiums over 20 stories surrounded by nature and beautiful views.
South of Bonita Beach is a very high end community of Barefoot Beach this area is filled with amazing homes many of them 4 story.
In the middle of Bonita Beach Island there are many new homes on the beach and several along the bay.
At the north end of the island there are several condominiums most of them fairly established.
Does Bonita Springs have a downtown?
In the center of Bonita Springs along the old US 41 is a quaint downtown. In the middle is the River Side Park where many of the local events are held.
Here we can see the historic charm along with the brand new buildings.
Right through the center of town flows the Imperial River which is perfect for kayaking and leads us to the bay.
What is the biggest negative of living in Bonita Springs?
The biggest negative of living in Bonita Springs is the shopping, dining, and attraction options. Bonita Springs is very residential, in the past 10 years there has been a lot of development of shopping and dining but for the top options you would be taking many trips to Naples which could be considered a positive since its relatively close.
Is Bonita Springs a wealthy area?
In the past 3 years there have been 57 homes SOLD between $5 and $10 million. That ranks it as the 4th wealthiest city on the gulf coast of Florida. In the past 3 years there have been more luxury homes sold in Bonita Springs than in St Petersburg FL and similar numbers to the city of Tampa.
Here is a comparison chart of luxury homes sold in the last 3 years.
How does Bonita Springs compare to Venice Florida?
Bonita Springs is the most comparable to Venice FL.
Similar
Both have a historic downtown feel and new high end gated communities. Both areas have very good proximities to the beaches.
Different
Bonita Springs is a lot more high end and has a lot more newer construction homes.
Here is how Bonita Springs compares to the other cities on the Gulf.
Here is a video tour of Bonita Springs that will give you a better understanding of what Bonita Springs has to offer.
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