Everything You Need to Know About Living in Bonita Springs, Florida

If you’re looking for a place with stunning beaches, endless water activities, top-notch golf, great dining, and a relaxed coastal vibe, then living in Bonita Springs, Florida, might be perfect for you. This coastal Florida town is nestled perfectly along the Gulf of Mexico and offers residents lots of opportunities to enjoy the unique environments of the beach, estuaries, parks, and plenty of cultural attractions. Not to mention, moving in Florida is possible year-round thanks to mild winters and that coastal sea breeze during the summer.

So is Bonita Springs a good place to live? Keep reading to see if this charming coastal city is right for you.

Bonita Springs, Florida, at a Glance

• Bonita Springs is located in southwestern Florida, between Fort Myers and Naples
• The population is around 54,800 people
• Although home to many retirees, families and young professionals also call Bonita Springs home
• Residents of Bonita Springs tend to be outdoorsy people
• The median age is around 61 years old

Is Bonita Springs a Good Place To Live? The Top 10 Pros and Cons To Know

Bonita Springs, Florida, has a lot going for it, but it’s always best to get a well-rounded view of a city before you make the move. That’s why we’ve done the research for you so you can decide whether or not living in Bonita Springs, Florida, is the right choice for you.

1. Pro: The Cost of Living in Bonita Springs, FL, Is Relatively Affordable

Lots of people think living in Florida is too expensive, but they haven’t taken a look at Bonita Springs! This city has a cost of living score of 104.2, which is just slightly higher than the national cost of living score of 100. The cost of living score for the state of Florida is 103.1, putting Bonita Springs just slightly above the state average.

When it comes to everyday expenses in Bonita Springs, Florida, what you’ll need really depends on your lifestyle. A family of four (with two adults and two kids, and at least one adult working) would need around $86,900 a year to live comfortably. If you’re a young professional, student, or retiree living solo, you’d need about $49,400 annually. Couples without children (both working) can expect to get by comfortably on roughly $66,200 a year.

Like in much of Florida, June through November bring the threat of hurricanes and flooding to Bonita Springs.

2. Con: Weather Can Be Extreme, Thanks to High Heat and the Threat of Hurricanes

For most of the year, Bonita Springs' weather is lovely, especially if you prefer warmer temperatures and very mild winters. The climate is very comfortable most of the year, but the summer season is very hot and humid. This time of year is also deemed the rainy season — with the threat of hurricanes or flooding from June through November. Throughout the year, the temperatures can range from around 55 degrees to 90 degrees.

3. Pro: Coastal Living With Easy Access to Fort Myers and Naples

Where is Bonita Springs, FL? This picturesque city is located in Lee County, along the Gulf of Mexico, in southwestern Florida. It’s between Fort Myers, which is 40 minutes to the north, and Naples, which is 30 minutes to the south. The Gulf Coast of Florida, where Bonita Springs is located, has calmer waves and soft sandy beaches compared to the Atlantic Coast.

All around Bonita Springs, you’ll find expansive wildlife and environmental areas, including a swamp sanctuary and swamp trails.

4. Con: The Job Market Is Limited to Industries Focused on Tourism

Bonita Springs is a great place if you’re looking for a job in the tourism, real estate, construction, healthcare, or hospitality industries, or if you’re a remote worker. You’d be more likely to find jobs in banking, communications, or education in larger cities.

The unemployment rate in Bonita Springs is lower than the national average, however, and sits at 3 percent compared to 4.5 percent nationally.

If you’d prefer a relaxed pace of life that isn’t as expensive as Naples and Fort Myers, then Bonita Springs could be a better choice.

5. Pro: Living in Bonita Springs, Florida, Is Better Than Living in Naples or Fort Myers

Living in Bonita Springs, Florida, means you get the best of Florida living without a lot of hassle. Naples and Fort Myers might have more entertainment options, but they both come with their downsides. You’ll find more tourists in both cities throughout the year. And Naples comes with a higher cost of living — plus the housing is more expensive.

If you’d prefer a relaxed pace of life that isn’t as expensive, then Bonita Springs could be a better idea. Plus, you’re not far from everything Fort Myers and Naples have to offer.

6. Con: Crime Rates May Raise Some Concerns

Anyone considering living in Bonita Springs, Florida, should know what the crime rate is like. According to NeighborhoodScout, Bonita Springs has a total crime index of 48, which means it’s safer than 48 percent of U.S. cities. That doesn’t mean the entire city is running rampant with crime, though.

In fact, you’ll find plenty of safe neighborhoods in Bonita Springs, including:

• Bonita National Golf & Country Club
• Pelican Landing
• Bonita Beach
• Bonita Bay

7. Pro: Downtown Bonita Springs Is Thriving

You may be wondering, does Bonita Springs have a downtown? And while there’s always been a centralized area for merchants and other small businesses, Downtown Bonita Springs really had a renaissance moment in 2019. The focus is now on building community, and today you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and coffee shops in a revitalized, walkable area. Downtown options include the Survey Cafe, Sugarshack Downtown, and Cleansing Essentials.

8. Con: Housing Costs Can Be on the Higher Side

Although it is less expensive than living in Naples, the average home value in Bonita Springs is $506,600. Plus, in coastal areas, you’re often required to purchase hurricane or flood insurance. It’s also expensive to rent in Bonita Springs, as the average rent for apartments of all sizes is $2,275 — $525 higher than the national average of $1,750.

Lots of retirees like the convenience of the Bonita Springs golf communities, which combine modern living amenities with beautiful natural landscapes.
(Source: Bonita Bay Club via Facebook)

9. Pro: Plenty of Great Neighborhoods To Choose From

Whether you’re moving to Bonita Springs with your family, exploring new job opportunities, or planning to retire, there are plenty of Bonita Springs communities to choose from. Lots of retirees like the convenience of the Bonita Springs golf communities, which combine modern living amenities with beautiful natural landscapes. Neighborhoods such as Bonita Bay Club West or Copperleaf at the Brooks are very popular.

For residents with children, you may want to consider neighborhoods like Pelican Landing, which offer lots of family-friendly spaces and access to the beach. If you’re interested in Bonita Springs communities that young professionals seem to like, you’ll want to check out the Downtown neighborhood or Bonita Shores.

10. Pro: So Many Ways To Enjoy the Beach for Free

Are there free things to do in Bonita Springs? Yes, however, it may seem more limited than other cities, and activities are catered to those who like to spend time outdoors or at the beach.

• Explore the beauty of nature all around you on Cullum’s Trail
• Visit Bonita Beach Park for a fun-filled day in the sun
• Have a picnic at Riverside Park
• Go kayaking on the Great Calusa Blueway

Summary: Pros and Cons of Living in Bonita Springs, FL

Make the Move to Bonita Springs, Florida, With PODS

If you’re ready for easy access to beautiful beaches, plus friendly residents, then living in Bonita Springs, Florida, is for you. Deciding to live here is easy, but then you’ve got to get there! When you move with PODS, a portable storage container is delivered right to your driveway for convenient loading on your own schedule. When you’re ready, it’ll be picked up and delivered to your new Bonita Springs address. Need more time? No problem. With one month of storage built into the cost of every move, you can have your container kept at a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}