Best Places to Live in Bonita Springs 

Looking for the best neighborhoods in Bonita Springs, FL? We have you covered. Check out the five best places to live in Bonita Springs. 

The population of Bonita Springs has grown 2.25% in the past year, attracting retirees, young professionals, and families alike with its beautiful beaches, clean and green parks, delicious restaurants, and fun attractions and things to do from kayaking on the water to spending your day on the many golf courses. 

Located in southwest Florida and close to other major cities such as Cape Coral and Fort Myers, this beautiful gulf city has been attracting individuals for years with its natural lands covered with wildlife as well as stunning gated communities and luxury country clubs. Known as a more affluent community with many of its residents well-educated and wealthy, it is not surprising that the cost of living in Bonita Springs is high, and the homes are some of the best in the state. 

Although a smaller city with almost 55k residents, Bonita Springs offers a variety of housing options in unique types of glorious neighborhoods. Whether you are looking for a luxury home within a gated community, a townhome or condo at a lower cost, or a single-family home to raise your little ones in a clean and safe neighborhood, there is something for everyone. 

With a continuously growing community, there has been an influx of new development homes and neighborhoods popping up, offering different amenities and styles amongst the charming neighborhoods and homes that have been around and established for years.

Before moving to Bonita Springs, you should find out what neighborhood fits you best. Depending upon your budget, ideal location, style preferences, and needs in a neighborhood, one of these best five neighborhoods in Bonita Springs should check some of your boxes. 

Check out these top places to live in Bonita Springs! 

Bonita Bay 

Bonita Bay is a stunning neighborhood located on the very west side of Bonita Springs along Estero Bay. With a median listing price of $ 1.8 million, this is a very clean, safe, gorgeous, and expensive neighborhood. 

This neighborhood has been a premier residential location for years, with over 50% of the landscape being native wildlife and vegetation, while the rest is made up of luxury homes, single-family estates, and impressive high-rises. In an ideal location, the residents living here also have access to top-rated golf courses, waterfront parks, private beaches, magnificent gyms and spas, and easy access to the bay from the marina. 

Ready to live your life of luxury in this sought-after living location? Let's take a look at some of the local favorites in and around this neighborhood below. 

Local Favorites 

• Estero Bay Park-Located in the northwest corner of the neighborhood, this park includes an 800-foot boardwalk overlooking Estero Bay, Butterfly Garden, a screened pavilion, picnic areas with grills, several nature trails, and a 5,000-year-old Native American shell mound. A wonderful place to relax, get some fresh air or enjoy a picnic with stunning views. 
• The Nest Golf Club-This natural sanctuary turned golf course lets you be one with nature while enjoying a round with friends or challenging your own personal record. Members get to enjoy two courses known for their playability and beautiful scenery, as well as a vibrant clubhouse with a restaurant and a place for the community to gather. Although this is a private course, it is known for its friendliness and inclusivity, making it a wonderful club to be a part of. 
• Molinos Italian Ristorante-A upscale, traditional Italian restaurant with an interior featuring beautiful floral bouquets surrounded by white tablecloth tables and a gleaming sculpture garden patio for outdoor seating. Serving traditional Italian dishes as well as fresh and delicious seafood paired perfectly with a wide selection of wines, this is a popular date night or elegant night out spot for Bonita Bay residents and visitors. 
• Backwater Jacks Restaurant-Located in the Bonita Bay Marina, this seafood restaurant pairs colorful dishes with wonderful marina views. Feeling like the inside of a large ship inside with its all-wooden interior and blue placemats, this is a great bar and restaurant to chill near the water and enjoy delicious food. 

Vanderbilt Lakes 

This beautiful gated community is located in the southern part of Bonita Springs bordering Naples, Florida. Known for its lake homes and condos, this is a wonderful place to live if you want access to premium amenities such as private pools and waterfront views or are looking for a smaller single-family home with access to more space to raise a family. 

Surrounded by gorgeous nature, such as large oak trees lining the roads and wildlife enjoying the lakes around the neighborhood, this is a quiet and unique area to live in. Close to the highway and many shops, resturants, and the beach, this is a convenient neighborhood as well with lower costs but in all the action. 

The current median listing price of homes for sale in Vanderbilt Lakes is around $994k, with a large variance depending on house style, size, and age. If you are looking at moving to Vanderbilt Lakes, take a look at a few of the local favorites around the neighborhood below. 

Local Favorites 

• Audubon Country Club-Located just south of the neighborhood, this country club offers members a luxury golf course with membership tournaments each year, a large clubhouse with a gleaming pool, a long boardwalk and trails surrounding preserved nature lands with wildlife living amongst the community, tennis, croquet, and bocce courts, an upscale gym, and delicious dining spots. Feel a part of your community with events held year-round and access to first-class facilities. 
• Mel's Diner-A wonderful local chain with retro 50's style decor serving burgers, milkshakes, and American eats. Open 7 am to 9 pm every day; this is the spot to bring the entire family any time of the day. 
• Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream-Who doesn't love ice cream? This festive ice cream shop serves dozens of different flavored ice creams, including vegan flavors as well as delicious lunch bites. A true community favorite, this spot has become a tradition after sporting games, events, family outings, or really any reason to stop for a treat. 

Pelican Landing 

This neighborhood is known for its lush and luxurious landscaping of protected wildlife areas, pristine wetlands, canopies of palms and oak trees, and winding roads. Whether you are searching for a beautiful home right on the golf course or a small tucked-away cottage, this is the place for you. 

Pelican Landing is located in the northern part of Bonita Springs, right off Highway 41, near multiple spots of water, resturants, shops, and a pristine golf course. The homes here range from luxury estates to condos and single-family homes. The current median listing price is around $1.4 million, making it an expensive and sought-after area to build and buy. 

Living in Pelican Landing offers you breathtaking water and nature views as well as access to many community amenities, such as rental boats ranging from sailboats to kayaks, a clubhouse complete with a full gymnasium, tennis courts, and a resort-style pool, and living close to the popular and exciting Beach Park. 

Before moving to Pelican Landing, take a look at some of the local favorites below. 

Local Favorites 

• British Open Pub-A fun English-themed pub serving traditional British bar food such as fish and chips, pot roast pasties, cottage pie, and banger and mashed. Known for its welcoming and friendly environment and lovely covered patio, this is a local hangout you can't beat. 
• Tokyo Bay Bonita Springs-This casual upscale Japanese and Korean spot serves an assortment of specialties such as hand-rolled sushi rolls, hibachi, rice bowls, and more. Choose from a relaxing indoor seating experience or a fun and tropical experience outside at the tiki bar. 
• The Colony Golf & Country Club-A intimate, luxury country club offering an easy and convenient golf experience where members can reserve tee-times eight days in advance, outstanding dining options, tennis courts, spa, fitness center, and pool. 

Valencia Bonita 

Looking for a neighborhood close to large nature preserves, walking trails, and large environmental areas but also conveniently near two large golf courses and attractions? Valencia Bonita is located on the east side of the city near the downtown area but in its own secluded area full of nature and serene housing options. 

Primarily recognized as a popular retiree area, this upscale gated community offers multiple single-family homes with large floor plans offering screened-in outdoor space as well as waterfront views and garden space. 

The current median listing price in Valencia Bonita is around $1.1 million, with a few new construction options as well as older designs by the same developer. Before moving to this beautiful and perfectly located neighborhood of nature on one side and downtown on the other, let's take a look at some of the local's favorites below. 

Local Favorites 

• Bonita National Golf & Country Club-The spot where members can connect nature and their community as one. Known as a beautiful gated community where people can live and play on the course while also having access to top amenities such as trails through the gardens and lakes, an 18-hole championship course, a fitness center, a spa, and three dining venues. 
• CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails-A beautiful hiking area with 2 miles of trails featuring views of natural habitats of bald eagles, deer, otters, and bobcats. A wonderful area to escape to and feel one with the beauty of nature while enjoying hiking, biking, bird watching, running, horseback riding, or just taking it all in a while sitting in the serene silence. 
• Village Walk Bar & Grill-This large and spacious bar and grill has served its community for over 20 years. Offering a large American menu of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta, specials, and desserts with spectacular views of natural landscapes and water, this is known as a local hangout with delicious dishes. 

Bell Villa 

Bell Villa is a wonderful neighborhood located in the northeast part of Bonita Springs known for families, young professionals, and retirees living amongst natural greenery and ponds where birds and wildlife frequent. 

Not established until 1980, this neighborhood is considered a hidden gem with stunning single-family homes, luxury homes with indoor/outdoor pools, and large lawns, condos, and townhomes. Conveniently located right next to downtown Bonita Springs as well as only 10 miles to the beautiful Gulf Coast, this is the perfect place to live if you want access to many different activities and places but don't need to live on or near a country club or golf course like many of the other neighborhoods in Bonita Springs. 

The current median listing price in Bell Villa is around $650k, making it an affordable and wonderful neighborhood. Also located right next to Bonita High School, this spot has become very popular for young families that want to live in a wonderful neighborhood near a top-rated school. 

Before moving to one of the hottest neighborhoods in Bonita Springs, take a look at some of the local favorite spots below. 

Local Favorites 

• Crew Wildlife and Environmental Area-This wildlife park in Florida offers over 12 miles of trails surrounding protected wildlife areas with views of eagles, deer, otters, bobcats, and other species while walking through the lush landscapes of wetlands and forests. The area offers many outdoor activities to do, such as biking paths, bird-watching areas, horseback riding, geocaching, camping areas, and more.  
• Bonita Springs Dog Park-This dog park in Bonita Springs is a wooded spacious area open from dawn to dusk with areas for small, medium, and large breeds to play off-leash together. Offering a nice shaded canopy as well, local community members enjoy spending time together while their dogs can play and get out some energy and this wonderful park. 
• Hidden Cypress Preserve- This peaceful nature preserve contains several plant communities and wildlife, such as the fox squirrel and Florida panther. A gorgeous area to lay out, walk amongst the trails, or search out plant species from the lists to educate yourself on the nature surrounding your own home. 

Best Neighborhoods in Bonita Springs, FL- Final Thoughts 

Bonita Springs, FL, is an absolutely gorgeous location to live, with stunning beaches and parks full of various outdoor activities, golf courses, and attractions. With the perfect mix of quiet suburban living paired with a vibrant downtown full of restaurants, cafes, bars, and local art culture, this is the perfect spot for anyone. If you can afford to live in one of these stunning neighborhoods, you are sure never to get bored, and if you do, some of the biggest cities in Florida are only a short drive away. 

If you or anyone you may know is moving to Bonita Springs, FL, make sure to contact us here so that we can get you connected with one of our Realty Specialists. Whether you want to live in the city's heart or in a calm and charming private oasis, we will work with you to find the perfect home. No matter your budget, style preferences, or needs, we will be with you every step of the way.