10 Things to Know Before Moving to Bonita Springs, Florida
By: Morgan Wagner
Thinking about moving to Bonita Springs, Florida? This charming Gulf Coast town, just north of Naples and south of Fort Myers, offers much more than beaches and sunshine (though I can’t deny there’s plenty of that, too). With its mix of family-friendly neighborhoods, lively dining and shopping districts, outdoor adventures, golf courses, and relaxed coastal vibes, Bonita Springs has quickly become one of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after places to call home.
If you’re wondering whether Bonita Springs is right for you, this guide has you covered. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and job opportunities to the best neighborhoods, schools, beaches, golf courses, and things to do. We’ll also give you the inside scoop on apartments in Bonita Springs, including one community that locals love for its unbeatable location and lifestyle perks: Somerset Palms Apartments.
Let’s dive in and explore what makes Bonita Springs such a special place to live.
1) Cost of Living in Bonita Springs, FL
One of the first questions people ask before moving to Bonita Springs is: “What’s it going to cost me?”
The good news is that while Bonita Springs is a desirable area, it’s generally more affordable than neighboring Naples, especially when it comes to housing.
- Apartments for rent in Bonita Springs, FL average $1,800–$2,200 per month, depending on size and location.
- Single-family homes and condos range widely, but the median home price sits around $450,000–$640,000, reflecting the area’s popularity and proximity to beaches, golf courses, shopping, and A+ schools.
- Utilities and groceries tend to align closely with the Florida state average, while dining and entertainment costs depend on your lifestyle.
Overall, the cost of living in Bonita Springs is about 10–25% above the U.S. average, largely because of housing. However, for many people moving from Naples or other high-cost coastal areas, Bonita Springs offers a more affordable Gulf Coast lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life.
Yes, Bonita Springs is generally more affordable than Naples, especially for renters. You’ll still be close to beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and nightlife... but with a lower price tag!
2) Neighborhoods & Areas to Consider
Bonita Springs offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly community, a trendy area near shops and dining, or a spot close to nature and golf courses, you’ll find it here.
One of the most popular areas is the North Naples / Bonita Springs border, where Somerset Palms Apartments is located. Here’s why this area stands out:
- Close to Coconut Point Mall for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Minutes from Barefoot Beach and Bonita Beach Park: two of Florida’s most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.
- Quick access to Mercato in Naples for nightlife and upscale dining.
- Surrounded by championship golf courses perfect for weekend tee times or golf course views.
- Easy commuting to Naples or Fort Myers via U.S. 41 or I-75.
If you’re searching for apartments in Bonita Springs, FL, Somerset Palms offers spacious floor plans (including 2-, 3-, and even 4-bedroom apartments), pet-friendly living, and a location that balances peaceful surroundings with total convenience.
For renters, the areas near Coconut Point Mall, Barefoot Beach, Bonita Bay, and the North Naples border are top picks for convenience, lifestyle, and access to golf courses, beaches, and dining.
3) Proximity to Naples, Fort Myers & the Beaches
One of the biggest perks of living in Bonita Springs? You’re right in the middle of everything.
Naples is just 15–20 minutes away, offering upscale dining, art galleries, shopping at Fifth Avenue South, and events year-round.
Fort Myers is about a 30-minute drive, with a growing downtown, major employers, and additional dining and entertainment options.
Beaches such as Bonita Beach Park, Barefoot Beach Preserve, and Lovers Key State Park are all minutes away, so weekend beach days are basically a requirement.
Living in Bonita Springs means you can work in one city, spend weekends in another, and still be home in time for sunset on the beach... or a late afternoon round of golf.
It’s about a 15–20 minute drive depending on trafficm, making it easy to commute, shop, golf, or enjoy dining in both areas!
4) Weather in Bonita Springs, FL
If you’re moving to Bonita Springs, get ready for sunshine... lots of it.
Bonita Springs has 264 sunny days per year on average! Winters are mild, rarely dipping below 60°F, and summers are warm, offering perfect weather for beach days, boating, golf, and other outdoor activities!
Hurricane season runs from June through November, but local communities have strong safety measures in place, including evacuation routes and storm preparation plans.
Many apartment communities, like Somerset Palms, also provide resident resources and updates to help keep everyone informed during storm season.
Expect sunny, warm weather year-round, with a tropical climate, mild winters, and plenty of perfect golfing days.
5) Job Market & Economy
Bonita Springs benefits from its location between Naples and Fort Myers, two growing economic hubs. Major industries include healthcare, tourism and hospitality, retail and small businesses, and education.
Whether you’re moving here for an exciting new role at NCH Healthcare System or Lee Health, exploring opportunities in tourism at one of the area’s hotels, resorts, golf courses, or restaurants, or stepping into retail at popular shopping destinations like Promenade at Bonita Bay, you’ll find a rewarding career path waiting for you in sunny Bonita Springs.
Remote work is also popular here, thanks to reliable internet access and coworking spaces for those who want to live by the beach while working from anywhere!
Healthcare, hospitality, golf resorts, education, and retail are top sectors, but Naples and Fort Myers expand opportunities even further.
6) Educational Opportunities
Families moving to Bonita Springs love its A+ School District and highly rated schools like Bonita Springs Elementary and Bonita Springs High School.
For higher education, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Hodges University are both less than 30 minutes away, offering everything from bachelor’s degrees to MBA programs.
Yes! Bonita Springs schools have strong academic ratings and there are several universities nearby for higher education.
7) Things to Do in Bonita Springs
Boredom isn’t a thing here. Bonita Springs offers activities for everyone:
- Outdoors: Kayak the Imperial River, hike at Lovers Key State Park, or spend the day at Bonita Nature Place.
- Beaches: Bonita Beach Park and Barefoot Beach Preserve are local favorites.
- Golfing: Bonita Springs is a golfer’s paradise, with nearly 20 golf courses in and around town. From Bonita Fairways Golf Course for casual rounds to exclusive clubs like Bonita Bay with multiple championship courses, there’s a course for every skill level and budget. Nearby, Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero offers a Jack Nicklaus-designed course ranked among Florida’s best.
- Shopping & Dining: Coconut Point Mall, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, and Mercato in Naples offer endless options.
- Nightlife: Blue Martini Lounge in Naples or waterfront bars in Fort Myers.
Golfers especially love living here because you can play a different course every weekend, or even choose a golf course community such as Worthington Country Club where you can live steps from the fairway.
8) Housing Options in Bonita Springs, FL
Whether you’re looking for a 1-bedroom apartment or a 4-bedroom rental, Bonita Springs offers a range of housing options to fit your lifestyle and budget.
Somerset Palms Apartments stands out for its spacious 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom floor plans and offering pet-friendly apartments in Bonita Springs (they even host pet-related events, have an off-leash dog park onsite, and welcome larger breeds with open arms!). Somerset Palms' location near Coconut Point Mall, Barefoot Beach, golf courses, and downtown Naples make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to be in the center of it all. Plus, modern amenities like in-home laundry, fitness center, and pool access make life a breeze!
For those moving from Naples to Bonita Springs, Somerset Palms provides a balance of affordability, location, and lifestyle that’s hard to beat!
9) Community Vibes
So, is Bonita Springs a good place to live?
Absolutely! The community is friendly, welcoming, and diverse. Families, retirees, young professionals, and golf enthusiasts all call Bonita Springs home, creating a neighborhood feel with a coastal twist.
Whether it’s chatting with locals at the farmers market, joining a golf league, or catching sunset views with neighbors, Bonita Springs makes it easy to feel at home.
10) Shopping & Dining
Foodies and shopaholics, rejoice! Bonita Springs has plenty to offer!
There are endless premier shopping opportunities all around with Coconut Point Mall, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, and countless high-end boutique shops in Naples!
Enjoy fresh seafood at The Turtle Club, sunset cocktails at Doc’s Beach House, or nightlife at Blue Martini Lounge! There are countless delicious restaurant options all throughout Bonita Springs and nearby Naples to satisfy every craving!
Plus, you'll enjoy farmers markets offering fresh local produce, crafts, and live music on weekends!
And, with Naples and Fort Myers nearby, your options only multiply!
Embrace the Bonita Springs Lifestyle
Moving to Bonita Springs isn’t just about finding a new home. It’s about embracing a lifestyle filled with sunshine, beaches, golf, shopping, dining, and a friendly community.
And when it comes to apartments in Bonita Springs, FL, Somerset Palms offers the perfect mix of location, comfort, and convenience, with floor plans and amenities designed for the way you live.
So, whether you’re moving for work, family, golf, or a fresh start by the beach, Bonita Springs welcomes you! And Somerset Palms is ready to help you feel right at home!