A city in scenic Florida has a surprisingly uncompetitive housing market, one that could yield many benefits if managed properly.
Located on the Gulf Coast in the southwest part of the state, Bonita Springs currently has several three-bedroom homes for sale for around $500,000.
The city has an abundance of beautiful beaches, golf courses and roadside attractions, not to mention the annual boat parade and many small shops.
Currently, the average asking price for a home is around $685,000, down two percent from last year.
The median home sale price, however, is an even more welcoming $566.3 million — suggesting a buyer’s market for those who want to strike while the iron is hot. That said, homes in the seaside town appear to be getting cheaper, despite their appeal.
Located on the state’s southwest Gulf Coast, Bonita Springs currently has a surprisingly uncompetitive housing market
Currently, the city is in a buyer’s market and there are several three-bedroom condos for sale for less than half a million, such as this one for $489,000
“I love the quiet beaches, the beautiful golf courses designed by some of the legends of golf,” said Chuck Saunders, regional sales director for wine wholesaler and importer Biagio Cru, Travel + Leisure about his experiences with the city earlier this year.
“My wife and I got married on Lovers Key over Thanksgiving in 2018, so it has special meaning to us.”
Trish Leonard, owner of Bonita Springs PR agency TLC Marketing & Creative Services, adds, “We have small-town charm, but a big, bright future.”
‘There are beautiful parks, over 20 golf courses, fantastic music venues, one of Florida’s last roadside attractions, major events like our annual boat parade, small shops and restaurants – some of which have been here for decades.
“And we’re still growing,” she said of the city’s population growth, which has quadrupled to nearly 60,000 since it was renamed Bonita Springs in the early 20th century to lure settlers.
She has lived there since 1983 and has seen the population increase from 43,000 in 2010 to 32,000 in the decade before that.
As Leonard said, the city near Fort Myers still retains a small town feel.
Secluded spots like Little Hickory Island Beach Park and Bonita Beach Park contribute to this, as do the bungalows that line the sunny streets.
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It has an abundance of beautiful beaches, golf courses and roadside attractions, as well as idyllic weather
Currently, the median home price is around $685,000, down two percent from last year. Homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on Wood Abis Avenue are selling for $549,000
Quiet waterways, secluded beaches and a close-knit town contribute to the city’s attractive reputation, with residents also known for being remarkably friendly
Calm waterways, secluded beaches and a close-knit community contribute to the city’s attractive reputation, and its residents are known to be exceptionally friendly.
Furthermore, the city is only 24 kilometres from Naples, a city that is an attraction in itself and where there is plenty to do.
In town, visitors and locals can enjoy unique activities such as open-air shopping and dining along Bonita Bay, as well as the Bonita Springs Farmers Market every Saturday from October through May.
Another seaside restaurant in Tarpon Bay, located at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, offers a year-round menu of fresh fish and seafood.
There are also boutique hotels such as Shangri-La Springs in the city centre.
To the north, as Saunders mentioned, is Lovers Key State Park, a popular spot for swimming and kayaking.
It consists of four barrier islands surrounded by waters teeming with manatees and dolphins. The Everglades Wonder Gardens also feature an abundance of orchids, parrots and reptiles.
Other parks offer attractions such as sand dunes and fishing and shell hunting, but the city’s white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are still the main draw.
The city, which exudes “a small-town charm with a big, bright future,” hosts events each year such as the annual boat parade
It also has almost 300 days of sunshine per year: all the ingredients for a perfect beach holiday
If you don’t like seafood, you can go to the oldest restaurant in town, Buffalo Chips. This restaurant is famous for its wings, which are prepared according to a secret family recipe. Famous figures such as Bob Denver and members of Guns N’ Roses have their fans here.
In addition, there are almost 300 days of sunshine per year: all the ingredients for a perfect beach holiday.
For those looking for something more permanent, homes in Bonita Springs sold for an average of 5.88 percent below asking price last month.
This is because the supply of homes is currently greater than demand, creating a buyers’ market.
Currently asking prices appear to be falling, so consider Bonita Springs a temporary bargain.