Life In Bonita Springs

High & Low Bonita Springs Home Sales Dec 2018

If you’ve ever wondered what the current status of the Bonita Springs real estate market is, here’s the high/low of what is currently for sale in 34135 which is east of US 41 and 34134 which is west of US 41.  These figures are excluding timeshare/fractional ownership properties.

Active High/Low Home Sales in Bonita Springs

The most expensive home that sold in the month of December was a Bonita Beach front home that closed at $5,250,000.  The most affordable property that sold in Bonita Springs was a condo in the community of Morton Grove that closed sale at $120,000.

Active High/Low Home Listings

Out of a total 1,246 properties active for sale the most affordable listing is a manufactured home in Lime Tree Park in Bonita Springs, Florida priced at $61,500.  The most expensive home for sale in Bonita Springs is located in the community of Barefoot Beach at just under $13,000,000.

Trash Collection on Tax Bill in Bonita Springs

Every time I see someone’s trash dumped somewhere I think, why?  Why does someone dump trash?  it doesn’t matter what the trash is or how much it is or isn’t in quantity, the trash collection would have picked it up at your own home if you just put it at the end of your driveway.

This particular pile is over by the fire station on West Terry Street. Some jerk thought nobody would notice and threw it out there.  They’ve also hit a few of my favorite walking paths. 

Let me share this with anyone who doesn’t understand the concept. Actually, to begin with a “back in the day” story, it was the mid to late 80’s when the trash collection was put on the tax bill to thwart dumping because people were dumping.  Even if there is a large object the garbage men will tag it for large object pick up; think refrigerator, hot water tank, sofa.

I was surprised to learn that they’d even pick up a whole household of junk. Personally, I feel my neighbors should have hired a dumpster but I can tell you that when they bought a beat up little house in Bonita Farms and heaved every bit of hoarder junk out of it they put it curbside, the entire length of the lot, three trash cans deep the whole span.  They did it every week for about 4 weeks. It was a spectacular sight. 

Long story short, your garbage collection, no matter the size of your trash, will be picked up by sanitation anywhere in Bonita Springs, at any property because it is guaranteed to be paid for on the tax bill as a non ad valorem line item.  Quit dumping!

Bonita Springs Real Estate Market December 2018

The Bonita Springs real estate market is a little bit more of the same.  Home sales and condo sale have been doing quite well this “season”.  We’re in full swing and there are many snowbird buyers in the real estate market. It’s that time of the year where the season buyers are in town shopping for a property to winter in next year.  Actually some of the buyers still have time to squeeze a few months out of the properties this winter and spring.

So, the long story short about the Bonita Springs housing market is that about eighty percent of the sales are under $600,000 and most of those sales are between $200,000-$400,000.  There are neighborhoods with standing inventory and neighborhoods with little inventory.  Both pricing and negotiating depend upon thorough real estate market knowledge which must, must, must include an absorption rate. 

If your goal is to score a great deal whether it is new construction or a resale home call us to learn more.  The developers are back in the entry level priced real market and they are competing amongst themselves and against the resale market. There are some great methods to help make sure you get a great deal which ever route you choose.

Looking forward what you will see are some price adjustments in the resale market.  Those who have “tested the market” will reduce to bring new attention to their property.  Also, there are those home seller who, in spite of being warned by their listing agent, will list their property toward the end of March when season is beginning to end.  There are a few ebbs and flows to the inventory through spring.

Take a look at the graphs above by clicking through to the album.  If you have questions about buying a home or selling your home call or text Chris at 239-273-7430.

15/365 Cullum’s Trail at Nature’s Place

There are all sorts of walking trails in Bonita Springs and many of them are hidden in plain sight. Cullum’s Trail is located off of Kent Road just down the way from Bonita Nature Place and the YMCA. The trail is super easy to get to and there is a lot of parking.  It’s fairly easy for all levels. 

Many of the local dog owners enjoy walking their best friends on Cullum’s Trail which runs along the east end of the Imperial River.  If you’re looking for fun things to do in Bonita Springs consider a walk on Cullum’s Trail.  To learn more and to see photos of the trail and parking area, read also: Cullum's Bonita Trail at Bonita Nature Place

14/365 Catch a Performance at Barbara B Mann Hall

Located in Fort Myers, Florida surrounded by the campus that is Florida Southwestern State University is the BBMPAH or the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. It’s a fixture for entertainment in Southwest Florida and one of our family favorites to see live performances. There isn’t a bad seat at Barbara B. Mann. 

Besides the standard symphonies and plays that are on schedule many of the great performers visit SWFL and perform there. The venue has superb acoustics so if you have a chance to see your favorite performers there, grab it.  We’ve had the opportunity to see some of the greats like Tony Bennett, Frankie Valli and Cheryl Crow.  The venue is intimate so everything sounds great and you get a great view. After you see a performance at BBMPAH you’ll not view another arena concert.

If you’re interested in finding fun things to do in Fort Myers and booking a performance at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall visit their website to learn more, here: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

13/365 Discover Island Park in Bonita Springs, Florida

Island Park is the park in Bonita Springs that is unlike any other. It is, in fact an island surrounded by water on most sides and retired railroad tracks on the last.  It’s a great spot that features mature grandfather oak trees with hanging moss, a crushed shell foot path suitable for strollers, bikes or walkers. There is a small gazebo with picnic table and there is also a fitness station with a variety of machines for working out; dips, pushups, shoulder press, balance beams, etc.

Island Park is accessible from South Riverside Drive but there is no parking there.  You can enter on foot or bike there if you’re simply out for exercise.  Parking can be located at Riverside Park near the band shell or at Depot Park which is across the street from the Lion’s Club on Pennsylvania Ave. Walk towards the Imperial River and look for the red, metal footpath bridge.  You’ll get a birds eye view of the river before you get to Island Park.

Island Park is part of three connected parks and easily qualifies as fun things to do with kids in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Depot Park is pet friendly and while Island Park isn't posted as pet friendly there are many people who walk their dogs in the park.

Breakfast at Teri’s Café in Bonita Springs 12/365

Teri’s is a “locals favorite” breakfast and lunch restaurant in Bonita Springs. Teri’s is one of the places where the servers become family and remember you by name.  Besides regular table seating there is a breakfast bar for those who just want to grab a cup of Joe or a quick bite when dining alone.

One of the favorites at Teri’s is the breakfast potatoes.  We don’t know what they do to make them so good but they are crispy and seasoned to a tasty perfection. 

Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and the classic BLT sandwich are menu staples.  The biscuits are amazing as a stand along side, even without the gravy! The pancakes are light, fluffy and sinfully good.

Teri’s Café is a  must stop place to eat that has quality meals with the best ingredients.  It’s a great place to take your visiting guests for breakfast, too! Be sure to feed them well before you head out for the day looking for fun things to do.

Feed the Birds at Everglades Wonder Gardens 11/365

Everglades Wonder Gardens is located right in the heart of downtown Bonita Springs, Florida. It is a tourist attraction with wildlife, an eighty year old botanical jungle and butterfly gardens. We have been to the Wonder Gardens many times but recently there has been changes.  They now offer food for almost every animal and birds that are on the property. The kids just love feeding the animals. For $5.00 we got turtle, fish, flamingo, alligator, and bird food. It really made the whole experience for the kids.  They just loved feeding the flamingos. Where else in Southwest Florida can kids feed flamingos? It’s an amazing experience and besides being one of the fun things to do in town it teaches kids to care gently for the animals.

The Everglades Wonder Gardens also is selling different plants and have a cute gift shop. The Everglades Wonder Gardens is open everyday from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm. Admission is Adults 13-64 =$12 Seniors (65+) = $10 Children 3-12 = $7 Under 3 is free. The also offer a yearly admission which prices vary.

There are a few restaurants nearby, like Survey Café and Heaven’s Shakes so you can have lunch or get a snake and make a day of it.

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About the Author - Jenna Hatfield is a life-long resident of Bonita Springs, Florida and mother of two boys.

 The Best Mani Pedi in Bonita Springs 10/365

We love #1 NY Nails which is located near the Lee County Tax Collector Office and the Lee County Board of Election Office.  The owners, Tony and Tammy, also opened #2 NY Nails near Home Goods and The Fresh Market in Bonita Springs.  One of the interesting features of a NY Nails pedicure is that they rub your legs, calves, shins and the soles of your feet with hot black rocks.  It’s so relaxing and feels so, so good! If you are looking for fun, relaxing things to do in Bonita Springs you simply must try it.

Remember that tourist season stretches the human resources at most nail salons so appointments work better than walk-ins.  There are a lot of people visiting southwest Florida December through Easter so a little planning will increase your efficiency everywhere, including at NY Nails.

Visit Ave Maria & Tour the Oratory 9/365

Ave Maria is one of the newest cities in Florida. It is located due east of Naples, Florida near Immokalee, Florida.  Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, created the city which also is the home base to Ave Maria Law School. 

Our family has taken a few lunch trips to Ave Maria.  The center of the city is a huge circle with shops and restaurants.  In the very center is the Oratory which is simply beautiful. It’s an engineering marvel on the in inside.  It’s simply amazing to see in person and definitely worth the drive.

There is new construction in Ave Maria (2019) so you may be able to tour some of the beautiful model homes for sale. Other fun things to do near Ave Maria include  Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Lake Trafford Airboat Tours.