Welcome to the "Gateway to the Gulf", Bonita Springs, and its endless possibilities that await you in this perfect paradise! Bonita Springs real estate is located in Lee County, Florida. It is a unique community that combines natural amenities with upscale lifestyle and a dynamic business environment. The area is rich in educational and cultural opportunities and boasts a state-of-the-art health care system.
Bonita Springs real estate offers a gracious blend of old, new, upscale and down home neighborhoods. It's the perfect place to raise a family, relocate, retire or start a business. Bonita Springs is a place for young families and long-time residents to come together in their backyards or parks and enjoy afternoon chats. Money Magazine rates Bonita Springs real estate as the 6th best place in America to live.
~ Bonita Springs Demographics ~
Population
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
40,877
$53,200
$330,200
~History of Bonita Springs The Calusa Indians once inhabited the area of Bonita Springs real estate until 1539, when the Spanish came to the area looking for the Fountain of Youth. Just a couple of short centuries later, the Calusa Indians were almost all gone because of European diseases. A few of the survivors moved to the Florida Keys and joined the Seminole tribes that had taken refuge in South Florida.
In the 1870s, government surveyors camped in a remote part of Southwest Florida near a spring that the Indians believed could heal the sick. The area was named Survey. Over the next 10 years, very few people moved to the area. A small log school was built in 1887. The population finally took off and more than doubled when Braxton Comer purchased 6000 acres of farm land and brought in 50 families from Alabama to work it ,growing bananas, pineapples, coconuts and other fruits.
In 1912, land developers bought 2400 acres in the area and began to lay out a small town with streets and avenues, which were named for potential buyers. The developers decided to rename the area Bonita Springs to make it more appealing. In 1917, a road was built between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs and, in 1925, the Fort Myers-Southern Railroad came to town. This brought another population boom to the area.
In 1936, Bill and Lester Piper built an attraction display of cougar, alligator and other wild animals to bring more visitors to the area. They called the attraction Everglades Wonder Gardens. It is now one of Bonita Springs' biggest attractions. In 1938, Harold Crant opened the Shell Factory, which burned down in the early 1940s but was later rebuilt in Fort Myers.
With the invention of air conditioning and the completion of I-75 to Bonita Springs, the community began to grow even bigger. The Interstate brought modern office buildings, shopping malls and golf courses. Now, the community of Bonita Springs is one of the most beautiful pieces of real estate in Florida, with spectacular beaches, excellent recreational opportunities, fine restaurants and beautiful homes.
~Education in Bonita Springs The Lee County School System serves the students residing in Bonita Springs real estate. There are 47 elementary schools, 20 middle schools and 13 high schools. The district proudly educates over 80,000 students, making it one of the largest school systems in the United States.
For higher learning opportunities, the Florida Gulf Coast University, a four year public university, is a good place to start. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges awarding associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees. The university is commonly known as FGCU.
Edison College is another great place of higher learning in the area. Edison offers AA, AS and BAS degrees. It is also home to the Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall, which hosts concerts, shows and plays.
~Fun things to do in Bonita Springs Sand and sun is the star attraction in Bonita Springs real estate, but there are tons of fun stuff to see and do beyond the beautiful beaches. Nature abounds here with miles and miles of sandy shoreline, lakes and streams and forested areas ready to be photographed at all times.
Bonita Springs golf is another favorite among residents and visitors. It can be played year-round. Also, the Germain Arena is nearby with its own hockey team, the Florida Ever Blades, for indoor sports enthusiasts and fans. There are two performing arts centers in the area with professional orchestras that host a variety of entertainment, from Broadway and ballet to jazz and celebrities. This rich array of attractions offers something for all ages.
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