Coconut Point Mall Estero FL

Naples vs. Bonita Springs and Estero

Location

North of the Naples area and south of Ft. Myers are the cities of Bonita Springs and Estero located in Lee County. Those looking into Naples for a second home, often have heard of Bonita Springs and Estero as an alternative to Naples. There are many golf course communities in Bonita Springs and Estero, both of the bundled golf type and equity golf courses. There are high rise communities offering fantastic views of the Estero Bay and Gulf of Mexico.

There are also communities with large estates homes, with homes selling in the multi-million dollar range. Amenities range from golf courses, tennis club, boat access, or ferry’s across Estero Bay to the beach. Bonita Springs and Estero offer a wide assortment of different community types and home styles for second home buyers.

A large part of the population in the Bonita Springs and Estero access to their community by way of US 41 (Tamiami Trail). Many of the main entrances to the communities are off US 41. Either from the west or east side of US 41. Most of the area’s shopping and retail is also located on US 41.

There is no downtown area in the region or central hub. The biggest destination areas would be the Coconut Point Mall off of US41 and Gulf Coast Town Center off of Interstate I-75. Both are large outdoor malls with big box stores, national retailers, boutiques and restaurants.

As Bonita Springs and Estero are east of the Estero Bay, most residents will have a long distance to travel to beach access. Either head south to Bonita Beach Road and then west to the beach. Or as an alternative, travel north to the Ft. Myers beach or south to the Naples beaches.

Differences

While Bonita Springs and Estero and Naples have many great communities to choose from, there are several major differences between the areas.

Beach Access – To find a beach, in Naples, just head west, northwest or southwest and find easy access to any number of the Naples area beaches. In Estero and Bonita Springs, residents ehead south to the Bonita Beach Access or north to the Fort Myers Beach access, by traveling around Estero Bay.
Dining and Shopping – Dining and shopping districts in Naples are throughout the area, they could be north, south, east and west of where you live. In Bonita and Estero, they are mainly along the major highways and mostly along US 41.
A Downtown – Naples has a very charming downtown area known as “Olde Naples.” It is a popular destination spot, with community activities, restaurants, bars, shops and services. No such hub exists in Bonita or Estero.
Destination Areas – Naples has many destination areas which draws local residents, but also residents and visitor from all over southwest Florida
Property Values – Because of these differences, property value are higher in Naples.
Regional Airport – The regional airport in Ft. Myers is closer to Bonita Springs and Estero, making those area very convenient for those second home owners that go back and forth often.