Bonita Springs vs Sarasota (Tampa, Fort Myers: low income, mobile home, gated)

[dennise]

I have been to Sarasota but its been a few year about 6 years since I been to Ft myers area. Never been to BS area. I m planning to visit the area this January but just checking to see everyone feedback is? the difference of Sarasota and BS?

Thanks !

[BugManTPC]

Sarasota as is Naples are considered affluent Southwest Destinations Cities. If the economics work for you Sarasota is far enough north to have an 8 degree difference in Temperature (cooler) during the winter months. Bonita Springs is a growing city with some newly developed affluent areas. The closer you get to 41 and the ocean the better the area. There are many pockets of low income. Gated mobile home communities are fashionable. Quail West (E of I-75) is a high end golfing community, Spanish Wells (W of I -75) is middle to high income golf community. Has close access to public beaches. Sarasota has the same spotty lower income areas, mainly surrounding I-75

Bonita Springs is in between Fort Myers and Naples. Is relatively close to RSW (two exits North). Sarasota has a regional airport. Most major flights occur out of Tampa 40 miles North.

The Southwest Coast of Florida is seasonal, our population cuts in half during the summer. Sarasota and Naples create an economic "Oreo" ( high end affluent cookies pieces on both ends and low to middle in the middle). Working class live in North Port and Venice then commute to Sarasota for work. Working class live in Ft Myers and Bonita and then commute to Naples.

I hope the helps. As with anywhere, Bonita is a great place to live, just choose wisely where you live.

[dennise]

Thanks! for the info. Bugman