2027 MNM LIVABILITY INDEX

Bonita Springs

Florida (FL)

Best for: Active retirees and higher-income households who want Gulf beaches, preserves, boating and a quieter setting between Naples and Fort Myers.

2027 CITY CLASSSmall City25,000–99,999 residents

Modern Livability78.7/ 100

AT A GLANCE

Everyday numbers

Population57,634

Median Home$497,100

Median Rent$1,882

Median Household Income$95,210

Cost of Living~103.2 (US=100; 2024 MSA)

Average Commute24.2 min

Unemployment~4.8% metro (Jul 2026)

Metro AreaCape Coral-Fort Myers, FL

2027 MODERN LIVABILITY SCORECARD

How this city actually lives

Twelve dimensions capture both hard data and the everyday experience traditional lists tend to miss.

78.7overall

Housing & Financial Reality50.0

Housing burden, taxes, insurance, utilities and what local incomes actually buy.

Ease of Living84.0

Errands, commute friction, parking, services and the effort required for daily life.

Safety & Stability86.0

Personal, neighborhood, road and environmental stability.

Economic Opportunity82.0

Jobs, wages, career mobility, employer diversity and economic resilience.

Health & Wellness88.0

Healthcare access, activity, mental wellness, healthy food and environmental health.

Beauty & Sense of Place95.0

Scenery, architecture, trees, cleanliness, public realm and distinct sense of place.

Mobility & Congestion43.0

Traffic delay, commute reliability, walking, cycling and transit usefulness.

Nature & Escape99.0

Trails, water, mountains, parks, public lands and how easily residents can escape.

Diversity & Belonging76.0

Diversity, integration, accessibility, newcomer friendliness and community connection.

Climate & Environment84.0

Comfortable weather, air quality, severe weather and environmental exposure.

Community & Culture77.0

Restaurants, arts, events, third places, recreation and social life.

Infrastructure & Connectivity85.0

Broadband, utilities, airport, highways, transit and essential connectivity.

THE THINGS OLD-SCHOOL LISTS MISS

What daily life feels like

Traffic / CongestionModerate. Most daily travel is manageable, but growth and regional commuting can create congestion on major corridors.

Weekend EscapeVery good. Florida's parks, waterways and regional destinations provide multiple realistic weekend options.

WalkabilityAbout 22/100 citywide Walk Score. The city is car-dependent overall, so neighborhood choice strongly affects daily convenience.

Airport AccessExcellent. Southwest Florida International Airport is convenient for domestic travel and seasonal routes.

Outdoor AccessExceptional. Gulf beaches, Estero Bay, preserves and paddling are central to the city's identity.

Healthcare AccessStrong to exceptional regional healthcare access, with major hospital and specialty services available locally or nearby.

Air QualityGenerally good, with heat, humidity, pollen and occasional regional smoke or ozone events as the main concerns.

Third Places / Social LifeGood to very good. Restaurants, parks, cafés, community events and neighborhood commercial areas provide regular gathering places, with depth varying by neighborhood.

EDITORIAL VIEW

More than a number

Trajectory: Stable

WHY IT STANDS OUT

Why we chose it

Bonita Springs earns attention in the 2027 MNM Livability Index because its strongest qualities are income; beaches; preserves; outdoor access; short commute; proximity to naples and fort myers. The score is not based on one traditional statistic: it balances housing, ease of living, safety, opportunity, wellness, beauty, mobility, nature, belonging, climate, culture and infrastructure. Its biggest tradeoffs are housing cost; low walkability; storm/flood exposure; insurance; limited urban social core.

REAL LIFE