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Bonita

Bonita

Located in San Diego County

$1,155,499 Average Value
$526 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes For Sale

Country living in South Bay San Diego County

Based on its location, Bonita could technically be considered a suburban city of South Bay San Diego, but its distinct countryside aesthetic makes it feel like an entirely different environment. "The beauty of Bonita is that you feel like you're in the country, outside of everything, but you're only a few minutes from Chula Vista and downtown San Diego," says Realtor Lili Patch with Re/Max Hometown Realtors, who's been selling in San Diego for over 15 years. Interstate 805 on the west and state Route 54 on the north act as borders for this pocket of rural living. Within it, homes sit on spacious lots and border grassy canyons. It's also not uncommon to see residents riding their horses on trails throughout the city or across the thousands of acres of wide-open hills to the east. This country way of life is still a short drive from downtown activity, and it's close enough to feel the refreshing ocean breeze.

Sweetwater Dam
Sweetwater Dam
La Presa enjoys unparalleled views of Sweetwater Lake and beyond.
La Presa enjoys unparalleled views of Sweetwater Lake and beyond.
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Homes in Bonita North or Bonita South

The city's two main neighborhoods are Bonita North and Bonita South , which sit on their respective sides of Bonita Road, the city's central thoroughfare. The median single-family home price is over $1.2 million. Spanish Revival is the architectural style of choice, but settings differ between the two neighborhoods. Bonita North has a winding layout of residential streets. A few of its communities look more suburban with midsize homes, while others lead to large custom homes on spacious private lots for around the median price. Bonita South has sprawling developments where homes back up to vistas of surrounding hills and canyons. Homes in Bonita South are regularly above the median price because of these views, and the largest mansions can exceed $2.5 million.

Hillstop, Spanish revival mansions can fetch well over one million dollars in Bonita South.
Hillstop, Spanish revival mansions can fetch well over one million dollars in Bonita South.
Custom homes can be found throughout Bonita South.
Custom homes can be found throughout Bonita South.
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Hiking and horseback riding in the hills

Bonita has community green spaces like Rohr Park and multiple golf courses, but it's mainly known for its countryside activity. "You've got all kinds of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, all that rural activity," says Patch. These trails are etched throughout the city's communities and open spaces. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park provides 500 acres of open foothills and 15 miles of hiking and equestrian trails east of the city. There's a selection of stables and equestrian centers conveniently positioned near the park that cater to the city's many equestrian enthusiasts.

Sweetwater Regional Park's Community Garden is a locally beloved place to grow almost anything.
Sweetwater Regional Park's Community Garden is a locally beloved place to grow almost anything.
Rohr Park features multiple playgrounds for kids and families to enjoy.
Rohr Park features multiple playgrounds for kids and families to enjoy.
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Commute downtown or to new business in Chula Vista

Most Bonita residents still commute to downtown San Diego's military bases and other industries for work. It's just over 10 miles up Interstate 805, and San Diego International Airport is also downtown. However, developing projects in neighboring Chula Vista are bringing more opportunity to the area. "They're opening new film studios and a huge new conference center in Chula Vista, so we're going to get a lot of people moving to South Bay," says Patch. The new film studio is the $85 million brainchild of native San Diegan filmmaker Aaron David Roberts. The all-encompassing campus — set to open in 2027 — will have executive offices, recording studios, editing bays and everything else required for a Hollywood-level production. Chula Vista also has the nearest medical facility, Scripps Mercy Hospital. Residents can also easily visit Tijuana, with the Mexican border 10 miles south on the 805.

Retail at Westfield Plaza

Part of Bonita's country aesthetic is that there isn't much commercial activity. However, Westfield Plaza on the city's west side is one of the area's last traditional indoor malls. It has department stores, retail shops and a movie theater. Groceries and casual eateries showcasing authentic Mexican fare can be found in strip malls along Bonita Road.

The Spring Valley Swap Meet attracts hundreds of vendors.
The Spring Valley Swap Meet attracts hundreds of vendors.
Food trucks gather crowds in La Presa.
Food trucks gather crowds in La Presa.
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Sweetwater Union High School District

The Chula Vista Elementary School District serves kindergarten to sixth grade students and receives a B from Niche. The A-minus-rated Sweetwater Union High School district covers middle and high school. According to Niche, it's the No. 8 best school district in San Diego.

Bonita Vista High School has the U.S. and State flag risen in front in Rancho Del Rey, CA.
Bonita Vista High School has the U.S. and State flag risen in front in Rancho Del Rey, CA.
The heart of education beats strong at Bonita Vista Middle School.
The heart of education beats strong at Bonita Vista Middle School.
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Preparing for brush fires

The grassy hills of Sweetwater Regional Park and wooded mountains of the Cleveland National Forest east of the city are prone to spontaneous brush fires during the warm and dry summer months. Homeowners near these open spaces should maintain a defensible space around their property by removing overgrown brush that can be potential fire fuel. These fires risk becoming larger wildfires, so all residents should have a prepared evacuation plan. The Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District addresses the city's fire concerns. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department-Imperial Beah Substation serves the city's crime and safety needs. However, specific crime statistics aren't available, as Bonita isn't included in San Diego's reporting.

Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Michael Hirsch
Photography Contributed By
Michael Hirsch
Victoria York
Video By
Victoria York

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dennis Bragg, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Bonita Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,248,892
Median Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,256,250
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,235,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$515,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
169
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$10
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$526

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
27
Months of Supply
1.90

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Bonita Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
12,562
Median Age
43
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$113,477
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$136,295

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.6%
College Graduates
39.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
47°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Bonita