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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
