Did you know Bonita is the Spanish word for "beautiful"? And while this city is indeed beautiful, it is actually named after the ranch that once stood on the same land. This ranch, owned by Henry Ernest Cooper, was used to grow lemons starting in 1871. The ranch grew bonnie brae lemons, which also were named after the Bonita ranch. Small world!
Sometimes people think of southern California as a suburban paradise, especially around San Diego: lots of homes and tree-lined streets, traditional suburban amenities, and quiet and comfortable living. There's something different about Bonita, CA, though, even though it's a small suburb of San Diego. Bonita, located just minutes from the city's center, feels more like a rural enclave or country escape rather than a boring suburban town. It's home to about 12,500 people, which means that it's certainly a place that people live in and commute from. However, it also has tons of outdoor space and activities that residents and visitors can participate in, and it's located in a beautiful and scenic spot right by the Sweetwater River and Valley. Bonita began as a lemon ranch, but since its beginnings in the mid-1800s, has grown into a vibrant community of people doing a whole range of things. If you're interested in living in a place that is close to a world-class city, but offers you the feeling of a remote escape when you're at home, consider moving to Bonita. There are tons of rental housing options, from condos for rent to 2 bedroom apartments, and there's sure to be something you're looking for in your price range.
Moving to Bonita
If you're going to look for an apartment complex in Bonita, you should consider starting a housing search. The first step in that search would be to prepare a rental application! Rental applications basically prove to your potential landlord that you're going to be a great tenant. Being a great tenant means not only paying your rent on time, but also being a great neighbor and taking care of their buildings! To prove how awesome you are, gather up your bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, IDs, and maybe even some letters of reference. These things will assure a potential landlord via your leasing application that he can trust you as a renter. If you're worried at all about qualifying financially for a home for rent in Bonita, consider renting with a guarantor. A guarantor can guarantee your home financially, and if something ever happens to it that you can't afford to pay for, the landlord will know that there is someone there who will be able to foot the bill. Consider asking a close friend or family member!
If you're planning to start your search soon, go for it. Bonita has nice warm, sunny weather all year round, so you don't need to plan your housing search around the seasons. You won't even have to bring a jacket if you're looking for places during the winter months, so grab your tank top and head to California!
Neighborhoods in Bonita
Bonita's a pretty small place in the San Diego area, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its own neighborhoods. The city has plenty of individual areas with different character, and doing your research about each can ensure that you're going to end up living in an area that suits your wants and needs. Want to know more about neighborhoods in Bonita? Check out the helpful list below.
Western Bonita: Western Bonita is the part of town that's closest to San Diego proper, so it's a great spot for commuters to consider. The area is mostly residential, so there are lots of homes to choose from. It's also located right along I-805, so the commute into the city is easy and convenient. On Bonita Road in the western part of town, there are some nice restaurants and stores to visit; residents frequent favorites like Jalisco Caf, Ono's Caf, and Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro.
Eastern Bonita: This part of Bonita might be considered more scenic than the other part of town. That's because it's adjacent to the Sweetwater Reservoir, Rohr Park, and Chula Vista Golf Course. Expect to find mostly homes in this area, although there are some dining options here too. Hans & Harry's Bakery is a favorite with residents; it's a great place to go to get your morning coffee and some of their world famous strudel.
Living in Bonita
Bonita residents enjoy the great outdoors. It's an important part of life and culture here, so if you're afraid of nature, this might not be the best place for you. If you do like animals and trees, though, you'll feel right at home in this San Diego suburb. The weather is warm all year round here, and equestrianism is a huge part of life. There are horse-riding trails throughout the Lower Sweetwater Valley in the eastern part of town, and there are trails that connect to the town center itself. It's not rare to see people riding into town on their horses, and many people keep their own barns and horses! You don't have to ride your horse through the city, though, you can enjoy one of the many parks in town, too. Parks in the city include Rohr Park, Sweetwater Regional Park, Sweetwater County Park, Sweetwater Reservoir Riding and Hiking Trail, Bonita Golf Course, and Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course. If you want to get into San Diego, of course, you can do that, too. But for that you'll need a car; it'll be best to leave your horse at home.
