Benton, IL Homes for Rent

Benton, a small city in Southern Illinois with around 7,000 residents, offers a blend of historic charm and outdoor recreation. As the county seat of Franklin County, Benton has transitioned from a mining village to a farming town with a suburban feel. The city is adjacent to the nearly 19,000-acre Rend Lake, providing ample opportunities for water sports, boating, camping, and hiking. Benton Community Park features playgrounds, ball fields, and courts for basketball and tennis. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 27-hole championship course at Reno Lake Golf Complex. Main Street and the Route 14 corridor are lined with local stores and restaurants, including The Cozy Table and Peking Buffet. Benton is well-connected by several highways, with Marion 20 miles south and St. Louis Lambert International Airport 110 miles northwest. Housing in Benton includes a mix of late Victorian-Era cottages, Minimal Traditional homes, and ranch styles, with properties ranging from $10,000 to over $350,000. The city’s public schools are part of the Benton Community Consolidated School District No. 47 and Benton Consolidated High School District, with the high school offering dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. Benton also hosts several annual events, such as the Rend Lake Car Show, Sugar Creek Music Festival, and the Benton Festival of Lights.