$275,560Average Value$170Average Price per Sq Ft63Homes For Sale
Benson offers small-town desert living with freeway access to Tucson
Benson is a small town in southeast Arizona’s San Pedro River Valley. Benson might feel deep in the desert wilderness, between the Rincon Mountains to the west and the San Pedro River to the east. However, it’s connected to the region’s larger cities by Interstate 10 and state Route 90. “We’re about 45 minutes from Tucson and 30 minutes from Sierra Vista,” says Tara Finch, leader of the Tara Finch Group with Haymore Real Estate, who’s lived in Benson for over 25 years. “It’s a nice alternative for people who don’t want to be in the city, but it’s also not the middle of nowhere.” Newer residential developments are popping up outside Benson’s existing town center because of its scenic and accessible location, which also has natural advantages. “Weather is a big reason people come here,” says Finch. “We’re about 10 degrees cooler than Tucson on any given day, but it’s still sunny all the time; it’s Arizona.” With its relatively cooler temperatures and small-town community, Benson is becoming an increasingly popular place to get out of the city.
Benson is slowly evolving to offer some newer homes and commercial buildings.
Benson is known for it's many trains that pass through the main street.
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Older downtown homes and new tract communities
Benson’s median home price is just under $250,000. It’s risen in recent years because of the influx of new homes. “The communities outside of town are all new tract developments,” says Finch. “In town, it’s totally different. They’re all older and different looking.” Ranch-style homes and others downtown can be found for just under or around the median price. The median price also applies to Spanish-style tract homes in new communities outside town. Some new communities offer much larger tract homes with private 4- to 5-acre lots that can cost up to $700,000.
Benson offers some newer homes with Spanish architectural influences.
Older homes in Benson are found in the center of town and can date back to the early 20th century.
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Hiking in the Rincon Mountains and gatherings at the city park
The Rincon Mountains to the west are home to some expansive park spaces. Coronado National Forest and Kartchner Caverns State Park are about 10 miles down Route 90. Kartchner Caverns State Park is an expansive network of limestone caves that can be explored on guided tours. They sit at the base of the mountains of Coronado National Forest. Routes like Ocotillo Trail start in the lower desert and lead up to the forested peaks. Saguaro National Park, about 20 miles northwest, is home to saguaro cacti, the largest cactus species in the country. The park's trails traverse summits like Rincon Peak and Mica Mountain. To the east, the San Pedro River Valley is a renowned birding destination. In town, locals go to City of Benson Park for recreation. It has athletic fields and a new splash pad. It’s also the meeting ground for men’s and women’s softball leagues.
Locals from the Benson area flock to the cities green spaces for a sense of relief from the harsh desert weather.
Benson is home to Kartchner Caverns State Park which has miles of caves that bring in visitors from all over the world.
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Old West-themed restaurants on state Route 80
State Route 80 runs east to west through the middle of Benson, acting as the town’s main street. This is where most of the town’s restaurants and small businesses are found. “We’re big on community,” says Finch. “Other than fast-food places, everything in town is locally owned.” Murals on spots like The Horseshoe Café and Mad Mule Coffee call back to Benson’s Old West train depot roots with images of horseback riders and stagecoaches. Eclectic establishments like Farmhouse and Mi Casa uphold the Old West aesthetic. Groceries can also be found off Route 80 at Safeway and Walmart.
Mad Mule Coffee in Benson is a popular place for espresso drinks and salads.
Benson prides itself on it's western roots with many murals of settlers and Native American scenes.
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Benson Unified School District
Students in town and the surrounding area are served by the Benson Unified School District, which earns a B-plus overall grade from Niche. It’s the second-best district in Cochise County, according to Niche. The district has three schools — Benson Primary, Benson Middle and Benson High — that share a campus in the center of town. Benson Primary receives a B; the middle and high schools each get a B-plus.
Benson Primary School serves grades K-5 in Benson, Arizona.
Benson High School serves grades 9-12 in Benson, Arizona.
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Cochise Country Music Festival
The Cochise Country Music Festival only started in 2023, but it has become Benson’s marquee event. “One of our local business owners decided to start the festival a few years back, and it’s become a big thing,” says Finch. “They focus on '90s and 2000s type of country, so a lot of people come for that specific sound.” This weekend-long event takes place every March. The festival grounds are on the north side of I-10.
Commute to Tucson or Sierra Vista
Interstate 10 and state Route 90 connect Benson to southeast Arizona’s larger cities. Tucson is just over 45 miles west on I-10. The Tucson area is home to major employers like the University of Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Raytheon. Tucson International Airport is also the closest airport. Sierra Vista is just over 30 miles down Route 90. It’s a small city, but it’s home to Fort Huachuca, another regional military hub. Benson Hospital provides healthcare and employment in town. Benson also has an Amtrak station.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Kristen Rademacher
Video By
TJ Wengert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carole Irizarry Pierce,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Benson, AZ sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Benson, AZ over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
From the moment you step through the welcoming courtyard and into the spacious three bedroom, two bath home, you will know YOU ARE HOME! Stunning custom tile throughout, from the floors to the counter tops in kitchen and bathrooms and tub and Shower surrounds. Under cabinet lights in kitchen. New electric range. Roomy bedrooms, walk in closets, large Arizona room, and bonus room that can be
Set on approximately three acres, this private retreat offers open skies, expansive 360 mountain views, and a serene, natural setting. The home features a sunken living room with generous gathering space and a cozy fireplace, along with a large kitchen finished with travertine countertops. Outdoors is a true oasis, beautifully shaded by mature trees that transform with the seasons. Enjoy abundant
This newly built 1,280 sq. ft. home blends modern efficiency with the charm of rural living. The open-concept living space is bathed in natural light and designed with durable finishes and a practical layout. Situated on a beautiful rural lot, the property offers peaceful surroundings and scenic mountain views.
*LOT B* Rare opportunity to own acreage in the quiet Pomerene area, offering excellent potential for custom home construction or a small builder/investment project. These five lots are located on a developed cul-de-sac just off Colony Road, providing privacy, functionality, and an efficient layout. Electric and water are available to the lot lines, reducing upfront development costs. Access is
Step into this beautifully maintained 1BR/1BA home featuring a large addition that significantly expands your living space. Located in a premier 55+ resort community, this home is offered fully furnished and move-in ready. The heart of the home is a large kitchen with an attached dining room that flows seamlessly into an expansive living area. Enjoy the outdoors on your covered front and back
Large fenced lot (.55 acre) with septic in place. Water and electric at lot line. Flat usable land with great views and close enough to I-10 for easy commute, but far from highway noise. Build or bring your dream home here.
*LOT D* Rare opportunity to own acreage in the quiet Pomerene area, offering excellent potential for custom home construction or a small builder/investment project. These five lots are located on a developed cul-de-sac just off Colony Road, providing privacy, functionality, and an efficient layout. Electric and water are available to the lot lines, reducing upfront development costs. Access is
Welcome to the highly sought-after Kartchner Vistas neighborhood! This stunning four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, two-story home offers the perfect blend of style and functionality. Enjoy the highly desirable split bedroom floor plan with a secluded primary suite conveniently located on the first floor. The heart of the home is an open-concept living area, ideal for seamless family gatherings
Great, developed lot in Snow Bird Hill portion of Cochise Terrace RV Resort (CTRV), that backs up to conservation buffer, with plenty of natural, native vegetation. Lot includes 8 X 10 shed and is landscaped and ready to move in your RV, with all necessary hookups and connections on site. Resort amenities include Pool, spa, community center, fitness center, dog park and much more!Off Hwy 90,
Beautiful vacant corner lot located in a highly desirable RV resort, surrounded by lush landscaping maintained by a timed sprinkler system. This spacious lot easily accommodates a large recreational vehicle and provides plenty of room to enjoy resort living. Community amenities include a sparkling pool, relaxing spa, fitness center, paved streets, and a dedicated dog park, making this the perfect
Explore the potential in this cozy 1977 mobile home, complete with a spacious addition for extra living space. Enjoy both a covered front patio for relaxing evenings and a private back patio perfect for outdoor gatherings. The property offers ample room for your lifestyle, including an RV parking space, mature shade trees, and even a chicken coop for those who love homesteading. Being sold As-Is,
Fully furnished two bedroom, one bath, well-loved home in San Pedro RV Resort. New gas range, kitchen sink, Butcher Block counter top and refrigerator. Three unit Min-Splits. Roof resealed within last year. Five light blocking window blinds. Tankless On-Demand Water Heater. New front porch steps and articulating front porch railing for ease in moving furniture and appliances in and out of home.
Don't miss this unique chance to own a multi-use property on a prime corner lot along 4th Street in Benson. Zoned for both business and residential use, this building offers endless possibilities - set up your professional office, create a work-from-home set up, or convert it into a rental investment. The flexible layout makes it easy to tailor the space to your needs, whether you're a small
This vintage 1966 1 bedroom 1 bath Mobile Home is affordable and cute. The convenient downtown Benson location allows for easy access to shopping, restaurants, medical and schools by foot, bicycle, car or whatever mode of transportation you choose. Space rent is currently $280 per month that includes water, trash and sewer. The electric is calculated separately and added to the $280 space rent.
*LOT C* Rare opportunity to own acreage in the quiet Pomerene area, offering excellent potential for custom home construction or a small builder/investment project. These five lots are located on a developed cul-de-sac just off Colony Road, providing privacy, functionality, and an efficient layout. Electric and water are available to the lot lines, reducing upfront development costs. Access is
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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.
