Benson offers small-town living with a Main Street and rural roads
A small town of about 4,000 residents between Raleigh and Fayetteville, Benson has both a charming downtown and rural outskirts. The town was established around a railroad in 1887 as business owners were attracted to its prime location between two major cities. Designated as a Main Street Community, the town’s center promotes local businesses and hosts family-friendly events. Benson embraces its history of hard work by traveling back in time each year to celebrate Mule Days, an event that brings in 20,000 to 60,000 visitors. Today, this Johnston County community still attracts residents looking for proximity to the surrounding cities, and Interstate 95 and Interstate 40 make those commutes more manageable. “It’s a very commuter-friendly and accessible town,” says Rose Podgradski, a broker with Buy Homes with Rose LLC who has lived in Benson for a decade. “Main Street has some older homes with vintage charm, but there are a lot of new developments coming to Benson."
The Mary Duncan Public Library sits conveniently on Benson’s Main Street.
Benson has a rail road that runs through town.
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The annual Benson Mule Days entertains thousands of town visitors
The community has been coming together for more than 75 years to celebrate the annual Benson Mule Days, a four-day event in September that embraces the town’s rural past. “Mule Days is amazing. You just have to be comfortable with being country for a day,” Podgradski says. “From Thursday to Sunday, people come from all over the country on their horses or pull their horses behind on a trailer. I’ve talked to people who said it took them four days to get here on their horse and buggy. You’ll even see people at the Taco Bell drive-thru on their horses.” The event lineup includes a rodeo, a golf tournament, carnival rides, live music, and a parade, which Podgradski argues is the best part. “The parade is long, but it’s entertaining. The local Sudan Dunn Clowns do crazy things on horseback, and The Shriners are volunteers that drive in circles in little miniature racecars, raising money for kids in hospitals. Anyone who arrives on a horse can tag on at the end.”
Older bungalows line downtown and new Craftsmans dot the outskirts
Housing styles in Benson vary depending on their location. Ranch-style homes and bungalows near the town’s center are often older, many built in the 1950s, and offer classic elements like wide front porches, detached garages and colorful interior tiling. Ranch-style homes around the outskirts of town were typically built later in the ‘70s through ‘90s and offer more space. There are also newly constructed Craftsman homes on the south side of Benson with attached garages and nearly an acre of land. Home prices generally range from $175,000 to $315,000.
Buyers looking for something bigger can find 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot New Traditionals and Farmhouse Revivals further out in the countryside with two-car garages on more than an acre. Most of these two-story houses were either built or remodeled between 2020 and 2025 and go from $330,000 to upwards of $600,000.
Colorful bungalows line the residential streets of Benson.
Newer Benson homes showcase Craftsman-inspired details and modern amenities.
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Local boutiques, eateries and museums line Main Street
The downtown area along Main Street and the narrow, gridded streets that connect to it feature locally-owned shops and eateries. “Main Street is lined with antique shops and a lot of niche boutiques,” says Podgradski. “On the same road, Cornerstone Cafe is probably the most well-known eatery with coffee and sandwiches. And Fainting Goat Brewing Company does music bingo, as well as live music and food trucks.” Nearby, Sister’s II Ice Cream serves homemade ice cream. A few blocks from there at the other end of Main Street near Interstate 95, Daddy D’s BBQ is a family-owned Benson favorite. This retail-heavy area also features several takeout and fast-food spots, convenience markets and a Food Lion.
Main Street is also home to the Benson Museum of Local History, which explores the town’s agricultural past, baseball legacy and World War I history. “It’s a cool museum, and you can learn a lot there,” Podgradski says. She also mentions that there’s no shortage of churches in town, with the more historic institutions being on Church Street. Benson Baptist Church sits on the corner with Romanesque architecture and stained-glass windows, and Benson Methodist Church also stands tall on a corner lot with towering spires.
Morgan’s on Main is a popular boutique in Benson’s downtown shopping district.
Cornerstone Cafe & Coffee is Benson’s go-to breakfast and coffee spot on Main Street.
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Benson parks offer play areas and stage space for singing
Centrally located, Dr. PK Vyas MD Community Park is the town’s main park that features a playground, basketball courts, athletic fields and a running track. “Nearby, Benson Singing Grove has a stage where they do summer concerts, and behind the stage is a playground,” Podgradski says. The stage also hosts the State Annual Singing Convention, which brings thousands of people to Benson to listen to one of the oldest and largest gospel choir sings in the country. A couple of blocks away, Benson Community Swimming Pool offers a family-friendly way to cool off in the summer for a membership fee. East of town near the interstate, Benson Dog Park has fenced-in areas for small and large breeds.
Locals can catch a live music performance at Benson Singing Grove in the Summer.
Benson residents enjoy an active lifestyle at Dr. PK Vyas MD Community Park
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Students attend Johnston County public schools, including South HS
Johnston County Schools, graded a B-plus by Niche, serves students living in Benson. They can begin at Benson Elementary School, which receives a B, before progressing to Benson Middle School, which holds a B-minus. South Johnston High School, locally referred to as just South, receives a C-plus. South’s building was completed in 1969 to integrate the area’s former all-white and all-black public high schools.
Benson students start out at Benson Elementary School.
Benson Middle School has a B-minus rating on Niche.
Benson teens can attend South Johnston High School which is home of the Trojans.
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Commuters use the I-95 and I-40 junction as a pit stop
U.S. Route 301 cuts north-to-south through Benson, running parallel to Interstate 95. The interstate makes Fayetteville a 30-mile commute south. Just east of town, Interstate 95 meets Interstate 40, which can lead residents to Raleigh about 30 miles north. This interchange makes for a popular pit stop. “Benson gets a lot of people driving from New York to Florida,” Podgradski says. “It’s a good pull-off halfway.” According to data reported to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Benson has a slightly higher crime rate than the state and national averages.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Photography Contributed By
Dan Mack
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Don Anthony Gomez,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Benson, NC sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Benson, NC over the last 12 months is $362,400, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this charming 3BR/2BA ranch on a beautiful 1-acre lot in the Parkers Pointe subdivision! The fully fenced backyard is perfect for pets, kids, and entertaining. Inside you'll find an open living/kitchen with hardwood floors, gas log fireplace, cathedral ceilings, food pantry, and a separate laundry room. The primary suite features a double vanity. Enjoy rocking chair mornings on
Built in 2021 and tucked away on a cul-de-sac, this charming Benson home sits on .71 acres and offers peaceful living with room to breathe. Enjoy a true rocking chair front porch with swing and a pond view just behind the home. Inside, the open floor plan includes a cozy gas fireplace, eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, and a walk-in pantry. With 1,606 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5
Step Into Something Special The Ellerbe delivers a bright and welcoming two-story design that makes everyday living feel effortless. The main floor opens into a spacious family room that flows perfectly into the kitchen, complete with a large island, pantry, and a sunny breakfast area. A covered rear porch adds the perfect extension of your living space, ideal for morning coffee or evening
Welcome home to this charming 3BR/2BA ranch on a beautiful 1-acre lot in the Parkers Pointe subdivision! The fully fenced backyard is perfect for pets, kids, and entertaining. Inside you'll find an open living/kitchen with hardwood floors, gas log fireplace, cathedral ceilings, food pantry, and a separate laundry room. The primary suite features a double vanity. Enjoy rocking chair mornings on
Welcome home to this charming one-story residence featuring an open floor plan and a spacious kitchen perfect for everyday living and entertaining. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a large lot with a fenced backyard—ideal for pets, play, and outdoor gatherings. Conveniently located near the intersection of I-40 and I-95, you'll enjoy easy access to major routes while being just minutes from
Built in 2021 and tucked away on a cul-de-sac, this charming Benson home sits on .71 acres and offers peaceful living with room to breathe. Enjoy a true rocking chair front porch with swing and a pond view just behind the home. Inside, the open floor plan includes a cozy gas fireplace, eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, and a walk-in pantry. With 1,606 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5
McKee Homes presents the Finley floorplan featuring an open living layout with a spacious living room, breakfast area, and large gourmet kitchen with island. The Finley has true flex-space on the first level with a formal dining room as well as an office, study, or whatever-you-want-it-to-be room. There is also a mudroom as you walk in from the garage and a rear patio off the family room and
The Davidson is a two-story, five-bedroom, three-bath home with a formal living room, formal dining room, spacious family room, kitchen with island and pantry, separate breakfast area, and first-floor guest suite with a full bath. The second floor features four bedrooms, including the primary suite, a hall bath, a large laundry room, and a loft area. Options available to personalize this home
The Colfax is a spacious, two-story, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home with a formal dining room, office with French doors, spacious kitchen, breakfast area, family room, walk-in pantry, a separate butler's pantry, and large garage storage area. The second floor features all bedrooms including the primary bedroom with two walk-in closets, a loft area, and a laundry room. Bedroom four
The Raleigh is a two-story, four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home with a first-floor primary bedroom, formal dining room, two-story family room, and a kitchen with an island and pantry. The second floor features an upstairs loft area, three additional bedrooms, and a full bath. Options to personalize this home include an additional bedroom upstairs, an expanded loft area, an enclosed bonus room,
Introducing The Lenox, an all-time favorite floorplan that has captured the hearts of many. The Lenox boasts a size range of 2,429 to 2,541 square feet, offering the flexibility of 3 to 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Bathrooms. This well-loved design is a testament to spacious and open living areas at a price that will delight you. As you step into the Lenox, you're welcomed by a spacious and open Living
The Davidson is a two-story, five-bedroom, three-bath home with a side load garage, formal living room, formal dining room, spacious family room, kitchen with island and pantry, separate breakfast area, and first-floor guest suite with a full bath. The second floor features four bedrooms, including the primary suite, a hall bath, a large laundry room, and a loft area. Options available to
The Bradley packs a lot of living space into a popular ranch layout, including an open living area with access to a covered patio for effortless indoor/outdoor entertaining and a private owner's suite separated from two secondary bedrooms. The optional extended family room expands living space downstairs, and an optional second-floor addition (included in some locations) expands living space
McKee Homes presents the Brooks floorplan with open-concept living area, kitchen and formal dining room on the first level as well as a guest suite with full bath. The dining room can also function as a flex room and be used as an office, study, den, playroom or whatever suits your family’s lifestyle. The second floor boasts a beautifully appointed owner’s suite with a large walk-in closet and
The Avery is a ranch-style plan with a front-load garage, three bedrooms, two full baths, a spacious family room, a kitchen with an island and pantry, a covered patio, an oversized laundry room, and a first-floor primary suite.Options available to personalize this home include a covered porch, screen porch, or sunroom, office with French doors or dining room instead of bedroom three, powder room,
This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,347 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your rental
Nestled in the heart of downtown Benson, this charming townhome offers a cozy retreat with modern amenities. Boasting 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, the home features stylish LVP flooring and a convenient laundry closet for effortless living. Townhome is equipped with refrigerator, stove/oven, and dishwasher. Step outside to your own private oasis - a fenced-in patio perfect for relaxing or
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
REDUCED: Inviting Townhome Treasure in Benson, NC! This charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom townhome awaits your arrival with a delightful private fenced patio perfect for morning coffees and evening sunsets. Step inside to discover the beauty of luxury vinyl plank flooring that leads you through a cozy living space adorned with fresh paint throughout! The heart of the home boasts modern amenities
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Modern elegance has met comfort in this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom new construction townhome! This property promises a lifestyle of luxury and convenience. Step into the expansive kitchen boasting a generous island and breakfast bar, perfect for culinary adventures or casual dining moments. The open floor plan seamlessly connects each living space while a separate laundry room adds practicality to
Property Id: 2238019Move into this recently built 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in a peaceful Benson neighborhood. This home offers an open-concept layout ensures a natural flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas, making daily life and entertaining effortless. The kitchen features sleek countertops, ample cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, while the spacious primary
Modern elegance has met comfort in this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom new construction townhome! This property promises a lifestyle of luxury and convenience. Step into the expansive kitchen boasting a generous island and breakfast bar, perfect for culinary adventures or casual dining moments. The open floor plan seamlessly connects each living space while a separate laundry room adds practicality to
Coming soon - this home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,961 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a
Beautifully renovated 3-bedroom home available for rent! This charming home offers luxury vinyl and carpet flooring throughout, freshly painted walls, and plenty of cabinet space. The rental includes all major appliances—stove, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher—to make daily living convenient and easy. Located just minutes from downtown Benson, you'll enjoy close proximity to shops, dining,
Please note that the advertised price may exclude additional fees. These include a $55 application fee per applicant; a one-time $75 admin fee; a $11 monthly utility management fee; other mandatory fees, if applicable, for pool maintenance, pet fees/rent, smart home, internet service, and propane refilling; and optional fees for services like self-guided tours with third-party provider Rently
RENT BEFORE YOU BUY! RENT OR BUY! Welcome home to this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch situated on a .05-acre lot! This turnkey property is move-in ready and waiting for its new occupant.Step inside to an inviting open-concept floor plan featuring brand-new LVP flooring that adds both style and durability. The owner installed a water filtration system, giving you added comfort and peace of
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