Though the city of Benton is in Central Arkansas, it was named for a Missouri politician. Thomas Hart Benton was an outspoken member of the Senate during the early 1800s. His speeches gained him recognition in the Midwest, and when Arkansas became a state in 1836, the city of Benton was formally chartered with his name. The city is sometimes incorrectly said to be named for Benton’s great-grandnephew of the same name, a 20th-century painter influenced by the Midwestern United States. Though untrue, the city of nearly 38,000 people does look like a place Benton would paint. The city's downtown area, comprising Market and South streets, has historic brick buildings and a mural telling the story of the city’s origins. “Benton has a small-town feeling,” says Tiffany Davis, an executive broker with Vylla Home. “During Christmas, it's like a Hallmark movie here.” Benton, a suburb of Little Rock, is the largest city in Saline County and serves as the county seat. Its population is up from around 31,000 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Walmart Inc., Saline Memorial Hospital and the Benton School District are among the county’s largest employers.
The historic district of downtown Benton, rich with history, food, and culture.
Historic downtown Benton, Arkansas is a time capsule into historical roots with good food.
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Ranch-style and Cape Cod homes for below-average prices
The city’s median home price is $250,000, lower than the national average. Contemporary and ranch-style homes are common. Salem, a rural census-designated place just northeast of Benton, has more expensive Cape Cod and ranch-style homes. Homes stay on the market for an average of 36 days. The city outlined a goal of making neighborhoods more pedestrian- and bike rider-friendly in its 2020 comprehensive plan.
Traditional, contemporary homes line the streets in many newer neighborhoods of Benton Arkansas.
A newly-constructed, ranch home in a subdivision of Benton, Arkansas.
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Interstate 30 takes residents to Little Rock
Interstate 30 runs through Benton and continues around 25 miles northeast to Little Rock. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, in Little Rock, has direct flights to 15 destinations. Within the city, the South Central Arkansas Transit program provides curb-to-curb transportation at a reduced rate. The city's Saline Memorial Hospital is a 177-bed community hospital.
The Benton School District is highly rated
The Benton School District has an A-minus grade from Niche. Debbie Orton, a Realtor with Crye-Leike Realtors, says the district is one of the main draws for new residents. The district serves nearly 6,000 students at seven schools. Benton High School, the district’s lone high school, has an individual A-minus grade.
Ringgold Elementary is one of several schools serving children and residents of Benton Arkansas.
Benton High School is a large, multi-faceted school in Benton Arkansas serving students.
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The Gann Museum of Saline County is famous for its bauxite
The 1996 Oscar-winning film “Sling Blade” was filmed entirely in the city over 24 days. Benton is also the birthplace of Grammy-winning country singer Charlie Rich and Cy Young Award-winning MLB pitcher Cliff Lee. The Gann Museum of Saline County is the only known structure in the world constructed entirely of bauxite, a rock with a high aluminum content that was once abundant in the region. Cody Berry, a special collections assistant at Gann, says the museum showcases Niloak pottery, which uses local kaolin clay and a signature swirling design, as well as exhibits on local history. The Royal Theatre has hosted live productions and shown movies since 1920. The Saline County Fair is held for five days in the city each year, with the theme changing annually.
Riverside park has playing fields, a community center, and amenities serving Benton Arkansas.
If you want to eat, shop, or see a movie, Hickory Square Shopping Center is Benton's place.
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Boutiques and restaurants in downtown Benton
The city’s downtown has several boutique shops and dining options. Garry’s Sling Blade Drive-In renamed itself after “Sling Blade” featured it in one of the film’s most-famous scenes. The restaurant, in southeast Benton, serves classic American diner food. Hurricane Creek Village is a planned shopping center off Interstate 30 anchored by Kroger Marketplace and Academy Sports.
Kroger brings fresh ingredients and groceries to the Benton area.
For a more casual meal grab a sandwich from Burger Shack in historic, downtown Benton Arkansas.
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Bluegill fishing in the Saline River
There are eight parks within the city’s limits. According to the Trust for Public Land, 15% of city residents live within a 10-minute walk of a green space. That is lower than the urban U.S. median of 55%. The 24-acre Tyndall Park has softball fields, tennis courts and a skate park. Riverside Park has a community center with pools and a gymnasium, plus a dog park and athletic fields. The Saline River cradles the city’s western edge and provides fishing spots where bass, bluegills and channel catfish are found.
Riverside park has playing fields, a community center, and amenities serving Benton Arkansas.
Tyndall Park has athletic fields, a skate park, and a massive splash pad in Benton.
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Tornadoes can touch down in Saline County
According to statistics from the Benton Police Department, violent crime rates have dropped in recent years, while property crime rates have increased. Both rates are higher than the national average, according to FBI crime data. Benton is in Arkansas’ tornado hot spot, and residents should be prepared to take shelter from storms. The city experiences four seasons, with muggy summers and wet winters.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Zachary Mirer
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sylvia Ball,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Benton, AR sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Benton, AR over the last 12 months is $240,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning 3BR/2.5BA Home in Hurricane Lake Estates – Meticulously maintained with a versatile office & bonus room! Recent upgrades include a new roof (2023), new fence, plush carpet, and a new water heater. Nestled on an oversized lot in a gated community, this home features a side-entry 2-car garage and a sparkling kitchen with custom cabinets, abundant counter space, and ample storage. Generous
This stunning one-level, builder-owned, custom home is a showcase of craftsmanship and comfort. From the arched alder wood front door to the rainbow flagstone-wrapped porch, every detail is thoughtfully designed. Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, custom oak floors, and abundant natural light. The chef’s kitchen boasts quartersawn oak cabinets, granite countertops, and arched doorways that
Welcome in to 1306 Stamford Drive, a Hartford Hills home ready to make your own! The large entryway easily accommodates your command station, and the formal front dining or reception room makes a great first impression. The ground level also features a large eat-in kitchen, walk-in laundry room & separate pantry, powder room, and a large den with fireplace & custom built-ins. Upstairs, the
Introducing 2984 Hazelwood Drive, Benton, AR 72015. In the highly sought after neighborhood of Heritage Farms, this corner lot home radiates with curb appeal with fancy brickwork and detailed flowerbeds, you are not going to want to miss this one! This beautiful open floor plan features 2193 sq. ft., 4 nice sized bedrooms, 2 full baths with double sinks, a formal dining room open to the living
Stunning home in the gated Pointe of Hurricane! This beautifully landscaped property features a gourmet kitchen with gas cooktop, double ovens, granite breakfast bar, butler’s and walk-in pantry. Main level includes a spacious great room with wood beams, maple floors, and gas fireplace, plus two bedroom suites—one being a luxurious primary with custom tile shower, soaker tub, and huge walk-in
Stunning Custom Home on Half-Acre Lot in Benton! Welcome to 1585 Bighorn Dr—where luxury and functionality meet. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers 2,975 square feet of beautifully designed living space, plus a 500 sq ft unfinished bonus room ready for your personal touch. An office provides the perfect space for work or study. Step into a chef’s dream kitchen featuring waterfall
Welcome to The Greens at Longhills in Benton, Arkansas! Living in this beautifully developed apartment community provides everything you want right at home, in your own neighborhood. We are centrally located in Benton and just minutes from restaurants, shopping and businesses. Whether your preference is upstairs with added views or downstairs for convenience, your spacious apartment is
Beautiful 4,072 Sqft Executive Home in the Hart of Benton. Has 3 or 4 Bedrooms, 2 Separate Living Areas, 2 Laundry Rooms (one Upstairs and One Down)Private Outside Patio Area, Convenient to All Down Businesses, Hospital, and Entertainment. Downstairs is 1860 sqft Features 2 Bedrooms, Full Bath,Separate Laundry, and Family Room That Could Be Used as a 4th Bedroom. This Home Was Made For Hosting
Revive Benton Apartment Homes, located in the heart of Benton, Arkansas, is a place where comfort, convenience, and community intertwine to create a truly exceptional living experience. From the moment you drive into the community, you'll feel a sense of belonging and tranquility that sets Revive apart. The spacious floor plans offer a seamless blend of style and functionality, providing you with
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