Fruit orchards surround Benton City, a small wine country community
Benton City was established as an agricultural community in the 1940s, when irrigation was introduced to the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. The system allowed water to pass from the Yakima River to nearby farms orchards and vineyards, some of which are in the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area. “People are drawn to this area for its small-town feel and more affordable housing options, says Jennifer Craig, a Realtor at Musser Bros Real Estate, with over 11 years of experience. “Neighbors are close-knit and always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Subdivisions and sprawling properties with single-family homes
Cul-de-sacs with single-family homes form communities such as Cherry Grove Lane, a post-2020 development. These residential areas have lawns that a push mower can maintain. Many homes outside subdivisions or on the outskirts of Benton City have expansive properties, some sprawling over an acre. “It is a mixture of agricultural orchards: Cherries, Apples, Nectarines, vineyards and some hay, corn, wheat and all the grasses,” says Realtor Katie Teas with Windermere Group One, who has five years of experience. “Most have views of some of the mountains in the area, by mountains I mean large brown hills, just barely high enough to be classified as mountains.”
Depending on property size, ranch-style home prices range from around $250,000 to $850,000. Similarly, New Traditional homes go from nearly $340,000 to $1.7 million. Manufactured homes are also in the area, with prices roughly between $60,000 and $560,000. Homes near the Yakima River or Kiona Canal have an elevated flood risk.
Dining on Ninth Street, stores in Richland and Red Mountain wineries
Ninth Street has several standalone businesses, including Patnode’s True Value Hardware and Lep-re-kon Harvest Foods, a local grocer with feed and farm supplies. Dining options are limited and include The Palm Bar & Grill, popular for its smoked meats and karaoke nights. El Sabor de Mexico is in the area and offers dine-in and carryout. Richland has a Target, Walmart and additional restaurants about 10 miles away. “Benton City is in the Gateway of Red Mountain, which is one of the largest and most affluent producers of wines in the area, so there are lots of vineyards and tasting rooms. However, most don't serve food, only tapas,” Teas says. The Terra Blanca winery has a full menu. Some wineries, including Elk Haven and Tucannon Cellars, host regular events with live music.
Biking, traveling along the Yakima River and hiking
Benton City Path, a nearly 4-mile bike-friendly route, connects the riverfront to Archie Borden Park’s skatepark and tennis courts. “The Yakima River is shallow and runs through town. On weekends, you’ll often see people playing in the water, floating or fishing,” Craig says. “You need at least two drivers and leave one car at the beginning and one where you want to get out.” The Benton City Recreation Area and Boat Launch has parking. The Bureau of Land Management maintains Horse Heaven Hills, a hiking area with nearly a 7-mile trail featuring views of Mount Rainier, Rattlesnake Mountain and Webber Canyon.
Taking the interstate to Richland, Tri-Cities Airport and public buses
Interstate 82 runs through southern Benton City, connecting the area to Richland within a 15-mile drive. Kadlec Regional Medical Center is a level two trauma center in Richland. Tri-Cities Airport is just over 20 miles away and has direct flights to domestic destinations, such as Denver. Ben Franklin Transit’s bus route 170 includes Ninth Street in the city’s center, which ties the area to the City of Prosser, the county seat of Benton County, nearly 20 miles west.
Education and extracurriculars in Kiona-Benton City schools
Kiona-Benton City School District serves the Benton City area. It includes Kiona-Benton City Elementary School, which GreatSchools scores a 2 out of 10. Kiona-Benton Middle and High schools earn a 3 out of 10. High schoolers may participate in school athletic programs or join clubs such as FFA.
