Benton draws nature lovers and people looking for quiet
Although the rural town of Benton covers over 48 square miles within its boundaries, only a very small percentage of that land is developed. Instead, the town’s total area is dominated by sweeping forests, mountain ranges and state and national parklands. With a population of less than 400 residents as of the 2020 U.S. census, Benton’s nature-heavy landscape and secluded homes often appeal to people who prioritize their privacy and seek a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. “The lifestyle is a huge part of what appeals to people moving to this area,” says Elizabeth “Beth” Horan, a local Realtor and broker associate with Badger Peabody & Smith Realty. “People here are very down-to-earth and like-minded when it comes to appreciating the outdoors and what’s around them. No one cares about looking the most fashionable, flashy, or trying to show off the money you have. These people care about things like family and being in nature.” Benton has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4 and the lowest score possible on the index. The town is roughly 22 miles—or a 30-minute drive—away from Littleton , a larger urban area and primary employment hub for the region, according to Horan. “We have a lot of people who work in Littleton, but this is also the kind of place where people work from home,” she says.
Rural homes from $250,000 to $450,000
Housing options in Benton include custom-built vacation homes and farmhouses, Craftsman builds, and ranch styles. People will often purchase empty plots of land so they can design and build their dream property from scratch. Single-family homes mostly range from $250,000 to $450,000, but some larger estates can sell for more than $1 million. The average house value in Benton $340,000, notably lower than the greater Claremont-Lebanon Metro Area average, which is about $530,000.
Attending SAU No. 23 schools
Benton students are served by School Administration Unit 23 (SAU No. 23); the towns of Bath, Haverhill, Piermont and Warren also fall within the district. Students in preschool through third grade can attend Woodsville Elementary School, which gets a C rating from Niche. Grades four through eight learn at Haverhill Cooperative Middle School, rated C-plus, while secondary students head to the C-rated Woodsville High School. The high school offers Advanced Placement options, as well as courses that enable students to earn college credit and career-based counseling through the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program.
A lifestyle built around fresh air and outdoor spaces
Benton is defined by its natural beauty and outdoor attractions, which lend to sweeping views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains region. “Mountain biking and skiing are huge in this area,” Horan says, adding that trail networks weave throughout the town’s forests and rolling landscapes. While the trails primarily serve hikers and bikers, they can double as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails when it snows in the winter. Some of the most popular places for outdoor recreation include the Benton State Forest, Mount Moosilauke, Black Mountain State Forest and the nearby Franconia Notch State Park, which offers stunning fall foliage views in autumn. Locals also go fishing on the Ammonoosuc River and ponds in the area.
Residents go to Woodsville and Littleton for errands
For shopping and dining amenities, residents can drive 15 minutes into nearby Woodsville for restaurants, chain stores and big-box retailers, including Shaw’s supermarket and Walmart. Diners can eat their fill at American eateries like Shiloh’s Restaurant or run through a fast-food drive-thru like Dunkin’ for a quick a meal. Littleton also has numerous commercial businesses and establishments for everyday life.
Benton is a heavily car-dependent community
Benton is a car-dependent community with just a few backcountry roads and two primary thoroughfares: state Routes 112 and 116, which both travel east-west through town. Route 112 takes commuters west toward Woodsville and east to access Interstate 93 in Lincoln, a mountain resort town approximately 16 miles away. Private, unpaved roads are common in town. Located in Woodsville, Cottage Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. Drivers head to either Manchester-Boston Regional Airport or Burlington International Airport should plan for about two hours’ drive time under normal conditions.
