$212,485Average Value$188Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A college-centric Columbia neighborhood
Whether it's to celebrate the end of exam season or to enjoy dinner before home football games, students have been coming to Shakespeare's Pizza for over 50 years. Local communities, like Benton-Stephens, are in part defined by their proximity to the area’s universities. Here, residents have access to three major schools within a 1-mile radius: The University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College. The University of Missouri, or Mizzou as it's called here, is the largest school of the three and has been the most influential in shaping the city's culture. Stephens College and Columbia College are both private institutions—and have also contributed to the increased student population within Columbia and neighborhoods like Benton-Stephens. As such, it should come as no surprise that Benton-Stephens has cemented itself as one of the most popular student rental communities. For those looking to buy versus rent, significant appeals include lower-than-average home prices, convenience to the city center and easy access to recreational spaces. "You have a core group of people that live here, and then we have this influx of youth that just keeps coming and going and coming and going, but the people that live here permanently are very connected," explains Toby Epstein, general manager of Shakespeare's Pizza.
There are no shortage of college students living in Benton-Stephens with 3 universities nearby.
Benton-Stephens is an older neighborhood located just east of downtown Columbia.
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An older housing market
Homes in Benton-Stephens sit on modest lots, flanking sidewalk-lined streets on which many people park their cars. Designs include everything from bungalows to Civil War-era homes that have been divided into apartment units. However, the majority of homes here were built between 1910 and ‘50 and reflect ranch-style, Cape Cod or Craftsman bungalow designs. These homes typically range in price from $100,000 to upwards of $300,000, depending on their age, size and condition. On average, homes in Benton-Stephens cost less than the city's median sales price of around $305,000; and older housing stock tends to be the cheaper. "Homes are in varying stages of renovation," says local Realtor Morgan McNally with Century 21 Community. "Some have received foundation repair work and electric updates," while others have not; all of this affects price points.
Homes in Benton-Stephens often have large front porches to enjoy the sunset.
Stately colonial revivals sit proudly along the streets of Benton-Stephens.
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Nearby Restaurants: Shakespeare's Pizza and more
Shakespeare's Pizza has been serving the community since 1973 and has solidified itself as the go-to spot for dinner among Mizzou students. "I was a student at Mizzou, and I used to come here and eat pizza…now, I help run the whole thing," says Epstein. "People come for Mizzou football games and homecomings. And even when students graduate, they inevitably have some reason to come back here, and when they do, they visit Shakespeare's." Nearby, Addison's restaurant serves American fare and offers happy hour specials. Epstein also nods to Booche's as a popular option among the college crowd. It's been around for nearly 150 years and has served the community as a pool hall and a restaurant. At night, the dimly lit interior is illuminated by hues of neon beer signs, and regulars often sit at the bar, enjoying, what Epstein calls “the best cheeseburgers in the city.” For groceries, Hy-Vee and Sam's Club are less than 2 miles east.
Grab dinner with your friends at the popular Shakespeare's Pizza near Benton-Stephens.
Booche's has served the Benton-Stephens area for 150 years.
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Disc golf at Lions-Stephens Park, swimming at Stephens Lake Park and more
Lions-Stephens Park, on the community's south side, spans nearly 7 acres and features bigleaf maple and oak trees that surround a playground and a multiuse walking trail popular with dog owners. Benton-Stephens is also home to the Stephens College Equestrian Center, which features courses like ‘Equine Feeding and Nutrition’ and hosts the horse show known as the Prince of Wales Annual Spring Tournament. At the neighborhood's border, Stephens Lake Park spans over 100 acres and is best known for its 11-acre fishing and swimming lake. The park is also classified as an arboretum—and redbud and oak trees grow along the waterfront and along the park's trails. These paths wind through the green spaces, passing by playgrounds, an amphitheater and the spraygrounds that are open during the warmer months. As the weather gets colder and the lake freezes, the park is open for ice fishing.
Try a new outdoor activity at Lion-Stephens Park.
Stephens Lake Park is home to the local amphitheater.
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Events at Stephens Lake Park, First Fridays in the North Village Arts District
"Stephens Lake Park has thousands of visitors each year," says Gabe Huffington, the city's parks and recreation director. "We use it for special events all the time. We host multiple 5k runs on one of the trail loops. Lots of different community fundraisers also happen at the park." Huffington says one of the park's most popular events is Fire in the Sky, an annual Fourth of July gathering complete with live music, games for the little ones and a fireworks show at the end of the night. The park also hosts Art in the Park, where over 100 creative artisans come together to sell their art each June. Just west of the community, the North Village Arts District also hosts First Fridays every month, where local studios stay open into the evening hours, offering items for sale, food and live music.
Flat Branch Park is a popular morning meetup spot for Columbia residents.
Don't miss the iconic Little Library
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Commutes to higher learning institutions and The District
All three universities here are accessible by car, bike or on foot—Stephens College is less than a mile away via North William Street and East Broadway; Columbia College is also less than a mile away via Hinkson Avenue and Rogers Street; and Mizzou is about a mile away via North William Street. This same route and East Broadway also serve to connect the community to Columbia's downtown area, more commonly called The District. Go COMO's Blue Bus Route has stops within the community, offering 5-minute rides to and from the city center. The Boone Hospital Center is conveniently located less than half a mile from the neighborhood border, and U.S. Route 63 to the east offers connections to the Columbia Regional Airport, about 12 miles south, and to Jefferson City—Missouri's capital—about 30 miles south. For other commutes, Interstate 70 is located just north.
Hop on the green or blue line of the Go Como bus system near Benton-Stephens.
Broadway is a short walk from Benton-Stephens and holds many shops and restaurants.
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STEM learning at Benton Elementary and other public schools
Children can enroll in Columbia Public Schools, like Benton Elementary, which receives a C-plus rating from Niche and is within walking distance of most homes here. The school is known for its hands-on STEM curriculum, through which students are introduced to engineering concepts beginning in kindergarten. It also integrates design challenges into every grade's science unit. From there, many students head to Jefferson Middle, which Niche gives an A-minus rating and ranks as the area's No. 3 public middle school. The school is also home to the JMS Zoo, which opened in 2021 and features everything from gerbils to snakes. To finish their secondary education, students attend A-minus-rated Hickman High, the area's No. 2 public high, as rated by Niche. The school features marketing, sports medicine and woodworking electives.
Jefferson Middle School was established in 1927.
David H. Hickman High School is home to 2,044 students.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alice Leeper,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lions-Stephens Park
Stephens Lake Park
Grindstone Nature Area
Flat Branch Park
Transit
Airport
Columbia Regional
18 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Benton-Stephens
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Benton-Stephens, Columbia sell after 2 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Benton-Stephens, Columbia over the last 12 months is $215,300, up 40% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Situated in the Benton Stephens area near Stephens Park, this property offers a promising investment opportunity with a large lot and **city-approved plans for a 4plex**, available in the documents tab. The next step is securing approval from the Benton Stephens HOA to move forward with this exciting project. The current home on the property is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath on the main level, with
Previously an Airbnb property, this fully furnished bungalow is available for short term/flexible lease terms! The unit offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Main level with comfortable Living Room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and Kitchen stocked with the essentials. Washer and dryer on site as well. Upper level hosts the remaining 2 bedrooms. Walking distance to the Arcade District, Benton
Cute two bedroom one bath. Call for more information and schedule a showing today! $40 application fee per adult, schedule a showing before applying online. Will not hold unit vacant for any approved applicant past a reasonable amount of time beyond availability date.
Quiet and well-maintained duplexes close to downtown and all three campuses. This upper level unit offers four bedrooms, two baths, and is in a fantastic location close to downtown and all three campuses, perfect for students or working professionals. High level living at mid-level prices. Internet and cable ready. This unit features a large open living space, granite counter tops, stainless
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alice Leeper,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,083
Median Age
29
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,937
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,746
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.8%
College Graduates
53.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
72/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
57/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
