Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,003/month for a decent place. With a population of 35,954, Benton is a smaller city. Median household income is $69,638, which feels about average for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
8 upvotes
4 Replies
Brielle J.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Benjamin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 2 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Emmett Hall
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Aaliyah C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.