The city of Benton, Arkansas was recently named one of the “Best Places to Live” in 2021 by Money Magazine. Benton was ranked number 33 out of a total of 50 cities that the magazine named as some of the best places to live in the United States.
“From superb suburbs to quaint small towns, our 35th annual list highlights the places where job growth is rising, home prices are affordable, and the quality of life shines,” the list’s authors wrote.
Benton is located in Saline County and is considered a suburb of Little Rock. The city is located about halfway between Little Rock and Hot Springs. According to recent census data, Benton has a population of 34,114.
“Talk about affordable real estate,” Money’s Daniel Bortz writes. “A typical home in Benton costs only $164,440, making this city the least expensive place to own a home on Money’s list of Best Places to Live this year. Moreover, the overall cost of living in Benton ranks among the lowest of any place we considered. The town also has the lowest median household income of any city on Money’s list of Best Places to Live, but unemployment is low at just four percent,” Daniel continued.
“Located halfway between Little Rock and Hot Springs, the town is home to the Gann Museum of Saline County, believed to be the only structure in the world constructed from bauxite, a sedimentary rock found locally that’s the world’s main source of aluminum. There’s also the Royal Theatre, an entertainment venue on the National Register of Historic Places that recently showed playwright Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Lost in Yonkers” as well as several flea markets that sell antiques and collectibles,” Daniel added.
“Money” was founded in 1972 as a print magazine that helped its readers learn personal finance strategies. Today, it continues to provide up-to-date news, educational resources, and tools that help create meaningful investments and lasting returns.
Photo credit: Lea Canady
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