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Benton

Benton

Suburban Neighborhood in Independence, Missouri

Jackson County 64050

$158,522 Average Value
$133 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Tiny residential neighborhood abuts historic town square

Benton is a one-square-mile residential neighborhood adjacent to Independence Square in the Heart of Independence. Residents still live in the city’s oldest homes, some dating back to the mid-19th century. President Harry S. Truman's homes, which are now part of the Harry S. Truman National Historic Landmark District, are less than a mile from Benton. This place, which Truman referred to as the “center of the world,” maintains its small-town feel. Yet residents can experience all the culture and amenities of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, just 14 miles away. “It is a wonderful suburb/city to grow up in, and I still live here. Independence is a quieter, quainter area than the city of Kansas City with a nice mix of tiny little houses to bigger homes,” lifelong Independence resident Marla Jones says.

Benton is very big on history and small-town family living with everything in close proximity.
Benton is very big on history and small-town family living with everything in close proximity.
The Historic Truman Courthouse holds history and you can get your marriag license there as well
The Historic Truman Courthouse holds history and you can get your marriag license there as well
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Tiny area big on architectural diversity

Despite its tiny size, Benton offers a surprising variety of architectural styles, including bungalows, Foursquares, Cape Cods, Craftsman, ranch-style, split-levels and some duplexes. Prices range from $145,000 to $200,000. Homes sell after 37 days, compared to the U.S. average of 43 days. The median price is $147,000. “The price point in Benton is typically lower on average than the surrounding area. But it’s an up-and-coming neighborhood, so that could change,” Terri Wilson of Chartwell Realty says. Wilson has been selling homes in the area for 15 years.

Newly built 1 and 2 story homes are popping up around the Benton neighborhood.
Newly built 1 and 2 story homes are popping up around the Benton neighborhood.
Despite its tiny size, Benton offers a variety of architectural styles.
Despite its tiny size, Benton offers a variety of architectural styles.
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Easy to get around with Interstates, IndeBus and Amtrak

Benton is surrounded by main thoroughfares, making it easy to commute anywhere in the metro. East Truman Road is Benton’s northern border, and Missouri State Route 78, AKA 23rd Street, is its southern boundary. Interstate 70 is 3 miles away, and I-435 is 5 miles away. Benton is surrounded by East Truman Road to the north and Missouri Route 78 to the south. Interstates 70 and 435 are within 5 miles. Public transportation is also an option, with several IndeBus stops along major thoroughfares and an Amtrak station a mile away.

At the northern edge of Benton you can enjoy The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.
At the northern edge of Benton you can enjoy The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.
Benton is a one-square-mile residential neighborhood adjacent to Independence Square.
Benton is a one-square-mile residential neighborhood adjacent to Independence Square.
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Convenient choices for dining and groceries

“The Square,” as residents call Independence Square, has been the city's central gathering point since the original Truman Courthouse was built in 1836. The courthouse is a mile south of Benton. The Square is the place to go for many dining options, Jones says. The aroma of pastries and fresh-brewed coffee from Main Street Coffee House signals the beginning of the day on the Square. On special occasions, Ophelia’s offers an elegant dining experience with live jazz on the weekends and a popular Sunday brunch. When hunger strikes but getting out of the car feels too much trouble, residents can head a mile south to the Mugs-Up Root Beer, a retro drive-in burger joint straight out of the 1950s, complete with carhops wearing stainless steel coin dispensers 2 miles away. Grocery shopping is right in the neighborhood on 23rd Street at stores including Hy-Vee, Price Chopper and Thompson’s Country Market.

Try some local favorites like the salmon and Sunday brunch at Ophelia's.
Try some local favorites like the salmon and Sunday brunch at Ophelia's.
Price Chopper is just minutes from Benton and has everything you need in one trip.
Price Chopper is just minutes from Benton and has everything you need in one trip.
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Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City within walking distance

Children can walk to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, which offers after-school activities, sports, and enrichment programs for kids ages 5-18. Benton Park is also within walking distance and features a playground, basketball courts and plenty of open green space. Curtis Park is a sliver of a park that hugs Benton’s northern border along E. Truman Rd. Hiram Young Park is another small green space on the other side of S. Noland Road. The 56-acre Woodlawn Cemetery has been a sacred spot for Benton residents since 1837. It’s the oldest continuous-use Jackson County cemetery and the resting place of local loved ones, including pioneers and Civil War soldiers.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City is located in the Benton neighbohorhood.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City is located in the Benton neighbohorhood.
A fantastic place for the kids to hang out is the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City.
A fantastic place for the kids to hang out is the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City.
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Chrisman High School robotics team members mentor younger kids

Neighborhood students can attend Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School, which receives a C-plus score from Niche and the B-minus rated George Caleb Bingham Middle School. High schoolers can attend President Harry S. Truman’s alma mater, William Chrisman High School. Chrisman students can join the robotics team, which participates in national and international competitions. Chrisman receives a B-minus grade from Niche.

Parents love Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School and the teachers.
Parents love Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School and the teachers.
Bingham Middle School is a public middle school located in 
Independence, Missouri.
Bingham Middle School is a public middle school located in Independence, Missouri.
William Chrisman High School is a Public High School located in Independence, MO.
William Chrisman High School is a Public High School located in Independence, MO.
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Annual Labor Day event celebrates city's Old West heritage

Labor Day Weekend is a big deal in Independence. Every year, residents and visitors gather to pay tribute to Independence’s place in history as the starting point of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. Attendance at SantaCaliGon Days has grown to over 300,000 people since it started in 1940. The event takes place in Historic Independence Square, and admission is free except for the carnival.

Latter-day Saints history and genealogy research big in Independence

Independence has played a significant role in the history of the Latter Day Saints movement from 1831 to today. In fact, the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) Temple’s towering, swirling silver spire dominates the Independence skyline. Within walking distance from the temple are the Independence Visitors’ Center, a Latter-day Saints historical center with tours featuring exhibits on 1830s-era Mormon settlers, the Stone Church Community of Christ and Church of Christ-Temple Lot. Independence is also home to the Midwest Genealogy Center, the largest free-standing public family history library in the U.S.

Church of Christ Temple is a perfect place to worship and is close to Benton.
Church of Christ Temple is a perfect place to worship and is close to Benton.
Come check out the Independence Visitor Center for more info on the area and history.
Come check out the Independence Visitor Center for more info on the area and history.
The Community of Christ Temple's spire dominates the Independence skyline.
The Community of Christ Temple's spire dominates the Independence skyline.
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Anne Amoury
Written By
Anne Amoury
Brooke Wasson
Photography Contributed By
Brooke Wasson
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Mike Cooper, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Kansas City International

45 min drive

Bus

On Noland & Sea Nb

Bus

On Lees Summit & South Southbound

Bus

On Baker & 1361 Northbound Midblock

Bus

On 23rd & Leslie Wb

Bus

On Lees Summit & Walnut Southbound Nearside

Bus

On 23rd Btwn Savage And Kings HWY Wb

Bus

On Truman Road & Baker Eb

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Benton US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$151,500
Median Single Family Price
$150,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$133
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Last 12 months Home Sales
51
Months of Supply
3.30
Median List Price
$160,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,251
Median Year Built
1938
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,132
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mike Cooper, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,236
Median Age
38
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,866
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,008

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.4%
College Graduates
15.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
34''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

23 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

29 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

20 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Benton