which is better Benton or Bryant

[Hog-I]

Originally Posted by JRS159

I lived in Benton for a couple of years. I worked in Bryant because it was only about 10 minutes to my job. Bryant is newer; therefore, a little more taxable. Yet, both towns have the advantages. I still have family in both places. You have your "good" parts of town and your "bad" parts of town. Just live in Bauxite. It is right between the two. That way, the only hard decision is which Wal-Mart to go to.

I'm looking to buy a house in Bryant. Where are the "bad" parts of town?

[Arkansas Native]

I moved to Benton four years ago, but grew up in Conway (which is the next main town northwest of Little Rock, not another planet). Benton and Bryant literally bump up against one another, but people who grew up in Bryant, and even some LR people, will insist Bryant is better. But no one has given me a good, concrete answer as to why. I have even been told Benton has a certain "smell" about it - a smell I have yet to notice!! Even though I grew up not too far from here, I never knew - or concerned myself with - the difference the Alcoa Road exit makes. The area is even commonly referred to as the "Benton/Bryant area" by the rest of central Arkansas.

The good news is the "area" as a whole is growing. You will just be one of us who will forever shake your head and shrug at all the fuss when it comes up! What you will love/hate about one, you would love/hate about the other.

If you do move to Benton and you happen upon a smug look, press them for a reason. If they give you one that's got more to it than "it's just...better" or if you notice a Benton smell yourself, please let me know.