Benton City--What's There? Safe to Live? (Yakima, Richland: for sale, apartments, rent)

[Annie Solberg]

Can anyone tell me about Benton City? Their promotional web page refers to it as a "Little Tuscany", but when we drove through there last week for the first time the area we saw is pretty much a dive. We took a very QUICK drive through from 82 and over the bridge, so I'm hoping we missed something!

We didn't go past Old Inland Empire Highway as a cross street so perhaps it's better up the road a little. Are there any grocery stores in Benton City? Do most folks go back into Richland to shop, or are there stores in West Richland that would be closer?

I'm trying to find positive things about Benton City, as the location is great for us and there seem to be lower property prices, at least on the market currently, compared to Prosser. We are looking for a rural feel, but want to live in a safe neighborhood.

Thank you so much for any input.

Annie

[scirocco22]

I've always liked Benton City. It's nice to be in a smaller town that's close enough to the amenities of a larger place like Richland.

All the crime stats that I've seen seem to say it has an average crime rate for a town of that size. Remember, it's population isn't even 3,000 ...a little smaller than Prosser which has a population of right around 5,000.

Yeah, I think the Tuscany reference is supposed to compare it with the vineyards. Tuscany in Italy is famous for its wine and vineyards. Benton City, I suppose, resembles Tuscany in that it has several vineyards and prides itself with its viticulture. And you're right, it surely doesn't resemble Tuscany in its architecture.

[Annie Solberg]

Thanks, Scirocco

I needed someone to tell me I'm not completely crazy for liking Benton City and we sure wish we would have seen more of the town while I was there but it was a very quick 2 day visit. We were more impressed city-wise with Prosser, but like the proximity of Benton City a bit better for jobs, medical, etc.

I also like that you have some back roads to get into West Richland and Prosser, etc., in case there are problems on the freeway.

Thanks so much for your quick reply.

Annie

[scirocco22]

I wish I could be more help. I haven't been through there in awhile. What I remember is that there is a small Red Apple (I think) market that is a few blocks past Inland Empire. But you're right, the main "downtown" section is before you get to that intersection.

I agree that Prosser is probably a bit busier and not as "sleepy." And the two places aren't that far from each other. I think Benton City is just about half way from Prosser to Richland. So about 30 miles from Prosser to Richland with Benton City about 15 miles from each.

I don't know about the possibilities of "problems" on the freeway. I-82 is seldom gridlocked.

[M3 Mitch]

Take a look at some of the houses for sale, including some FSBO, on Old Inland Empire highway - this is my usual commute route and if I didn't already have a house I would check out some of these. I don't think there is much point in living *in* Benton City but if you want an acreage outside of town there are several.

'Rocco is right about the Red Apple store, although, if you want to lay in some provisions at a favorable price, the Winco at the south end of Richland is probably your best bet. There is a Yokes Fresh Market just inside West Richland.

You may want to check out the area south of the freeway, not Benton City proper but still some houses to look at.

I'm assuming you are looking to buy. There are some apartments in the downtown area, I have never been in them but have heard they are OK, reasonably priced.

[seagalley]

Mitch and Rocco,

Thank you for your replies. One of the homes we are looking at is on the Old Inland Empire Highway, but we didn't drive very far "out" that road on our recent visit. Next time we drive over to look again, we'll get off in Prosser and take the old highway back into Benton City.

Yes, we are looking to purchase and not rent and don't mind doublewides as long as they are well cared for. I think homes between Prosser and Benton City will work for us.

I'm glad you mentioned the Yokes in West Richland. We used to go to the Yokes in Deer Park and it was a pretty nice store and larger and better priced than Red Apple. However, I wouldn't mind a Red Apple for quick stop items.

Thanks again for your reponses. I'm feeling much better about the area.

Annie

[GrumpyOldMan]

Annie,

I have spent years traveling thru small towns in Washington and Oregon. I can tell you that the KiBe Red Apple Market in Benton City is an EXCEPTIONAL market. One does not find dusty merchandise on the shelf that has been there for eons. Prices are very reasonable - sometimes better than the bigger stores in the Tri-Cities. The owners are very accommodating. They will gladly place special orders for the items that do not regularly carry. The owners know what their customers want and use. That is what they stock. Meat prices at the KiBe Red Apple Market are better - yes, I said BETTER - than the bigger stores in the Tri-Cities. Spend some time in the KiBe Red Apple Market the next time you are in Benton City.

ALLAN

[Bentucky_Diner]

I like Benton City, it's home... we've got pretty much everything you need for day to day living, with the exception of a drug store and a liquor store.

Was at a stop sign for a good 2 minutes the other day, longest I can recall ever being held up in traffic. Only traffic lights are the blinking yellow ones by the elementary/middle school... better slow down too, darn it.

Folks really don't mess with ya here, and as long as yer not hurting anyone but yerself, will leave ya alone.

The Yakima may not look like much of a river, but every once in a while she'll let you know she's there... over the past 40 years have seen her jump the road into town any number of times and about 10 years ago she was getting ready to swallow the whole damned town! Get yerself a nice view of the river, but from some high ground... and watch yer babies, she takes one every couple of years.

As far as food goes, we've got a couple cafe's, 3 or 4 fast food establishments, a tavern that serves a pretty good burger, and a kid friendly pizza place that doubles as a video store... good enough for us.

Call us the Gateway to Red Mountain... my butt... we were here and healthy when Red Mountain was the county landfill... anyway, give us a second look, or not... your business.

[trobec]

The heart of the city is it's schools. Plus, the newly remodeled high school is an exceptional place for your student to call their "second home" for four years. Teachers who care about their students and work with them to help them to reach their greatest potential. I never thought I would grow to even like living there, growing up in coastal california, but now consider it home and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. The proximity to the tri cities allows residents to live rurally, but shop "city".