Ask Mark Gillis, executive director of the Benton Chamber of Commerce, about what makes Benton special and the answer is immediate.

"It's small-town living, and the churches are full on Sunday," he said with a hearty laugh. "We enjoy easy living and the nice breezes off the Saline River."

But don’t let that description lull you into thinking this is a sleepy town.

Just 20 miles southeast of Little Rock, Benton is enjoying tremendous growth. With a recent interstate expansion complete, the drive time to downtown Little Rock during rush hour has gone from 2 hours a few years ago to about 22 minutes.

Obviously the lure south is great for new residents and businesses.

"We've experienced 5 percent a year population growth since the interstate has been improved," Gillis noted.

Commercial developments are following the new residents. The Alcoa Shopping Center, a new 36-acre shopping complex, will cross the Benton/Bryant line and feature such national shops as Target, Kohl’s and Old Navy. The center will also be home to a Starbucks coffee shop, a Chili’s restaurant, home furnishing store Kirkland’s and youth apparel store Rue 21.

Area subdivisions feature large lots at good prices. Homes in the more popular areas start at about $100,000 with luxury homes topping out at about half a million. Gillis also is quick to point out that the solid school district is a nice attraction for families.