Reputation often is tied to a company's work environment and how management treats employees. Accepting a job without interviewing with the boss and making sure chemistry is good is asking for trouble. You don't have to marry your co-workers, just act polite and professional to get the job done. Learning the fair market value of the job you've been offered may take some digging, but information is available for most occupations. The answer will tell you whether there is room to grow in the position.
Some companies start benefits on date of hire.
Some have a 30-90 day waiting period. A year's waiting period is typical for 401K eligibility. If the company's money offer is not as much as you like but there is potential for increased compensation in the future, you may want to accept it. Reasonable commute varies per individual. Most people can live with up to 30 minutes.