Lebanon is known for its historic atmosphere
Lebanon is a Southern Illinois city of about 4,700. Just east of rural farmlands and vast green spaces, Lebanon holds onto its old-fashioned sensibilities. "A lot of people would call it quaint," says Stephen Ellerbrake, a broker with Keller Williams Pinnacle. "It's got a real historical feel – if you put a dirt road down the middle of town, you could film a Western here." In addition to classic architecture, Lebanon is home to the oldest university in Illinois, which provides local entertainment and events. About a 30-minute drive from St. Louis and 15 minutes from Scott Air Force Base, new residents are frequently professionals looking to spend their off-the-clock time in a slower-paced city with a strong sense of the past. Lebanon's CAP Index Crime Score is a 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4 out of 10.
Turn-of-the-20th-century homes need regular upkeep
The streets of central Lebanon are lined with homes built between the mid-19th and the early 20th centuries. Lots arranged in a grid are rarely larger than a quarter of an acre, and sidewalks are shaded by mature oaks. Most outdoor space is dedicated to backyards, which end in alleys with garages and sheds. Cape Cods, bungalows and colonials are priced to sell between about $30,000 and $210,000, depending on their condition. Ellerbrake says that some historic homes make up for a low sticker price with expensive upkeep. "You've got beautiful architectural intent, but it can be hard to maintain," he says. "You can't just throw some vinyl siding on a house like that." Midcentury models are also available, selling from $100,000 to $280,000. The newest homes are in the city's northside, with 21st-century New Traditional construction ranging from $250,000 to $430,000.
Victorian storefronts fill the Brick Street Shopping District
Named for its old-world construction, Lebanon's historic Brick Street Shopping District is a destination for both locals and out-of-towners. Victorian storefronts line St. Louis Street for three blocks, enticing visitors with everything from antique stores to chiropractors. "They've done a good job renovating out there," says Ellerbrake. "They've put in modern sidewalks and curbs, along with handicap-accessible routes along all the old buildings." Shopping around Madison Street is more contemporary, centering around fast food, modern services and grocery stores like Don's IGA. Founded in 2022, The Gasthaus puts a handcrafted spin on diner favorites with menu items like flatbread pizza and boneless wings made from scratch.
McKendree is the oldest university in Illinois
Area students are served by Lebanon Community Unit School District Number 9, which has a B-minus from Niche. Lebanon High School's boys basketball team made the state playoffs in 2025. Founded in 1828, McKendree University is the state's oldest institution of higher education. The school enrolls about 2,400 undergraduates and graduate students in nearly 70 programs. In addition to its academic offerings, McKendree is one of the area's main sources of entertainment. Locals can attend football, soccer and lacrosse games at Leemon Field, or enjoy live performances and speakers at the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.
Local recreation includes fishing lakes and history
Horner Park has 58 acres of recreational space, including baseball fields, tennis courts and a fully stocked fishing lake. Trillium Trail is a quarter-mile footpath surrounded by native wildflowers. Peaking at 20 feet tall, Emerald Mound is a preserved earthwork of the ancient Mississippians, who used it as a building site for culturally important structures. Constructed as a hotel and pub in 1830, the Mermaid House now serves as a museum of its era, offering tours and hosting private events.
Surrounding cities are convenient for commuters
U.S. Route 50 and state Route 4 converge in the city center, providing straightforward routes to St. Louis and Springfield, about 26 and 86 miles away, respectively. Scott Air Force Base is a major employer, and commuters can take a 9-mile drive there via U.S. 50. The nearest full-service medical facility is Memorial Hospital Shiloh . Cedar Ridge Health and Rehab Center is a 115-bed medical facility that offers long-term care, orthopedic rehabilitation and hospice care.
