Lebanon provides rustic peace with waterside flair
Lebanon unfolds across the green hills of central New York’s Madison County, offering a getaway just outside more populated communities. This area is within 40 miles of Syracuse and Utica , and even closer to the village of Hamilton . Yet, in Lebanon, homes are sprinkled along mostly undeveloped swaths of countryside or just off the banks of the popular Lebanon Reservoir. The environment is a break from the busier parts of the region, with quick access to recreation. “There’s two attractions,” says local broker Laurie Omans, who’s with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CNY Realty and has almost 50 years of experience. “One would be water, and the waterfront. But also the farmland. There’s a lot of beautiful farmland out in Lebanon.”
Namesake reservoir is a magnet for fishing and camping
Lebanon Reservoir is a 96-acre body of water that’s open to the public. The lake teems with bass, trout, walleye and more. “There is a public boat launch on that reservoir site, and I see a lot of fishermen that do use that area,” Omans says. “Because there’s a boat launch site, the county will stock it with fish, unlike some lakes that don’t have a public boat launch site.” Lebanon Reservoir Campground covers 100 acres just off the water and includes 135 sites, a swimming area and a mini-golf course. The space is open seasonally, from May to October. “The campground’s really nice,” Omans says. “A lot of people come up here for summers — they live in Florida in the winter and come up here during the summer.” The 634-acre Earlville State Forest is among the other outdoor spots in the area, and is open to hiking, hunting and snowmobiling. The forest rises to roughly 1,600 feet, providing views of the surrounding area.
Lebanon’s varied home styles feature spacious lots
Lebanon has a collection of homes just off the banks of the area’s reservoir, giving residents there particularly quick access to fun on and by the water. Many other houses are scattered among Lebanon’s rolling countryside. Architectural styles vary, but most homes come with roomy lots. “There are contemporaries, there are modulars,” Omans says. “There are farmhouses. There are properties that have quite a bit of land with them. There are no two that are similar.” Transactions can be relatively infrequent; Omans counted eight in a recent 365-day period. However, she says that the Lebanon area attracts some who work at Colgate University, a private school less than 10 miles away in Hamilton. Houses sell for $280,000 to $470,000.
Campground caters to those seeking community gatherings
Lebanon Reservoir Campground hosts multiple events a month from spring to early fall. They include a Fourth of July weekend celebration with a fishing derby for kids, a pancake breakfast, and a golf cart parade, as well as an August car show.
Hamilton has close-by restaurants and shops
While Lebanon is mostly homes and green space, locals can head to communities like Hamilton for dining and retail. Hamilton’s downtown is about 8 miles away and has restaurants like Oliveri's Pizzeria, whose garlic knots are a hit. Hamilton Eatery is a sandwich shop that’s known in part for its macaroni and cheese. Flour & Salt attracts people with its bagels. “Because it’s a college town, you find a lot of restaurants that appeal to the college scene,” Omans says. Locally owned retailers in Hamilton include Shole’s Boutique, which sells women’s clothing, and SWANK By Design, a home goods shop. Hamilton also has a Price Chopper for groceries, next to a Tractor Supply Co.
Students have access to robotics, art and technology clubs
The heart of Lebanon is within the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District, which gets a C-plus grade from Niche. However, portions of the community fall into the B-plus-rated Hamilton Central School District and the C-rated Otselic Valley Central School District. Students’ path in the Sherburne-Earlville system can include the C-plus-rated Sherburne-Earlville Elementary, where they have access to a makerspace. The C-rated Sherburne-Earlville Middle has a technology club and an art club. Sherburne-Earlville High gets a B rating and offers a robotics club.
The B-minus-rated New Life Christian School is a private option in the area with preschool through 12th grade and dual-enrollment courses in collaboration with colleges, including Colgate. Colgate has roughly 3,100 postsecondary students, but maintains a 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Medical care and more are available in surrounding communities
Lebanon residents are approximately 8 miles away from Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, which features a 24-hour emergency department. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is roughly 50 miles away using Interstates 90 and 81, and has direct flights to two dozen destinations.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
