Situated in south-central Pennsylvania around some of the state’s biggest cities, Lebanon might seem like a little blip amid the pastoral landscape that surrounds it on all sides. This small city, with a population of roughly 26,000, has deep roots in Pennsylvania Dutch country that can be traced back to its founding in 1740. Nowadays, residents characterize it as a quiet, peaceful place to live despite a recent acceleration in development. “Lebanon County is the fastest-growing county in Pennsylvania,” says Yvonne Kuhn, a Lebanon native and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty “The city is really turning a new page, too. All the surrounding counties like Lancaster and Berks have gotten pretty saturated, so people are moving here where it’s still very affordable.”
Fort Indiantown Gap, the second-busiest National Guard Training Center in the U.S., is 15 miles north of Lebanon and is one of the area’s largest employers. It’s also home to Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The single largest employer in Lebanon is WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, located Downtown. Other major industries are farming, government and education.
On the outskirts of Lebanon, peaceful farmland stretches across Pennsylvania countryside.
Downtown Lebanon is a small city with big potential and offers various style of homes.
Enjoy an ice cream treat and farm view on the porch at Patches Family Creamery in South Lebanon.
Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital is a large employer for residents in Lebanon.
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Rowhomes and single-family homes below the state median
In Downtown Lebanon, the streets are lined by late 19th-century and early 20th-century rowhomes. Joshua Johnson, another Lebanon resident and Realtor with Iron Valley Real Estate, highlights the area’s walkability and old homes. “There’s so much history — Lebanon really got its start in steel and brick production back in the 1900s,” he says. “But it’s also a normal Downtown, with lots of businesses, restaurants and foot traffic during the day.” This area is high in renters, with some investor-friendly multifamily properties. There are more single-family homes on the suburban edges of town, ranging from mid-1900s ranch-style homes and cottages to early-2000s New Traditional and new construction developments.
The median home price in Lebanon is around $200,000, lower than the state median of $315,000. Homes typically sell in an average of 27 days, faster than the national average of 41 days.
Townhomes in Downtown Lebanon can be both attached and detached.
Ornate townhomes in Downtown Lebanon feature Victorian influences.
North Cornwall has many single family homes with front porches and large yards.
Cape Cods impress with stunning curb appeal walking the streets of West Lebanon.
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Small public schools and a regional community college
The Lebanon School District serves students and scores an overall C-minus grade from Niche. The district has an enrollment of roughly 5,000 and operates five elementary schools, one intermediate school, one junior high school and one senior high school. Private Mennonite and Christian schools populate the countryside surrounding the city. Harrisburg Area Community College’s Lebanon Campus is also located in the city.
Southwest Elementary School receives an overall C grade from niche.com.
Lebanon Senior High School receives an overall C- grade from niche.com.
Lebanon Intermediate School serves students in grades 5-6.
New Covenant Christian School serves students in grades PK-12.
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Summer concerts at Coleman Memorial Park
In the northwest corner of the city, Coleman Memorial Park spans 99 acres of walking trails through the forested ruins of a former mansion. The park’s playgrounds and ballfield are especially popular, but newly added amenities also include pickleball courts, a disc golf course and a dirt bike area. On summer Sunday nights, residents gather for concerts in the amphitheater, with an annual Fourth of July fireworks show and other events throughout the year. Additional parks, such as Stoever’s Dam Park and Union Canal Tunnel Park, are just outside of the city, and playgrounds are scattered around Downtown.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail currently spans a portion of the city along its former railroad corridors, transforming the once-abandoned industrial tracts into spaces for outdoor recreation. Connector paths are continuing to be built, and the full 26-mile trail is currently slated for completion in 2027. Hunting lands and golf courses are close by throughout Lebanon County, particularly to the north around Blue Mountain.
The disc golf course is a popular amenity at Coleman Memorial Park.
Moms and their kids enjoy the outdoors together at the Coleman Memorial Playground.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is 19.6 miles offering runners an adventure in West Lebanon.
Enjoy fishing or boating the canal at the Union Canal Tunnel Park.
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Farm-fresh goods at Lebanon Farmers Market
Most local businesses can be found in Downtown Lebanon, with a modest retail strip lining Cumberland Street. “We’ve got our franchises,” says Kuhn, noting that the city recently received its first Chick-fil-A to much fanfare, “but most of our businesses are the local, mom-and-pop shops.” On Thursdays through Saturdays, residents head to the Lebanon Farmers Market to pick up fresh meats, produce and baked goods from an array of vendors. The market dates back to 1892 and, after a decades-long closure in the 1960s, was revived in its refurbished building in 2020. Supermarkets and big-box shopping centers tend to line U.S. Route 422 to the east and west of Downtown, with some to the south along Pennsylvania Route 72.
The Lebanon Farmers Market is a popular place to grab lunch in Downtown Lebanon.
Thrifting at one of many local thrift stores is a popular activity in Downtown Lebanon.
West Lebanon shoppers can enjoy the Lebanon Valley Mall and its large stores like Boscov's.
Families and friends can shop at Target along Quintin road near South Lebanon.
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Honoring the famed Lebanon bologna
Lebanon’s most famous cultural export might just be Lebanon bologna, a type of smoked beef sausage that has been an area trademark since it was popularized by the local Pennsylvania Dutch in the early 19th century. To this day, Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats and Godshall’s Quality Meats remain two of the largest manufacturers in the county. On New Year’s Eve, the city hosts an annual Lebanon bologna drop where 250 pounds of meat are lowered beneath a disco ball at the stroke of midnight.
Of the region’s annual events, Kuhn says that the Lebanon County Fair is one of the biggest and best-attended. Johnson notes that the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire takes place less than 10 miles south of the city, adding that “people from all over the state come to that."
Seltzer's Lebanon Bologna is a a community staple with tasty meats located in Palmyra.
Seltzers Lebanon Bologna is a booming business with delicious meats in Palmyra.
The jousting is a major attraction at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire falconer amazed the crowds with her birds of prey.
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Travel to other south-central Pennsylvania cities via Route 422
U.S. Route 422 passes through Lebanon and leads 35 miles east into Harrisburg, where the nearest international airport and the Pennsylvania State Capitol are located. Both Reading and Lancaster are about 30 miles away, while Allentown is 60 miles northeast and Philadelphia is 85 miles southeast. Interstate 78 and Interstate 81 are roughly 10 miles north, near Fort Indiantown Gap.
Plenty of people spend their summers riding rollercoasters at Hersheypark, just 15 miles west. Mount Gretna is another popular destination known for its lake beach and art festivals, hidden away in the woods less than 10 miles south.
Decreasing crime rates and mild flooding during rainy seasons
According to the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System, violent crime in Lebanon decreased by 29% and property crime decreased by 13% between 2018 and 2023. Lebanon’s violent crime rates are well below national figures, and property crime rates are roughly on par with national rates, per FBI statistics.
Lebanon has four temperate seasons, with summer highs of 85°F and winter lows of 20°F. About 24 inches of snow is typical each year. During heavy rainfall, properties near Brandywine Creek and the Quittapahilla Creek or along certain low-lying roads are at moderate risk of flooding.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
Video By
Edward Pokoj
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lebanon, PA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lebanon, PA over the last 12 months is $326,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t miss this custom-building opportunity right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and just moments away from the charming town of Mount Gretna where you will enjoy arts, culture, dining, and so much more. The approved subdivision includes three lots, Lot 1 at 825 Mine Rd, Lot 2 at 845 Mine Rd, and Lot 3 at 865 Mine Rd. Build the home of your dreams on one of these custom lots in nature's paradise
Don’t miss this custom-building opportunity right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and just moments away from the charming town of Mount Gretna where you will enjoy arts, culture, dining, and so much more. The approved subdivision includes three lots, Lot 1 at 825 Mine Rd, Lot 2 at 845 Mine Rd, and Lot 3 at 865 Mine Rd. Build the home of your dreams on one of these custom lots in nature's paradise
Don’t miss this custom-building opportunity right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and just moments away from the charming town of Mount Gretna where you will enjoy arts, culture, dining, and so much more. The approved subdivision includes three lots, Lot 1 at 825 Mine Rd, Lot 2 at 845 Mine Rd, and Lot 3 at 865 Mine Rd. Build the home of your dreams on one of these custom lots in nature's paradise
Don’t miss this custom-building opportunity right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and just moments away from the charming town of Mount Gretna where you will enjoy arts, culture, dining, and so much more. The approved subdivision includes three lots, Lot 1 at 825 Mine Rd, Lot 2 at 845 Mine Rd, and Lot 3 at 865 Mine Rd. Build the home of your dreams on one of these custom lots in nature's paradise
Don’t miss this custom-building opportunity right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and just moments away from the charming town of Mount Gretna where you will enjoy arts, culture, dining, and so much more. The approved subdivision includes three lots, Lot 1 at 825 Mine Rd, Lot 2 at 845 Mine Rd, and Lot 3 at 865 Mine Rd. Build the home of your dreams on one of these custom lots in nature's paradise
Don’t miss this custom-building opportunity right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and just moments away from the charming town of Mount Gretna where you will enjoy arts, culture, dining, and so much more. The approved subdivision includes three lots, Lot 1 at 825 Mine Rd, Lot 2 at 845 Mine Rd, and Lot 3 at 865 Mine Rd. Build the home of your dreams on one of these custom lots in nature's paradise
North Cornwall Commons Apartments (NCCA) is a four-phase luxury apartment community conveniently located in the beautiful, accessible community of North Cornwall Commons (NCC) in Lebanon, PA. NCCA invites you to join our friendly and active community where you’ll find several unique floor plans offering studio, 1- , 2- and even 3-bedrooms apartments alongside unparalleled amenities. Our
Newly remodeled 3 bedroom 1 bath second floor apartment. No Smoking. $30 nonrefundable application fee required per applicant and if selected $40admin fee. 615 Min. Credit Score AGENTS READ REMARKS
Plaza Apartments is a wonderful community nestled in lush landscaping and residential charm. You will find all the pleasures of country living, enhanced by every contemporary amenity. With three different designs to choose from, you're sure to find the home that is perfect for you. Professional on-site management and 24-hour emergency maintenance assure you of the carefree lifestyle that you
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
