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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kenneth Snee,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lebanon, PA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Lebanon, PA over the last 12 months is $345,550, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The masterful design of Anvil allows 2400 square feet to live large. The lofty stair tower and dream kitchen ground the center of this plan while granting ample space for family, friends, and relaxation. “Home Sweet Home” is personified here, created by comfortable spheres for togetherness as well as quiet retreat.
Introducing the Westbrooke by Pine Hill Building Co. — thoughtfully designed first-floor living with exceptional style and functionality. This beautifully designed home welcomes you with a dramatic two-story foyer and includes a private first-floor office, ideal for working from home. The main living area features a spacious family room with a stone fireplace, a generous dining area, and a
The Raleigh by Pine Hill Building Co. offers timeless design and modern livability in a beautifully balanced two-story layout spanning approximately 2,505 square feet. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 3 Car Garage home combines classic architecture with thoughtfully planned spaces designed for today’s lifestyle. From the inviting front porch to the open-concept living areas, every detail reflects Pine
Welcome to 1605 Center Street, Lebanon, PA—a beautifully remodeled semi-detached home located in the highly sought-after Cornwall-Lebanon School District. This move-in ready property has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, offering the perfect blend of modern finishes and peace of mind. Major improvements include a brand-new roof, new siding, new gas forced-air furnace, and a new
Don't miss this beautifully maintained home in the highly sought-after Northgate community. Offering a spacious open floor plan, this home features hardwood flooring, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a gas fireplace that serves as the focal point of the main living area. The first-floor primary suite includes a private bath and closet, while first-floor
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Welcome to your next Home Sweet Home! This charming Cape Cod in Lebanon City has been lovingly cared for by the same family for over 50 years. The main level offers a spacious living room, large dining room, an eat-in kitchen with pantry and appliances, a convenient laundry room, and a full bathroom. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms—all featuring walk-in closets—and a second
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Welcome to this well-maintained home offering over 2,000 square feet of living space, situated on a spacious 1.31-acre lot. This property features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, providing plenty of room for comfortable living. Enjoy peace of mind with major updates already completed, including newer heating and central A/C systems installed just 3 years ago, along with newer replacement windows
Beautiful brick ranch home tucked away on a quiet street in a lovely neighborhood. This well-maintained home features an open-concept living room, kitchen, and dining area perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The updated kitchen offers white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and a breakfast bar overlooking the living room. The home
Briar Ridge Commons | 2 Bedroom, Brand New Construction Apartment with Water, Sewer & Trash Included in Lebanon, PABriar Ridge Commons is Lebanon's newest luxury rental community, offering maintenance-free living and modern amenities in a choice of 2-bed/2-bath or 2-bed/1-bath open floor plans. This brand-new development provides a worry-free living experience where your monthly rent
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Located in southwest Lebanon, this beautifully landscaped garden style residential community surrounds a spacious central courtyard. Most apartments have a private balcony or patio. The community is complete with a sparkling swimming pool and tenant vegetable garden area.
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
419 APARTMENTS | 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Apartments with In-Unit Laundry, Fitness Center, and Included Utilities in Lebanon County, PA419 Apartments offers modern apartment living in a quiet Lebanon County setting with convenient access to U.S. Route 322 and nearby communities including Lebanon, Cornwall, Hershey, and Lancaster. These newly built apartment homes feature spacious two-bedroom
What does the townhome include? *New Kitchen*Energy Star Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher and Microwave*New Bathroom*Hardwood floors*Washer and Dryer*Backyard and Private Patio*Full Basement*Wall-unit air conditioner available as an upgrade What amenities are at the community?*Assigned off-street
Welcome to Greentree Village Townhomes, Lebanon's Award-Winning, #1 Rental Community recognized by Central PA's Apartment Association. Living at Greentree, you will enjoy newly renovated garden style townhomes with a blend of conveniences and charming practicality. Located in beautiful Lebanon County, we offer our residents a private entrance, convenient parking, door step mail delivery and a
Property Id: 2542256Enjoy farm house living in this well cared for two bedroom apartment! Featuring a spacious kitchen, and dining room with LVP flooring as well as a cozy living area with access to the covered front porch! Upstairs feature two spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom! Schedule your showing today. Qualifications include a 600+ credit score and a monthly minimum income of
Property Id: 153706Unit A with luxury vinyl floor, Dishwasher and new washer and dryer. Walking distance to grocery store, Banks and Hospital and pharmacy.2 car parking per Unit
Property Id: 2385506*Available mid-August 2026*Check out this fully renovated 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms townhouse conveniently located near route 422, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and local attractions. Inside you will find a bright kitchen with brand new cabinets, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, and microwave. The open dining and living room area provides
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