Lebanon offers mountain views and spacious retreats in SWVA
Named for its abundant cedar forests, Lebanon is a picturesque staple in Southwest Virginia, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia. Despite having about 3,000 residents, Lebanon is well-known for offering a Main Street center, nature trails and spacious properties in the scenic countryside of Russell County. "My husband and I have over 11 acres. When things get busy, we can escape to the peace and quiet of our own mountain retreat," says Connie Comer, a lifelong Lebanon native and real estate agent at Cedar Realty Group. "It is a small town, but we have beautiful mountain views everywhere, and it just feels like home."
Brick homes and mountain views in Green Valley Estates
While there are many winding country roads, land and cattle pastures nearby, the central portion of Lebanon is a concentration of brick homes surrounded by forests and mountain views. The average lot size is over half an acre, with larger parcels of land outside the town center. The area primarily includes New Traditional and brick ranch-style homes. Prices range from $90,000 to $590,000, and manufactured homes typically cost between $130,000 and $260,000. Some houses are valued higher in areas like the Green Valley Estates subdivision."Green Valley Estates' properties are very well-maintained. It does have restrictions on what you can build on your property, but it's a beautiful area with very pretty homes," Comer says. Another of Lebanon's most attractive features is its small-town community. "It has a hometown feel because people are so friendly and helpful. Many people are from the area and have lived here for many years," Comer says. Russell County is also prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas near local rivers and creeks.
Lebanon has forested trails to waterfalls and sandstone cliffs
One of Lebanon’s most significant nature preserves is the Channels, a high-elevation forest with rocky sandstone cliffs and a labyrinth of rock formations that lead to scenic overlook views. The Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve has trails with waterfalls along Big Cedar Creek. Closer to the town center, J.S. Easterly Park has athletic courts, a playground and a forested walking route by a flowing creek. Remodeled in 2020, Lebanon Town Park features an outdoor pool and splash pad with indoor fitness amenities.
Local schools have B ratings and after-school activities
More than 3,000 students in the Lebanon area attend Russell County Public Schools. Belfast Elk Garden Elementary School earns a B-plus grade from Niche and has the ACHIEVE program, a before and after-school program offering social and academic student activities. Lebanon Middle School serves grades 5-7 and has a B. It also participates in Virginia’s tuition-free virtual academy program for online coursework. Eighth through 12th-grade students attend Lebanon High School, which receives a B-minus and offers certifications in welding and nursing.
Local favorites include country-style breakfast and pizza
Lebanon has a simple town center with colonial architecture and brownstone buildings. While shopping is limited, the community’s favorite restaurants are on Main Street. Pat’s Kountry Diner serves an all-day, country-style breakfast with a buffet of biscuits and gravy. Another locally owned eatery is Pizza Town, which serves Italian dishes on an airy outdoor patio. Food City is a nearby grocery store, and Walmart Supercenter is along U.S. Route 19.
Highways connect to Abingdon and the Tri-Cities
The Four County Transit bus system provides transportation in Russell County and the surrounding areas, with stops along Main Street in Lebanon. Historic downtown Abingdon is 20 miles south on US-19, and Bristol is about 30 miles by taking Interstate 81. "Many people who live in the Lebanon area work in Abingdon or Bristol, within a 20 or 35-minute drive," Comer says. So we have the small town feel without being in the hustle and bustle of bigger towns and cities. Approximately 50 miles southwest, the Tri-Cities Airport is outside Kingsport, offering direct passenger flights to cities like Atlanta, Charlotte and Dallas.
