Living in Lebanon

About Lebanon

A Closer Look at the Area

Lebanon is the county seat and economic anchor of Lebanon County — a small city of roughly 26,000 residents that pairs a revitalizing historic downtown with a remarkably central location at the crossroads of Route 422, Route 72, and the US 422 corridor. Established in 1740 and laid out along the historic Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad, the city grew as a manufacturing and agricultural center, and that working heritage still shows in its brick downtown, its strong industrial employment base, and its genuine small-city character. The heart of Lebanon is its walkable downtown, where restored brick and stone storefronts house local restaurants, shops, and professional offices along Cumberland Street and the surrounding blocks. The city's Lebanese and Pennsylvania Dutch food heritage is a genuine draw — Lebanon is famous for its Lebanon bologna, and the long-running Lebanon Farmers Market keeps that agricultural tradition alive. Coleman Memorial Park, with its lake, walking paths, and pool, anchors the city's recreation, while the nearby Union Canal Tunnel Park preserves a piece of the county's 19th-century canal heritage. Lebanon's economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare (WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital is one of the county's largest employers), and a growing logistics corridor that follows the Route 422 and Turnpike alignment. That employment base keeps demand for housing steady from first-time buyers to relocating families. The city is served by the Lebanon School District, with the surrounding townships served by Annville-Cleona, Palmyra Area, Cornwall-Lebanon, and Eastern Lebanon County school districts. Housing in Lebanon ranges from historic stone and brick homes near the downtown core to mid-century colonials and newer construction in the surrounding boroughs and townships, with price points notably more affordable than the Cumberland and Dauphin county suburbs. With its combination of genuine affordability, a revitalizing downtown, a strong employment base, and an easy 25–30 minute commute to Harrisburg via Route 422 and US 322, Lebanon offers one of the best values in the 717 area code for buyers who want small-city access without the West Shore price tag.

Lebanon on Video

Lebanon PA — City Tour