LEBANON COUNTY
County Offices
8th and Oak Streets
Lebanon 717-228-4427
www.lebcounty.org
Chamber of Commerce
604 Cumberland Street
Lebanon 717-273-3727
www.lvchamber.org
Situated in the south-central region of Pennsylvania, Lebanon County is approximately 25 miles east of Harrisburg. Well known for its beautiful pastoral landscape, this region is served by an extensive network of interstates and major highways that link it to major metropolitan areas. Manicured farmlands and fields as well as quality dairy and pork production at the hallmarks of Lebanon County, recognized for its outstanding Lebanon bologna. This area also supports a strong industrial sector with a manufacturing heritage that dates back to colonial times. Yesterday’s heavy industry has given way to highly diversified manufacturers, transport companies, wholesale and retail merchandisers, financial institutions, and service businesses. The Lebanon Valley also offers excellent healthcare facilities that include one of the nation’s leading research and treatment facilities, the Hershey Medical Center.
Once described in a New York newspaper as “Pennsylvania’s best-kept secret,” this scenic region is centrally located between Reading, Lancaster, and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania and only a few hour’s drive from Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; New York City; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lebanon County is proud of its rich, historic background and celebrated sites that include an ore mine that made cannonballs for the Revolutionary War, the oldest tunnel in the nation, and the Indiantown Gap Military Training Center that played an important part in World War II. The City of Lebanon and surrounding small communities provide a kaleidoscope of amenities, from entertainment and recreation to shopping and dining. Lebanon Valley is about 70 percent urban and suburban and 30 percent rural, supporting a diverse, friendly, and growing population.
Services
Area youth receive a quality education in six public school systems and a vocational facility that are consistently rated among Pennsylvania’s top districts. More than 20 private schools offer a wide variety of educational environments. The Lebanon County Career and Technology Center is of the state’s finest, working tirelessly with local employers to develop custom programs. Lebanon Valley College and Harrisburg Area Community College provide a wealth of study and degree programs. A number of other prestigious colleges and universities are available within a reasonable commute including Franklin and Marshall, Elizabethtown, York College, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson, Lehigh, Temple, Susquehanna, Millersville, and Muhlenberg. Just east of Hershey, Lebanon Valley College is situated on more than 200 acres in Anneville. U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges” issue and guidebook ranked LVC among the top tier of colleges and universities in the category of “Best Universities Master’s in the North.” The college was also named one of the “Best in the Mid-Atlantic” by the Princeton Review.
State-of-the-art healthcare is available at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon County and nearby at the renowned Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Good Samaritan Hospital provides a fully equipped, acute-care hospital with comprehensive medical and surgical specialties, an inpatient rehabilitation program, and numerous ancillary services. From satellite facilities to community-based family practices and a technologically advanced medical center, the hospital serves as the primary healthcare resource for the Lebanon Valley. The hospital is consistently upgrading and adding new advanced features in key areas that include surgical services and open-heart surgery, emergency services, ambulatory services, and the critical care unit.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to the Lebanon Valley will discover a delightful blend of community and commerce in an area that touches beautiful Derry Township and the amusement center of Hershey. Harmonizing urban and rural lifestyles, Lebanon County is part of the “Pennsylvania Dutch Country” and offers an abundance of cultural and entertainment opportunities. Among the favorites are the Hershey Theatre, the Hershey Symphony, off-Broadway touring companies, musical festivals, art shows, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, horse shows, HersheyPark Stadium, the Giant Center, and many special events. Lebanon Valley College in Annville adds a variety of attractions and events to the annual calendar. The small village of Mount Gretna in the southern part of the county hosts an annual arts festival that draws enthusiastic crowds. This community is also home to Gretna Theatre, an open-air facility recognized for its excellent summer programs in music and theatre.
The housing options in Lebanon County range from charming historic properties to beautiful new construction and suburban neighborhoods. Tree-shaded residential developments, horse properties, quaint farms, and country manors are just a few of the possibilities. Recreational amenities are also first rate, both indoors and outside. Golfers can choose from public and private courses, hunters will enjoy exploring state gameland, and mountain bikers or hikers will appreciate the varied terrain and access to the nearby Appalachian Trail. Neighboring Hershey is home to one of the nation’s most popular theme parks, grand hotels, and a leading community theater. To the east, Reading is nationally famous for its collection of factory outlet stores. Lancaster to the south offers the pristine Amish countryside and active tourist trade. With its pastoral image, abundant recreational and cultural opportunities, and affordable housing, Lebanon County is an ideal place to live, work, and play.
City of Lebanon, North Lebanon
Municipal Offices
City of Lebanon
717-273-6711
www.lebanonpa.org
North Lebanon Township
717-273-7132
www.northlebanontwppa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
717-273-3727
www.lvchamber.org
Although the City of Lebanon offers an urbanized atmosphere with expanded amenities and conveniences, it preserves the serenity of a small country town. Strong family values and close-knit neighborhoods have always been the hallmark of Lebanon, where residents enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle. The pleasing selection of homes harmonizes well-kept older neighborhoods within beautiful new residential development. Housing rehabilitation programs operated by the city encourage revitalization and renovation. The downtown district is filled with a variety of locally owned shops and stores where customers stop to chat with each other. The city manages three large recreational areas that include tennis courts, a sparkling lake, a public swimming pool, ball fields, basketball courts, and picnic pavilions. A community theater provides year-round performances, and students of all ages can take advantage of the local community college. Over the decades, the former steel-town image has faced into a vital community of small businesses and thriving industries.
Cleona, Annville
Municipal Offices
Cleona Borough
717-272-7167
www.cleonaborough.org
Annville Township
717-867-4476
http://annvilletwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
717-273-3727
www.lvchamber.org
Carved from North Cornwall and North Lebanon Townships, Cleona Borough was incorporated in 1929. Annville Township is the home of Lebanon Valley College, just seven miles from Lebanon City. The college enjoys a 200-acre rural campus with state-of-the-art science facilities and a library that houses more than 200,000 items. The presence of this leading institution of higher education infuses cultural and intellectual stimulation into the area, although many cultural venues and opportunities to enjoy the visual and performing arts are available just minutes from home. Wonderful golf courses, community theater, symphony, summer concerts, colorful festivals, lush parks, and sports facilities are easily accessible to borough and township residents. Annville also offers one of the county’s only remaining single-screen theaters, Allen Theater. Nearby Lebanon City provides expanded shopping and a modern hospital.
Cornwall, North Cornwall, South Lebanon
Municipal Offices
Cornwall Borough
717-274-3436
www.cornwall-pa.com
South Lebanon Township
717-274-0481
www.twp.south-lebanon.pa.us
North Cornwall Township
717-273-9200
www.nctown.org
Chamber of Commerce
717-273-3727
www.lvchamber.org
Created from Cornwall and South Lebanon townships in 1925, the Borough of Cornwall is convenient to many of the county’s major attractions. Points of interest include the Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails, the Iron Valley Golf Club, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, the Mount Hope Estate & Winery, the Quentin Riding Club, and the Cornwell Iron Furnace. The six widely separated villages that were in place at the time the borough was incorporated have expanded to more than 15 villages or developments. Although the borough stretches over twice the landmass as the City of Lebanon, it claims only about one-tenth the population. The result is a comfortable community that offers abundant open space and lush parks. This area was founded on an industrial complex that flourished for more than 235 years, the world famous Open Pit Iron Ore Mine and several other rich mines. Today, only the original Charcoal Furnace circa 1742 remains as a museum. The modern bedroom community of Cornwall and the nearby townships are popular choices for residential development.
Myerstown, Jackson
Municipal Offices
Myerstown Borough
717-866-5038
www.myerstownboro.org
Jackson Township
717-866-4771
http://jacksontownship-pa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
717-273-3727
www.lvchamber.org
The Borough of Myerstown and Jackson Township were once the same community, but the town separated into a municipality and incorporated in 1912. Today, this area is the site of considerable new-home construction and growing residential neighborhoods. Many are drawn to Myerstown and Jackson for the abundance of affordable real estate in a country setting. Most of the buildings, churches, groups, and deeply rooted families in this area claim a rich history and a strong sense of heritage. Visitors will notice the monument on South Railroad Street at the elementary school that honors the men and women who served their country in World War II, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf conflict. Continued improvements in transportation and advancements in telecommunications and other high-tech advantages will no doubt keep Myerstown and Jackson Township at the apex of growth and development for decades to come.
Palmyra, South Londonderry, North Londonderry
Municipal Offices
Palmyra Borough
717-838-6361
www.palmyraborough.org
South Londonderry Township
717-838-5556
www.southlondonderry.org
North Londonderry Township
717-838-1373
www.nlondtwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
717-273-3727
www.lvchamber.org
Nearly 200 years ago, the region around Palmyra Borough and North and South Londonderry townships began to develop as a stop along the Horseshoe Pike, the main road between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Today, beautiful new homes are dotting the countryside. In fact, the Village of Campelltown has given the name of Horseshoe Pike to Route 322 as it traverses the community. The villages and boroughs in this region retain the historic architecture and small-town charm of yesterday while the townships welcome rapid growth and development. North Londonderry surrounds the Borough of Palmyra on three sides and borders Derry Township in Dauphin County on the west side. Derry is the home of the major tourist destination of Hershey, which has undoubtedly contributed to the increasing popularity of the township as a residential haven in recent decades.
