While Oregon’s Willamette Valley is consistently lush, green, and inviting, the actual communities situated in the region encompass a diverse range of characteristics in terms of size, culture, and local amenities and attractions.
For example, if you want to settle down in an up-and-coming community that still retains a close-knit vibe, look no further than Lebanon, Oregon.
A small city with a dense suburban feel, Lebanon keeps you connected to your neighbors and loved ones without isolating you from the big-city amenities that contribute to professional and personal growth.
What is Life Like in Lebanon, OR?
With a population of roughly 17,000 residents, you don’t have to worry about density, congestion, and long commute times.
As you consider whether Lebanon is the right fit for your next home and your family's particular lifestyle needs, here is a look at a few of the areas that impact your long-term quality of life and how this small rural town measures up:
1. Affordable Housing and Cost of Living
In Lebanon, which is located in Linn County, about 51 percent of residents own their homes, while 49 percent of the population rents. The median home value is approximately $178,000, and you can find a single-family home for about $180,000 to $350,000 in the current real estate market. While the median household income of approximately $46,000 is below the national average, the cost of living is also relatively lower than average compared to other cities in Oregon and the United States in general. That takes into consideration not only housing but also transportation, utilities, and groceries.
2. Thriving Local Economy
The unemployment rate in Lebanon, OR, is slightly more than 6 percent, and still on a downward trajectory compared to unemployment rates of 8.3 percent in 2000 and 6.4 percent in 2010. This indicates a growing job market, with opportunities in numerous industries that appeal to a variety of professional skill sets. According to the City of Lebanon, the economy is also supported by a pro-business climate and dedication to top-notch public infrastructure. All of Lebanon’s industrial sites are “fully serviced and located within the local Enterprise Zone, where qualified businesses may be exempt from property taxes for three to five years,” the city-states. As is the case with the entire state of Oregon, there is also no sales tax in Lebanon, which further contributes to the town’s affordability.
3. Abundance Attractions and Amenities
Lebanon is nestled beside the South Santiam River and close to the Cascade Range. This location lends itself to a naturally beautiful environment where you will find plenty of foot and bike trails and waterside parks. Lebanon also contains an impressive lineup of dining and shopping options for a town of its size. Whether you are in the mood for pizza, ethnic food, pub fare, or Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes, you can have your taste buds satisfied in Lebanon. This town is also home to the well-known Lebanon Strawberry Festival, which started in 1909 and continues to be a community-wide celebration of the area’s bounty of beautiful berries.
4. School District
Lebanon is serviced by Lebanon Community School District 9, which also provides education to students in the cities of Sodaville and Waterloo and the unincorporated Linn County communities of Crowfoot, Fairview, Berlin, and Lacomb. The district encompasses nine schools that in the 2020-21 school year served 4,210 local students. The district's facilities include one high school; one charter school; one middle school; two schools offering kindergarten through fifth-grade education; two schools for kindergarten through sixth-grade students; and two that provide education for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The district's mission statement is, “In partnership with the community, we provide exceptional opportunities to continuously and rigorously challenge all students to excel as learners, thinkers, and leaders.” For those interested in a private school education, Lebanon is also home to East Linn Christian Academy, a non-denominational Christian school founded in 1982.
5. Proximity to Other Oregon
Another appealing characteristic of Lebanon is its proximity to other Oregon cities that give you a wider range of shopping, dining, and employment options. For example, Lebanon is located less than 20 miles from Corvallis, Oregon, home of Oregon State University and a population of roughly 60,000. Albany is located about 15 miles from Lebanon, and the Linn Shuttle provides daily service between those two locations, along with Sweet Home. Meanwhile, the Lebanon Inter-Neighborhood eXpress offers public transportation within the city itself, making it easy for you to get around for work and recreation. If you want a more ambitious getaway, Salem—the state’s capital—is less than an hour away, or you can keep going north toward Portland. To the west, the Pacific Coast is only 68 miles away via OR-34 West and Corvallis-Newport Highway, with bus transportation available.
Building a New Home in Lebanon, OR
With a reputation for affordability, small-town charm, and a burgeoning business environment, Lebanon may be an appealing location for young professionals, families, and retirees to settle down in a new custom home. At Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths, we offer both design and construction services to make your dream a reality. Our streamlined process promotes more effective communication and collaboration, as well as the time-saving convenience and clarity of having a single point of responsibility and contact throughout the entirety of your home remodel.
