Area guide · Lebanon, Tennessee

Living in Lebanon, TN: a local's guide

We're Lauren and Eric Garner, REALTORS® with the Be One Team at Compass, and Lebanon is home. Here are straight answers to what people ask us most about living here, from home prices and schools to the commute.

Lebanon at a glance

What is it like to live in Lebanon, TN?

Lebanon is the county seat of Wilson County, about 30 minutes east of Nashville. It still feels like a small town: a historic Square with local shops and restaurants, Cumberland University, Friday night football and neighbors who wave.

It's also growing fast. You'll find older homes with character near the Square, newer subdivisions on the edges of town, and plenty of homes on acreage. We live on three acres here ourselves, and we wouldn't trade it.

How much do homes cost in Lebanon, TN?

The median home in Lebanon sold for $424,797 in September 2026, up 6.2% from a year earlier. 353 homes sold that month, and the typical home took 68 days to go under contract and sold for about 98.7% of its asking price.

New construction is a big part of the market. Builders are offering homes from the high $200s up past $500K, often with incentives like rate offers or closing cost help. See this month's builder incentives for what's available now.

What schools serve Lebanon, TN?

Lebanon has two public school systems. The Lebanon Special School District serves pre-K through 8th grade at seven schools: Castle Heights, Coles Ferry, Byars Dowdy, Jones Brummett and Sam Houston elementary schools, plus Walter J. Baird and Winfree Bryant middle schools.

High school, and the parts of Lebanon outside the special school district, are served by Wilson County Schools, including Lebanon High School. Zoning depends on the exact address, so we always check a home's schools with the district before you write an offer. Cumberland University is right in town, too.

How long is the commute from Lebanon to Nashville?

Downtown Nashville is about 26 miles west on I-40, and Nashville International Airport (BNA) is about 25 miles. Drive times depend heavily on traffic and time of day.

If you'd rather skip the drive, the WeGo Star commuter train starts at Lebanon Station on Baddour Parkway and also stops at Hamilton Springs and Martha in Lebanon before heading to Riverfront Station downtown. Trains run weekday mornings and afternoons.

What are property taxes like in Lebanon, TN?

Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which is a big draw for people moving here. Property taxes are based on 25% of a home's appraised value, and the rate depends on whether the home is inside Lebanon city limits or in unincorporated Wilson County.

Because rates change with reappraisals and city lines, we pull the actual tax history for any home you're considering. Sales tax in Lebanon is 9.25% (7% state plus 2.25% local).

Who are the big employers in Lebanon, TN?

Lebanon is a major logistics hub along I-40. The largest employers include Amazon, GEODIS, CEVA Logistics and FedEx Supply Chain. Cracker Barrel's corporate headquarters and Lochinvar are here too, and many residents commute to Nashville, Mt. Juliet or Murfreesboro.

What is there to do in Lebanon, TN?

Start on the historic Square for local shops and restaurants. Cedars of Lebanon State Park has hiking trails, camping and a classic Tennessee cedar forest. Every summer the Wilson County Fair draws families from all over Middle Tennessee. Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake are both a short drive away.

A few of our favorites: coffee at The Front Porch Cafe, a healthy lunch at Basic Eatery, and a fall evening stroll through Don Fox Park.

Should I live in Lebanon or Mt. Juliet?

It depends on your commute and how much room you want. Mt. Juliet is closer to Nashville, with more shopping and generally higher prices. Lebanon usually gets you more house and more land for the money, a slower pace, and a real downtown Square.

Plenty of our clients tour both before deciding. Read our guide to living in Mt. Juliet, or let us show you around either one.