Beautiful homes, charming towns with historic Main Streets, and a community where neighbors still wave as you drive by– this is Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the fourth largest county in the state by population, and one of the oldest. Bucks County is beloved for its deep history and beautiful scenery, making it one of the top places to live in Pennsylvania. Visitors and residents alike can explore the museums of Doylestown, stroll along the Delaware River, or enjoy a family picnic in one of the many parks.
Considering moving to Bucks County? This guide will help you navigate the most desirable neighborhoods in the area and find your own slice of Pennsylvania life.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY
Bucks County is one of the three oldest counties in Pennsylvania alongside the counties of Chester and Philadelphia. It was founded by William Penn– an English Quaker and the founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania– in 1682. Penn named the county after his hometown in England, Buckinghamshire, which is traditionally shortened to Bucks.
The English influence can be seen in the different boroughs throughout the county: Buckingham Township was also named after Penn’s hometown, and Chalfont was named after Chalfont St. Giles, a civil parish in Buckinghamshire where Penn’s first wife once lived.
Bucks County by the numbers
While Bucks County may only cover a small fraction (1.35%) of Pennsylvania’s total area, its 620+ square miles are packed with diverse landscapes and experiences. The county encompasses a mix of:
- 23 boroughs
- 31 townships
- 18 census-designated places
- 5 unincorporated communities
Bucks County is more than charming towns and boroughs, though. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, with over 7,500 acres of parkland and a network of 475 miles of hiking trails weaving through woodlands and along the scenic Delaware River. For those who prefer their outdoor activities with a touch of competition, Bucks County is home to 28 golf courses, catering to both casual players and seasoned pros.
BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN BUCKS COUNTY, PA
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, rural setting or a bustling town with plenty to see and do, Bucks County has something to offer. Here are some of the best places to live in Bucks County, PA.
Buckingham Township
Approximately 40 miles north of Philadelphia lies Buckingham Township, widely considered as one of the best places to live in Bucks County, PA. It’s peaceful, family-oriented, and combines the area’s rural charm with the convenience of a suburban neighborhood. It has a population of roughly 20,000 residents according to the latest Census estimates.
- Real estate: Buckingham Township has some gorgeous homes carrying its signature Colonial architecture. Single-family homes make up a significant portion of the local housing market, with prices swinging from a quarter of a million to $6.9 million or more. Properties here are spacious, too — homes can cover as much as 9,000 square feet and have sizable grounds to match. On average, homes in Buckingham are selling for $590,000 or $264 per square foot.
- Parks and amenities: Living in Buckingham Township means having convenient access to several parks and outdoor recreation areas only a few minutes outside of town. Holicong Park in Doylestown is ideal for a day out with the kids and the pets and is only 4 minutes from Buckingham by car. The scenic Hansell Park is only a six-minute drive away.
- Schools and education: Local students have several public schooling options, with the township served by Central Bucks School District. These schools include Buckingham Elementary School, the nearby Holicong Middle School, and Central Bucks High School (East, West, and South) in nearby Doylestown.
- Where to shop and dine: Shopping and dining in Buckingham Township is quite convenient. Buckingham Green Shopping Center, a local shopping village, has more than 30 retailers and restaurants, including thrift stores, upscale clothing shops, and lifestyle services. None Such Farm Market on York Road is the go-to for fresh, local produce and food, while Cross Keys Place has supermarket GIANT.
Buckingham Pizza, one of the top pizza spots in Bucks County, can be found at Buckingham Green and serves everything from Napolitan to gourmet pizza. For an Old-World dining experience, Baci Ristorante & Heart of Oak Pub is a must-try; the unique family-owned restaurant boasts a delicious menu of Italian and American classics.
Doylestown and Doylestown Township
A small community of little more than 8,300 individuals, Doylestown is known for its historic sites, thriving cultural scene, and great food. While it is only 2.16 square miles in size, Doylestown is home to several museums, green spaces, and arts venues, making it a fascinating place to live and visit. It’s also the county seat of Bucks County. Surrounding Doylestown is Doylestown Township, which has a total area of 15.6 square miles and a population of more than 17,000 residents.
- Real estate: If you’re looking for a spacious single-family home with large lots, or a beautiful townhouse in a lush residential neighborhood, then you’ll love what the Doylestown Township market has to offer. Single-family types are the most predominant housing variety here, with townhomes being the close second. You’ll also find a few apartments and condos here and there.
Single-family homes for sale start at $325,000 and can go as high as $5.3 million. Properties on the higher end typically have distinct colonial architecture, wide, spacious lots (usually several acres), and multiple levels. On average, homes are sold for $618,000, and they stay on the market for about 31 days.
- Attractions: The Mercer Museum on Pine Street is a unique historical museum housing an extensive collection of pre-industrial American artifacts, including tools, furnishings, and everyday items, all displayed in the stunning Fonthill Castle.
For a day of art exploration, stop by the Michener Art Museum. Named after the renowned author James A. Michener, it offers a rich collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings, contemporary art exhibits, and beautiful outdoor sculpture gardens.
Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities at Holicong Park, an 83-acre facility along York Road. It’s an excellent place to play a game of pickleball or tennis, or brush up on your lacrosse skills. The park also boasts two miles of paved trails and picnic areas. Hansell Park, located on Hansell Road, is a beautiful green space that features a meandering wooded path perfect for a scenic stroll. The Summer Concert Series is held at the park’s amphitheater and grounds.
Other parks include Doylestown Township Central Park, George M. Bush Park, and Burpee Park.
- Schools and education: Residents of Doylestown and Doylestown Township enjoy access to multiple highly-rated public and private schools, including Gayman Elementary School, Doyle Elementary School, Central Bucks High School-East, and Central Bucks High School-West.
- Where to shop and dine: Doylestown’s culinary scene is quite diverse. For teppanyaki, head to Ooka Japanese Restaurant on Veterans Lane and try their sushi and hibachi. If you’re looking for upscale farm-to-table dining, Heirloom on East State Street is known for their seasonal dishes and great service. Honey on Shewell Avenue is another local favorite serving up creative American dishes in an intimate setting.
As for shopping, Doylestown has a vibrant historic downtown area where you’ll find everything from clothing stores to art galleries and gift shops. From mid-April to mid-November, the Doylestown Farmers Market comes alive, offering the freshest local produce from Doylestown’s farmers and makers.
Bensalem
Bensalem is in lower Bucks County and borders Philadelphia. It’s the most populated township in the county with more than 62,000 individuals. Its location and access to public transportation is a major draw — Bensalem residents can ride the SEPTA Regional Rail and SEPTA buses, Philadelphia’s major public transport systems. On top of that, Bensalem offers stunning natural beauty and a tranquil living environment, being located near the Delaware River.
- Real estate: Bensalem is a highly suburban neighborhood, so expect to find mostly single-family homes and townhouses here. The real estate market is one of the more affordable ones in Bucks County, with prices starting at $109,000 for a two-bedroom and going up to $975,000 for a four-bedroom. As for size, properties range from over 1,200 square feet to 7,000 square feet.
- Attractions: Bensalem is home to the largest gaming complex in Pennsylvania, Parx Casino. Beyond the thrill of casino games and racing events, you can catch live musical performances and stand-up comedy shows. For a breath of fresh air, head over to Neshaminy State Park. This sprawling 330-acre park along the Delaware River is perfect for fishing, swimming, and exploring its scenic walking and hiking paths.
If you’re a fan of golf, you won’t want to miss the Bensalem Country Club. It features a beautifully designed 18-hole golf course by the renowned architect William Gordon, making it an ideal spot to practice your swing. And for a memorable day on the water, visit the Pennsylvania Yacht Club. It’s the perfect place to bring family or friends for a relaxing boat ride along the picturesque Delaware River.
- Schools and education: Bensalem is served by the Bensalem Township School District (BTSD), which operates 10 schools. These include Belmont Hills Elementary, Cornwells Elementary, Samuel K. Faust Elementary, Robert K. Shafer Middle, and Bensalem High.
- Where to shop and dine: When it comes to food, Bensalem offers a variety of local spots as well as beloved chain restaurants like Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse. If you’re craving Italian, La Cena on Galloway Road is the place to enjoy classic fare alongside live entertainment. Sakura is where locals go to have their fill of sushi, noodles, and hibachi, while Eddington House on Hulmeville Road is the best place for casual pub grub with friends.
Levittown
Levittown is a census-designated place in lower Bucks County, just 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia and less than 15 minutes away from Trenton, New Jersey’s capital, just across the Delaware River. It’s a community of several housing developments originally developed by Levitt & Sons. With more than 51,000 residents, it’s one of the best places to live in Bucks County, PA.
Levittown is an ideal place for families, with its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous parks. Young professionals are also drawn to the area, thanks to its convenient location and vibrant community life.
- Real estate: Levittown offers a variety of suburban tract housing, with prices ranging from $185,000 to $1.5 million, and home sizes from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. You’ll find a lot of similarity between homes, especially within each neighborhood, giving the area a cohesive feel. There are also some condos and townhomes available for those seeking different living options.
- Attractions: While it is a relatively quiet town, Levittown has several recreational and entertainment options for the whole family to enjoy. The Falls Township Community Park offers multiple basketball courts, a softball field, and a skate park. There’s also a dog park if you need to take your furry friend out to play.
Falls Park boasts a 75-acre spring-fed lake where you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. There are also three miles of paved walking trails.
- Schools and education: Levittown has plenty of options for quality academics. It’s served by the Bristol Township School District, Pennsbury School District, and Neshaminy School District. Schools include Schweitzer Elementary, Manor Elementary, Buck Elementary, Carl Sandburg Middle, and Truman Senior High.
- Where to shop and dine: Levittown has a wide range of dining options. For a casual, laid-back atmosphere, head to Bailey’s Bar & Grille on Bristol Emilie Road. If you’re in the mood for a lively sports bar, Kasdon’s Restaurant and Tavern on New Falls Road is the perfect spot.
For those who enjoy a mix of Mediterranean and American cuisine, Garden of Eatin Restaurant on Woodbourne Road serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And if you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss Under the Pier, where you can indulge in casual seafood favorites like crab cakes, fish ‘n’ chips, and a refreshing beer.
As for shopping, check out Levittown Town Center along Levittown Parkway. The establishment anchors several retailers, including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Ross Dress for Less.
Bristol Township
Home to more than 54,000 residents, the borough of Bristol is one of the most populous in Bucks County. This serene residential neighborhood is beautifully situated along the banks of the Delaware River. It’s also known for its long and rich history: officially founded in 1681, Bristol was once a prominent hub for textile-milling and played a crucial role in the Civil War. Today, its Old World charm is complemented by its modern amenities and excellent food scene.
- Real estate: Properties in Bristol Township include single-family homes, condominiums, and a few townhouses here and there. On the higher end, prices can go up to $700,000, but buyers can enter the market with just over $100,000. Currently, the median sold price is at $330,000, with properties staying on the market for an average of 30 days.
- Attractions: Bristol Township has preserved much of its history through landmarks and museums. The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library is home to an extensive archive of thousands of photographs pertaining to the history of Bristol Township. The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum, the former home of the prominent Grundy family, contains an impressive collection of preserved late Victorian-era furniture. For a bit of nature, the Bristol Waterfront Park offers fishing and scenic strolls with gorgeous river views.
The town is at its liveliest on Historic Bristol Day in October, the largest event of the year. From a bustling street fair to a sailing regatta, this annual celebration brings together families, entertainers, and food vendors for a day of commemorating the town’s past.
- Schools and education: Educational options in Bristol Township include Bristol Junior – Senior High School, Snyder-Girotti Elementary School, St. Mark’s Catholic School, and Bucks County Community College.
- Where to shop and dine: Mill Street, Bristol Township’s main thoroughfare, is the perfect starting point for your shopping journey. Here you’ll find everything from historic sites to views of the Delaware River, as well as a mix of local stores, antique shops, and restaurants.
For a delightful dining experience with American cuisine, fresh seafood, and great wines, visit the historic King George II Inn located on the Delaware River waterfront. If you’re in the mood for classic Italian dishes, Cesare’s Ristorante is a family-owned favorite that serves up pasta, pizza, and seafood in a cozy atmosphere. The Borough Pub provides a relaxed vibe with craft beers brewed on-site and American pub fare with creative twists.
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN BUCKS COUNTY, PA
Looking for a Bucks County Realtor that goes the extra mile? I’m Justin Lucci, a lifelong resident with deep roots in the community. With a deep understanding of the local market and its hidden gems, I can help you identify the best places to live in Bucks County, PA based on your real estate goals and preferences.
Discover the best places to live in Bucks County, PA with a local expert. Schedule a personalized consultation with me at 215.499.0796 or via email.
