Living in Bucks County, PA: What You Need to Know Before Moving

Bucks County has a way of feeling like home from the moment you arrive. If you are considering living in Bucks County, PA you will find a mix of historic towns, open parkland, and neighborhoods that suit families, commuters, and anyone who values community. This guide breaks down the neighborhoods, lifestyle, real estate trends, and practical tips to help you decide if living in Bucks County, PA is right for you.

Table of Contents

Where Is Bucks County, PA?

Bucks County sits just north of Philadelphia, stretching from the Delaware River to rolling rural landscapes. With about 650,000 residents, it balances cozy small‑town charm, suburban convenience, and wide open space — from historic Main Streets and cultural hubs to farms and state parks.

The county splits naturally into three zones: Lower Bucks (think Yardley and Levittown) for quicker city access and easy SEPTA or highway commutes; Central Bucks (Doylestown, Newtown) for the classic small‑town feel, strong schools, and cultural amenities; and Upper Bucks (Quakertown, Perkasie) for farmland, privacy, and a slower pace. Whether you're a commuter seeking easy routes into Philadelphia, a family prioritizing schools and parks, or someone craving a quieter retreat, Bucks County offers neighborhoods that fit those lifestyles. As a local who grew up here and raised a family, I can attest that understanding these zones makes it much easier to match a community to your daily life and long‑term goals.

Best Towns in Bucks County to Live In

Doylestown

Doylestown is the county seat and the cultural heart for many — a walkable downtown of bookstores, coffee shops, galleries, restaurant row, and museums like the Mercer Museum and the Michener Art Museum. Homes range from historic Victorian houses to modern townhomes, and the median home price in Doylestown is about $611,000. With highly rated schools and abundant cultural amenities, it’s a perennial top pick for families considering living in Bucks County, PA.

Stacks of books on display in a bookstore or market with a 'DOYLESTOWN' location label overlay

Newtown

Newtown blends a historic district with nearby outdoor access like Tyler State Park. Typical homes skew toward the higher end of the mid-market, and the town benefits from the Council Rock School District. Newtown is ideal for those who want a lively Main Street plus parks for weekends.

Yardley

Yardley sits along the Delaware River and offers a walkable downtown, strong restaurants, and SEPTA Regional Rail access for commuters. Riverfront properties can reach luxury prices, but the town draws families and professionals alike when thinking about living in Bucks County, PA.

Quakertown and Perkasie

Upper Bucks towns like Quakertown and Perkasie deliver a quieter, rural pace. Average home values are generally more affordable here, and you get more open space if privacy and a slower lifestyle matter to you.

Person sitting on a wooden deck overlooking rolling, forested hills in autumn with a 'Perkasie' label overlay

Bucks County Lifestyle Guide

There is always something to do here. Shopping and events at Peddler's Village attract visitors year round. New Hope’s Main Street is packed with galleries and unique stores. Doylestown’s restaurant row is great for date nights and evenings out. The Michener Art Museum and Bucks County Playhouse provide cultural staples that punch above the county’s size.

For outdoor lovers, Bucks County has over 9,000 acres of parks. Tyler State Park and Nockamixon State Park offer hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The Delaware Canal towpath is a 60-mile ribbon perfect for walking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in winter.

Forest trail with wooden ramp and an on-screen label reading 'TYLER STATE PARK & NOCKAMIXON STATE PARK', a biker mid-air in the background

Bucks County Real Estate Market Overview

Knowing market basics makes moving smoother. The median sale price across the county sits around $480,000, with average home values near $488,000 and sales up year over year. Inventory is improving, and homes often spend about 26 days on market. If you plan on living in Bucks County, PA you should expect an active and competitive market.

Typical price bands to consider:

  • Entry level ($300,000–$400,000): Older homes that may need updates but offer a way into the market.
  • Mid range ($400,000–$600,000): Larger single family homes in neighborhoods with strong schools.
  • Luxury ($600,000+): Spacious homes and riverfront or historic properties in prime towns.

Working in Bucks County: Job Opportunities & Commute Times

The county supports a diverse economy: health care, education, manufacturing, and retail are major sectors. Major health systems employ thousands, and the median household income sits above the state average. Unemployment tends to be low, and many residents commute to Philadelphia via SEPTA Regional Rail. If you want city access with suburban living, living in Bucks County, PA provides that balance.

How to Decide Where to Live in Bucks County

  • Prioritize commute time — Lower Bucks is best for shorter trips to Philly.
  • Match school needs — Central Bucks and districts like Council Rock and Pennsbury are highly rated.
  • Decide on lifestyle — pick Upper Bucks for rural space or Doylestown/New Hope for culture and dining.
  • Budget realistically — factor in property taxes, older home maintenance, and market competition.

If you have questions about living in Bucks County, PA, I can help — call or text me at 267-718-5695.

FAQs About Moving to Bucks County, PA

What is the median home price in Bucks County?

The median sale price is roughly $480,000, with average values around $488,000. Prices vary widely by town and property type.

Is Bucks County good for families?

Yes. Strong school districts, parks, cultural institutions, and family-friendly towns like Doylestown and Newtown make Buckingham County an excellent place for families considering living in Bucks County, PA.

How long do homes stay on the market?

Homes in the county typically spend around 26 days on the market, but that varies by price point and neighborhood.

Can I commute to Philadelphia easily from Bucks County?

Many towns, especially in Lower Bucks and parts of Central Bucks, have convenient SEPTA Regional Rail access or short highway commutes into Philadelphia.

Which areas offer the most outdoor activities?

Tyler State Park, Nockamixon State Park, the Delaware Canal towpath, Peace Valley and Core Creek offer miles of trails, boating, fishing, and seasonal events for outdoor enthusiasts.

Living in Bucks County, PA offers a rare combination: proximity to Philadelphia, rich local culture, excellent outdoor options, and neighborhoods that suit many stages of life. Whether you want a lively Main Street, riverfront views, or wide open fields, the county makes it possible to find a place that feels like home.

jim stevenson

Thinking about moving to the Philly Suburbs? You're in the right place.


I'm Jim Stevenson, born and raised in Bucks County, now raising my three kids in Chalfont. After years in DC, my wife and I came back because this region is unmatched: historic charm, top schools, walkable downtowns, and that perfect blend of rural beauty with city access.

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