Bucks County Relocation Guide: What You Need to Know for a Successful Move

Here at The First, we think Bucks County is a great place to call home. How do we know for sure? We’ve been banking here for more than 150 years, getting to know local residents and businesses. So whether you’re relocating to Bucks for a job opportunity, or just looking for a nice place to raise a family, we’ve compiled all you need to know about the various regions (upper, central, lower) and their main towns, as well as average home prices, cost of living, and more. We hope you find our Bucks County relocation guide helpful, and we can’t wait to meet you!

Cost of Living

Among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, Bucks and its Southeastern neighbors are some of the wealthiest. Located within commuting distance of Philadelphia, Central New Jersey, and even Manhattan, Bucks County residents have plenty of job options.

According to the Economic Policy Institute’s 2018 Family Budget Calculator, a family of four would need to earn at least $99,846 annually in order to have a “modest yet adequate standard of living” in Bucks County. Of course, a family’s monthly expenses vary according to circumstance–sometimes, for example, a grandparent is available to provide free childcare. Also, the calculator doesn’t account for additional costs such as debt, retirement savings, and other “extras” many families have on their balance sheets. Still, here are the EPI’s estimated monthly costs in Bucks County for the main cost of living categories:

• Housing: $1,316
• Food: $817
• Childcare: $1,757
• Transportation: $1,246
• Healthcare: $1,100
• Other Necessities: $860
• Taxes: $1,224

The cost of living website BestPlaces also ranks Bucks County as more expensive than the American average, noting that the cost of housing is the biggest factor in driving up the overall cost of living. The median home price in Bucks is $316,200, compared with $165,800 for the country as a whole. Again, this probably reflects the county’s reputation as an attractive place to live, work, and raise kids.

Major Towns in Upper, Middle and Lower Bucks

From suburban neighborhoods to farmland and small towns, Bucks County can accommodate whichever style of living you desire. Since the county is too large to list every single township or borough, we’ve highlighted some of the more well-known communities below. Please keep in mind that the list doesn’t reflect any kind of ranking; it’s just in alphabetical order as we move through Bucks from top to bottom.

Upper Bucks County: Scenic Farmland And A Pastoral Lifestyle

If a more rural setting is your preference, you can find what you’re looking for in Upper Bucks, renowned for its beautiful rolling hills, streams, and acres of farmland. Think older homes and larger lots. However, there are also several charming small towns, including Sellersville (not profiled below), home to the eponymous theater. You’ll also find real estate prices below and above the county median.

• Bedminster: This rural township offers peaceful living and the charm of historic buildings and landmarks, some of which date back to the eighteenth century. Currently, home listing prices range from $265,000 to larger estates in the millions.
• Dublin: Adjacent to Bedminster but with more of a small town vibe, Dublin even has its own annual Community Day/Arts Festival. It’s also a smaller borough, with only four current real estate listings, all in the $300,000 range.
• Perkasie: Calling itself “America’s Hometown,” Perkasie is big on charm, including its claim to the oldest tree lighting ceremony in the country. Only 35 miles north of Philadelphia, this small town is also good for commuters. Current home prices range from $174,900 to $1,890,000. As you can see, there is truly something for everyone, at any price point.
• Quakertown: Like Perkasie, this small town is big on history and charm. Quakertown takes its name from the religious group who first settled there. Home prices range from $144,900 to $975,000.

Central Bucks County: Vibrant Small Towns

The center of the county is where you’ll find its seat–the cute and lively town of Doylestown. New Hope is also a prime destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Like Upper Bucks, the central part of the county also offers more rural townships and plenty of history.

• Chalfont: Situated along the Neshaminy Creek, Chalfont offers small town living and a convenient Septa station for commuting to the Philadelphia. Homes for sale are priced between $205,500 and $679,990.
• Doylestown: The county seat offers plenty to do, see, and eat, as well as a variety of housing styles from older downtown homes to new developments. Prices range from $164,900 (for a condo) to $2,400,000.
• New Hope: This bustling town along the Delaware River is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Across the river you’ll find the equally appealing small town of Lambertville, NJ. Real estate with waterfront views or simply proximity to the water tends to be more expensive, which is true in New Hope. Current listings start at $299,000 (for a condo) and go up to $3,200,000 (for a waterfront condo).
• Upper Makefield Township: A “modern-day bedroom community” with the Delaware River Canal running through it, Upper Makefield is home to people who work in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. There are many historic landmarks and attractions, including cemeteries, private villages, and a library of the American Revolution. Home prices range from $269,900-$6,900,000.

Lower Bucks County: Suburban Living and Urban Proximity

This part of the county begins just north of the Philadelphia border and ends across the river from Central New Jersey.

• Bristol: Both the downtown and surrounding township offer some combination of a walkable lifestyle, water views, and historic landmarks. Bristol is within easy commuting distance of both the Philly metro area and the Route One corridor in Central Jersey. Current listings range from $60,000 to $359,000.
• Newtown: Here you’ll find corporate buildings, a charming downtown, and beautiful real estate both old and new. House prices range from $159,900 (for a condo) to $1,295,000.
• Yardley: From homes overlooking the Delaware River to downtown entertainment options like dining and shopping, Yardley offers gracious living and easy commuting to nearby metro areas. Home prices range from $135,000 (for a condo) to $624,900.

Primary Education

Bucks County’s well-regarded public school districts are a primary draw for many families who move to the area. The region also has a wealth of private school options. Browse public and private options in the regions you’re considering and explore GreatSchools.org for more information, including ratings, on individual schools.

Upper Bucks

• Quakertown Community School District
• Pennridge School District

Central Bucks

• Central Bucks School District
• New Hope-Solebury School District

Lower Bucks

• Council Rock School District
• Centennial School District
• Pennsbury School District
• Neshaminy School District
• Morrisville School District
• Bensalem Township School District
• Bristol Borough School District
• Bristol Township School District

Bucks County Utility Companies

Get started on the mundane but essential process of establishing new utility accounts or transferring an existing one to your new address.

• Electric: Bucks County Electric Company and PECO
• Natural Gas: PPL, Inc., PECO, and UGI
• Water and Sewer: Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority
• Internet and Cable: Comcast and Verizon
• Local Services: For information on trash pickup, recycling, and other local services, visit your municipality’s website.

Parks and Recreation

With so many historic sites, bodies of water, and open space, Bucks County is a treasure trove of recreational activities, especially outside. Enjoy all that the county has to offer with parks, nature centers, farms and vineyards. You’ll find year-round entertainment options, from fall hayrides to spring and summer fun at the playground. For other recreation options, check out Visit Bucks County, which also provides listings for categories like shopping, dining, and more.

• Bucks County Farms and Vineyards
• Core Creek Park
• Lake Towhee Park
• Playwicki Park
• Ringing Rocks Park
• Silver Lake Park
• Tinicum Park
• Tohickon Valley Park
• Churchville Nature Center
• Peace Valley Nature Center
• Silver Lake Nature Center

Your Local Mortgage Lender, Since 1864

Whether or not your current bank has a branch near your new Bucks County home, we hope you’ll check out all that we have to offer as the county’s oldest surviving community bank. Generations of Bucks families have trusted The First to provide convenient deposit account services and flexible loans such as home mortgages. In addition to our friendly customer service, our employees can provide tips on local entertainment options, neighborhoods, and more. Get settled in your new home by connecting with your hometown bank. Visit one of our twelve locations across Bucks County today!