With its unmistakable charm, rich history, and storybook streets, Bucks County has no shortage of beautiful towns and bustling communities. Whether you’re looking to buy a home or simply have an itch to explore one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful counties, you’ll need to make a few hard decisions. After all, you can’t live everywhere and you can’t see it all. Well, you can certainly try. 

More than 625,000 people call Bucks County home. It's the 4th most populated county in all of Pennsylvania, according to the 2017 census. Bucks County has 32 boroughs, 31 townships, and 18 census-designated areas, as well as 5 communities that remain unincorporated. Since there are so many great places to live in Bucks County, it's hard to play favorites. Nevertheless, we settled on four iconic towns within the county's borders. 

Here are the best towns in Bucks County to visit and call home. 

 

Yardley, PA

Photo "Yardley HD Main St ..." by Shuvaev is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Set on the Delaware River, Yardley is timeless and serene. A place where the American dream abounds. And where people live to smell the roses and take care of their families. Named one of the top places to live in Bucks County by Niche.com, Yardley consistently ranks among the best towns in all of Pennsylvania. Home to the renowned Pennsbury School District, all of the town’s public schools are highly rated in this family-friendly Bucks County borough. 

Settled by a Quaker minister named William Yardley in the late 17th century, Yardley has blossomed into a featured Bucks County destination. You will find a nice mix of family-owned businesses, boutique shops, and foodie-friendly restaurants. Just on Main Street alone, you’ll find breweries, taverns, coffee shops, and some of the best contemporary Italian food outside of New York. Drawn to its neighbor-friendly vibe and dense suburban feel, many young professionals and growing families have descended upon Yardley in the past few years. Commuters enjoy quick commutes, thanks to easy access to major highways and SEPTA’s Yardley train station.

There are ample recreation opportunities in Yardley. Residents enjoy summer swims at the community pool, the links at Yardley Country Club, spring afternoons in Buttonwood Park, and the endless wonders of the Delaware and Lake Afton. 

Places to Live in Yardley

Looking for a new place to call home? Here are a few of Russell’s top recommendations:

• Dolington Estates 

• Palmer Farm 

• Regency at Yardley 

• Sutphin Pines 

• Yardley Hunt 

• Yardley Walk  

 

New Hope, PA

Bucks County’s aptly named New Hope is a destination for optimists. And perhaps the cultural crown jewel of all Bucks County. You won’t travel far through town without encountering a bountiful supply of hope-filled smalltown charm. Named one of America’s Favorite Towns by Travel + Leisure in 2013, New Hope is a small town with big aspirations. You’ll find eclectic shopping and exquisite cuisine that rivals staple establishments in NYC and Philly. Ever friendly to the LGBT community, New Hope boasts countless gay-friendly businesses and celebrates its acclaimed Pride Week and Parade every May. 

Like Yardley, New Hope schools are highly rated. U.S. News & World Report gave it a 97.94 overall score, with New Hope-Solebury High School ranking #8 out of all high schools in the state. New Hope is a small town with big-town vibes. It attracts many tourists seeking world-class arts, dining, and recreation. Residents and visitors alike love the short bridge walk to Lambertville, New Jersey, which lies right across the river. The town is filled with beautiful parks, lively festivals, and of course, gorgeous homes. 

Places to Live in New Hope 

If you’re home shopping in PA, add New Hope to your list. Here are a few communities to consider:

• Bowman's Tower Farm 

• Canal Street 

• Fieldstone 

• Fox Hunt Estates

• Fox Run Preserve

• Jericho Mountain Estates

• North Pointe

• Peddler's View

• Riverwoods

• Upper Mountain Estates

• Waterview Place

• Waterworks

 

Newtown, PA

Photo of "Keystone Marker" by Doug Kerr is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Newtown, Pennsylvania was named one of the "coolest small towns in America" by Yahoo! Travel. After a visit to this picturesque community, it’s not hard to see why. The main street of Newtown boasts charming mom-and-pop shops and restaurants, providing residents with tons of opportunities for shopping and fun. History buffs will appreciate the David Library of the American Revolution as well as the many stories and relics available to see at the Newtown Historical Association. 

Whether you’re a family of four, a couple just starting out, or a couple of retirees, there’s plenty to do in and around Newtown. Stop by Shady Brook Farm to pick some fresh veggies for dinner or attend one of their many yearly festivals. Put on your walking shoes and take a stroll through Five Mile Woods or Tyler State Park. Sit back and let the Newtown Arts Company, Newtown Chamber Orchestra, or Newtown Theater entertain you with a wide range of shows and concerts. Whatever you’re into, Newtown has a little something to surprise and delight you. 

Places to Live in Newtown

Newtown is a wonderful place to call home because of its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, low crime rates, highly-rated schools, and so much more. If you’re considering making the move to Newtown, Pennsylvania, be sure to check out the communities below:

• Chapman's Corner

• Delancey Court

• Dutchess Farm Estates

• Enclave at Upper Makefield

• Newtown Grant

• Newtown Station

• Newtown Walk

• Villas of Newtown 

 

Doylestown, PA

Photo "County Theater -Doylestown PA" by Al Camardella Jr. is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

At the intersection of small-town charm and history sits Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This gem of a town earned a spot in the 10 Best Small Town Cultural Scenes from USA Today for its unique collection of museums, theaters, and cultural landmarks. Residents of Doylestown never run out of opportunities for exploration. From the County Theater to the Fonthill Castle to The Mercer Museum, there is always something to enjoy. 

The recreational offerings aren’t the only attraction that draws visitors and transplants to Doylestown. The town is home to the Central Bucks School District, a highly rated and nationally acclaimed school system. The area was also voted #8 out of 1299 places to retire in Pennsylvania. 

For a well-rounded town that offers residents an ideal lifestyle complete with recreational opportunities galore, a rich town history, a charming downtown area, diverse delicious dining options, and highly rated schools, consider Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Places to Live in Doylestown

Get started on your Doylestown home search by checking out the communities below:

• Cold Spring Hunt

• Doylestown Hunt

• Doylestown Pointe

• Doylestown Station

• The Enclave at Fireside

• Hearthstone

• Stone Ridge

• Teversall

Whether you wish to find a new place to live or a new town to explore, you can find it in Bucks County. Between these four historic Pennsylvania towns, you really can't go wrong. To explore more towns, visit the Bucks County Towns page. 

 

Image "New Hope-Lambertville Bridge ..." by Jag9889 is modified and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0