Moving From New Jersey to Bucks County? What Homebuyers Should Know

Over the years, I've worked with many homebuyers who considered moving from New Jersey to Bucks County while still wanting convenient access to family, work and activities on both sides of the Delaware River.

Bucks County offers a wide variety of places to live, so the right location depends heavily on what you're looking for in a home and community.

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Start With Location

If staying close to New Jersey is important, eastern Bucks County is usually a good place to begin. Yardley, Newtown, Washington Crossing and New Hope all provide relatively convenient access to bridges into New Jersey.

Each area has a different feel. Newtown has a walkable town center with restaurants and shops, while New Hope offers a lively Delaware River setting. Yardley combines a small-town atmosphere with convenient access to major roads, and Washington Crossing offers a quieter residential setting close to the river.

Housing Varies Considerably

Buyers shouldn't assume they'll find the same type of housing throughout Bucks County. Depending on the location, options can include older homes, newer subdivisions, townhomes, condominiums, 55+ communities and new construction.

Buyers who want newer construction may need to expand their search beyond the historic town centers, where available land is more limited.

Don't Compare Property Taxes Alone

Taxes are understandably an important consideration for buyers moving between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but property taxes are only one part of the overall cost of owning a home.

I recommend comparing the complete picture, including the purchase price, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA or condominium fees when applicable, commuting costs and anticipated maintenance.

55+ Buyers Have Many Choices

Bucks County also has a large selection of 55+ and Active Adult communities. They range from smaller neighborhoods with limited amenities to larger communities with clubhouses, pools, fitness centers and active social calendars.

Home styles vary too. Some communities primarily offer detached single-family homes, while others include townhomes, twins, condominiums or a combination of housing types.

Consider Your Trips Back to New Jersey

If you expect to travel back to New Jersey regularly, pay attention to which Delaware River crossing you'll use most often. A home that looks close on a map can feel much farther away if your regular trips require driving to a bridge before crossing the river.

For buyers with family, work or other commitments in New Jersey, I often recommend considering travel time to the bridge as part of the home search rather than looking at mileage alone.

Spend Time in the Area Before Deciding

One of the best things a buyer can do is visit several Bucks County towns before narrowing the home search. Drive through the neighborhoods, visit the downtown areas, check the routes you would regularly travel and see how each location feels in person.

A home can look perfect online, but choosing the right part of Bucks County can be just as important as choosing the house itself.

Russell Volk is a Bucks County Realtor® with Elite Realty Group and has worked with buyers and sellers throughout Bucks County for many years.