Moving from Lehigh Valley to Bucks County (Philadelphia, Allentown: broker, houses)

[Susan F.]

We have lived in the Western part of Lehigh County for the last 5 years and have decided that it is time to move for a variety of reasons. There are many fast food chain type restaurants here-very few good reasonable restaurants. The truck traffic has gotten much worse, as have traffic accidents. While the valley is very pretty and has scenic views, most of the locals are resentful of "outsiders". There is no downtown area. There are too many signs in another language.
We are both retired so although the quality of the school district is important for resale value it is not our prime reason for finding the right neighborhood for us. We want to be near to shopping-- especially a Wegmans!, good health care, and be able to walk with our dogs in our neighborhood, an upscale newer house-not with an association.
What towns should we consider?? We have heard that Newtown, Plumstead and maybe Doylestown would be good. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[LibraGirl123]

I think you'd get more replies from locals if you moved your post to the Philadelphia forum.

[Susan F.]

ok--thanks!!

[toobusytoday]

Susan, Not sure where you live in the Lehigh Valley but I live in Coopersburg and don't quite know what you are talking about with the prevalence of non-English signs, lack of a downtown, etc. If you lived in any of the towns surrounding Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton, you would have everything you want and we do have two Wegmans in the Valley. We moved here 13 years ago and have never met friendlier people, and we've lived in three counties surrounding Philadelphia. I can see the draw to live in Doylestown, it's a great town, but I don't think it has a Wegmans

[Tracysherm]

I live in lower Bucks County, and our nearest Wegmans is over in NJ on Route One near Princeton/West Windsor. About 20 minutes, but worth the trip!

You would get better responses if you mentioned your price range for houses and your needs with regard to school district. Our towns vary greatly.

[deadhead948]

There's a Wegmans in Warrington which isn't far at all from Doylestown.

[kimrocktherealtor]

The only two Wegmans in this general area are those mentioned above - I live in Yardley and it takes 15 minutes to get to Wegmans in Princeton if there is no traffic. If you live in Doylestown, you will have Wegmans in Warrington, which is about 10-15 minutes down 611, again depending on traffic.

Although.. I am sure you are not basing your move solely on Wegmans

As for resale value/school districts, you can't go wrong with anywhere in Central Bucks or Council Rock. So you are dead on when you state Doylestown or Newtown as possbilities. From how you describe yourselves, I think you might really enjoy Newtown, especially the area near the Boro.

[Susan F.]

too busy today---New Tripoli is on the Western end of Lehigh County-lots of farms, very pretty,friendly people, no downtown, very different from Coopersberg. Shopping in Whitehall or much of Allentown has become very dangerous--most of the incidents are not going to be in the Morning Call. Restaurants are plenty if you like fast food from chain stores.
We are going to Central Bucks with a broker to decide which area would be best for us.....

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by Susan F.

We have lived in the Western part of Lehigh County for the last 5 years and have decided that it is time to move for a variety of reasons. There are many fast food chain type restaurants here-very few good reasonable restaurants. The truck traffic has gotten much worse, as have traffic accidents. While the valley is very pretty and has scenic views, most of the locals are resentful of "outsiders". There is no downtown area. There are too many signs in another language.
We are both retired so although the quality of the school district is important for resale value it is not our prime reason for finding the right neighborhood for us. We want to be near to shopping-- especially a Wegmans!, good health care, and be able to walk with our dogs in our neighborhood, an upscale newer house-not with an association.
What towns should we consider?? We have heard that Newtown, Plumstead and maybe Doylestown would be good. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Doylestown and Plumsteadville are good choices....also Feasterville, if you like the country...or areas near New Hope...

Another very lovely serene area is Tinicum Township, right down the road from New Hope, extremely high end...and just quaint and quiet, along the Delaware River....

http://www.tinicumtownshipdelco.com/...p/history.html

New Hope
http://www.delawareandlehigh.org/ind...owns/new-hope/

has many interesting shops and resturants...you might want to take the time before you move and visit these areas...talk to people and perhaps even take weekend trips....

Skippack is a very lovely area...very nice area, but rural with a lot of upscale resturants and shopping near by. I frequent Skippack, New Hope and Doylestown and love them all, but as far as living, I'd choose, Skippack or Hunt

http://www.bestofskippack.com/

http://skippackrestaurants.com/

Good Luck, you must go visit these area before you decide.

[vjdesigns]

I grew up in Plumsteadville. It has a great small town feel to it. No Wegman's close by, but Doylestown is only 6 miles away. Country living. There is a Giant and WaWa and 2 small shopping centers.
I have lived in Doylestown also. I loved it. There is a lot of art,restaurants,the county seat,museums,etc. Always a lot going on. Doylestown is great because it is so close to everything. If you live in town you can walk to just about anything. Train station,etc. And the people are wonderful and friendly. I agree with the previous poster that you should probably take a weekend and check it out before you move. Also, it seems like everyone is always wallking their dog(s) there. Doylestown Hospital is there for healthcare and there is also The Wellness Center(?).