Doylestown Opinions (New Hope: real estate, mortgage, schools)

[RedPlate]

I'm thinking of relocating to Bucks County and was hoping to get some opinions on Doylestown and what it's like to live there. What are the pros and cons? I also have two young children, so info and opinions regarding the quality of the schools would be great. We're a bit concerned about the size of the school, which is why we're also considering New Hope for the smaller school. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Angus215]

Originally Posted by RedPlate

I'm thinking of relocating to Bucks County and was hoping to get some opinions on Doylestown and what it's like to live there. What are the pros and cons? I also have two young children, so info and opinions regarding the quality of the schools would be great. We're a bit concerned about the size of the school, which is why we're also considering New Hope for the smaller school. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your responses.

It's a great town and the schools are great. While it's a huge district, don't know that the individual schools are particularly big. The downside is that it is very remote location-wise, and far from Center City.

[thunderkat59]

I lived in Doylestown in the 80's rehabbing an old victorian on States St. I loved Doylestown !! Going back later, like everywhere else, it got pretty (over)developed, but still maintains its charm. The traffic on 611 is brutal, but you can get the train right in town. The schools are probably some of the best in PA, lots of shopping close by is you like that, but the best thing for me was it is just a nice place with lots of gorgeous old architecture, plenty of local artists and musicians. Of all the places you are looking for info on, I believe Doylestown is the one where anyone could move to and most likely find a lot to like about it. Winters are kind of undesirable and PA has a scammish auto inspection system, but thats pretty minor stuff.
Bucks County in the Fall is spectacular!

[RedPlate]

Originally Posted by thunderkat59

I lived in Doylestown in the 80's rehabbing an old victorian on States St. I loved Doylestown !! Going back later, like everywhere else, it got pretty (over)developed, but still maintains its charm. The traffic on 611 is brutal, but you can get the train right in town. The schools are probably some of the best in PA, lots of shopping close by is you like that, but the best thing for me was it is just a nice place with lots of gorgeous old architecture, plenty of local artists and musicians. Of all the places you are looking for info on, I believe Doylestown is the one where anyone could move to and most likely find a lot to like about it. Winters are kind of undesirable and PA has a scammish auto inspection system, but thats pretty minor stuff.
Bucks County in the Fall is spectacular!

Yes, finally got it right!!!..lol. Sounds like my kind of place. Thanks again for all your help. Now lets just hope the mortgage regulations don't get too crazy!!!!

[Duderino]

Yes, if you want to live in/near a Norman Rockwell-type town with desirable schools and great amenities, then Doylestown is right up your alley. Of course, it has the real estate prices to go along with it.

As Angus215 noted, Doylestown is in a more exurban/semi-rural part of the Philly area, but it does have commuter rail access, which is very handy.

Good luck!