Bensalem (Philadelphia, Croydon, Cornwall: real estate, apartment complexes, rental)

[Rosanne]

How is the Bensalem area? Since I don't have children, I don't need any information on school districts. I'm just wondering if it's a safe area and what kind of price I can expect for a 4 bedroom home there, and also if the property taxes are high. I have a relative that was wondering. Thanks much for any information you can give me.

[TracySam]

In my experience, Bensalem can range from nice areas to areas that are a little "shaky."
It is worse the closer you are to Street Rd or Northeast Philly.
There are some decent developments with bigger houses.

Bensalem, is, however, located in an incredibly convenient area.

[twinmma]

Personally I didn't like living in Bensalem so after a year we moved to Newtown. I just found it to be a little dirty/old for my taste and there seemed to be a lot of riff-raff around. SOmetimes people call Bensalem Neshaminy as well. There are some decent areas, but if it were me I would look in other areas. Newtown and Yardley are very nice in Bucks County but have the price tags to show for it. There are some nice parts to Langhorne which is just the next town over from Bensalem. I would stay away from Penndel. (Just my opinion mind you)

[bryson662001]

Bensalem is large and diverse with a little bit of everything. I don't know of any areas that are really bad. There are a lot of rental apartment complexes and a sizable Indian community. There are also areas of expensive, large houses as well.

[loose cannon]

I would try Yardley if you are able to. Bensalem is full of kids heavily influenced by gangster, and urban, culture as a result of being close to the City.

[ajb842]

I have spent a lot of time in the Bensalem area with different friends/boyfriends over the course of my life, and I have to say, as with almost any area in the Philadelphia area, there are good and bad parts. In general, I don't think this is a bad area, and you might be surprised at some of the newer construction and the developments in the area. Since you don't have kids and the schools aren't very important to you, I would check it out. The real estate taxes appear to be relatively low, or at least reasonable(2800-4000K). I would drive through different sections and see how you feel. I remember having friends who lived in beautiful neighborhoods that were quiet and well kept, and I've driven in areas that looked very rundown. There are many teens which you might find at the Neshaminy mall or the movies, but the mall itself is nice and safe. I would feel comfortable there. Just find someone who is familiar with the area and drive around because I know there are nice sections. I must say though, it is not quite as cheap as maybe it used to be or you might think it would be.

[BernieWoodforddotcom]

You'll be in the high $100s to low-mid $200k for an average single family home with 3 bedrooms in an older neighborhood. New construction goes for $400-600k+ depending on the size of the property. I sell RE for a living and grew up in lower bucks county.

[judd2401]

I lived in Bensalem for 10 years in the Cornwall Heights section. I moved there because the realtor said it was one of the last neighborhoods in Bucks Co that would realize significant appreciation and I made some money when I sold as the area "came up" during the 10 years I lived there. I lived in an older neighborhood with residents who had lived there all their lives, they're all gone now and I doubt the cohesion exists as it once did. Crime can be tricky there because people cross the Phila City line, commit crimes, then jump back over into Phila outside of Bensalem's jurisdiction. Also the racetrack brings in a gambling crowd. Having said that, I've been back to visit many times and it has everything you could possibly want, including a high speed rail [well sort of] into center city Phila in close by Croydon, which I used a lot to get around, and in this day of congestion and gas, that is a nice feature. It has a diverse population but more affordable than other upper crusty towns mentioned above. I would consider the old main line up the other side of Phila, there is a lot of solid older neighborhoods that are along train lines into Phila, that are established, less diverse, and safer. Anyone considering a move into Phila should consider access to the train lines if planning to be a frequent visitor of center city Phila. For such a big city, the access in and out is very inadequate by car. Good luck with your decision.

[Rosanne]

Thanks everyone for all your input. It's much appreciated.

[benjie_41461]

hi i'm from manila, philippines?

i'm planning to go to philadelphia by 2nd week of mar 2008 and will be looking for someone. This is my first time in america and philadelphia for that matter. I will first be spending a week prior to that in new york cit then to philadelphia.

I'm to going CREAMERY "ROAD, BENSALEM" AND ALSO IN "ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD 19152". Can anyone please help and give idea about these places? their distances, time travel, transportation, hotels, etc. i intend to be in these places for two days only.

Will appreciate help. thanks and happy new year