Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of the Delaware River, strolling down cobblestone streets lined with historic storefronts, sipping a latte at a cozy café, and ending your day with dinner overlooking the water—all while living just a short drive or train ride from New York City and Philadelphia.
Bucks County’s iconic Delaware River towns—Yardley, Washington Crossing, New Hope, and Lumberville—offer a lifestyle where history meets modern luxury, nature meets culture, and every day feels like a getaway.
From the artsy energy of New Hope to the storybook tranquility of Lumberville, each town has its own personality. Yet they all share a love of scenic beauty, rich history, vibrant dining, boutique shopping, and the beloved Delaware Canal Towpath, a 60-mile trail that connects them all.
Whether you’re looking for a historic home, a weekend retreat, or a family-friendly community, here’s why so many are falling in love with life along the Delaware.
Yardley: Riverfront Sophistication with Small-Town Warmth
Yardley delivers the best of Bucks County living—tree-lined streets, top-rated Pennsbury schools, and a walkable downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and riverside charm. Located just off I-95 and serviced by SEPTA Regional Rail, it’s perfect for commuters who want a calm escape at the end of the day.
Start your morning with a latte at Pretty Bird Coffee Roasters(@prettybirdcoffee) or a sweet treat from Naked Chocolate Café (@nakedchocolatecafe) before a stroll around Lake Afton. Brunch at Canal Street Grille is a favorite local ritual, and evenings are perfect for dinner at The Continental Tavern (@continental_tavern) (a historic gem serving guests since 1925) or Vault Brewing Company (@vaultbrewing), a craft brewery housed in a converted 19th-century bank.
Outdoors, Yardley offers kayaking, canoeing, and bass fishing along the Delaware River—all steps from your front door. It’s the ideal mix of suburban sophistication and riverside relaxation.
Washington Crossing: Where History Meets Nature
Few places allow you to literally walk in the footsteps of American history. Washington Crossing—famous as the site of George Washington’s daring 1776 crossing of the Delaware River—is a community which seamlessly blends past and present.
Enjoy a slow morning at Colonial Farms Gourmet Market & Café (@colonial_farms), known for its fresh pastries and artisan coffee, before exploring Washington Crossing Historic Park. Here, stone homes, rolling fields, and Revolutionary landmarks make every outing feel like stepping back in time.
Afterward, dine at the Washington Crossing Inn, where wide-plank floors, working fireplaces, and upscale American fare create a warm, historic setting. Francisco’s on The River (@franciscosontheriver) offers Italian cuisine with a water view.
Outdoor lovers can kayak, tube, or cycle along the towpath, while commuters appreciate the steel truss bridge to New Jersey, which offers easy access to Princeton and Trenton. Add in the Council Rock School District’s top ratings, and Washington Crossing becomes as practical as it is picturesque.
New Hope: The Cultural and Culinary Heartbeat
If Yardley is refined and Washington Crossing is steeped in history, New Hope is pure vibrancy and creativity. This buzzing riverfront town attracts artists, foodies, weekenders, and locals alike, thanks to its Main Street boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and thriving theater scene anchored by the Bucks County Playhouse.
Start your day with espresso at SkyRoast Coffee in The Ferry Market (@skyroaster) or Moo Hope Ice Cream & Coffee (yes, you can pair your latte with homemade ice cream). Spend the day exploring galleries, shopping, or strolling the riverside paths, then cap it off with dinner at Ferry + Main at The Logan Inn (@loganinnpa) (Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating inn), Oldestone Steakhouse (@oldestonesteakhouse), or Havana, where Latin-inspired cuisine comes alive with live music. Or perhaps Zoubi Restaurant (@ZoubiNewHope) or The Salt House (@thesalthousenewhope).
With wide sidewalks, historic streetlamps, and the Lambertville Bridge just steps away, New Hope offers a walkable, car-free lifestyle where you can dine, shop, and unwind—all in one place.
Lumberville: Quiet Luxury Along the Delaware
For those craving a peaceful riverfront retreat without sacrificing sophistication, Lumberville is Bucks County’s best-kept secret. Tucked along one of the most scenic stretches of the Delaware River, this tiny hamlet is perfect for buyers seeking privacy, space, and connection to nature.
Life here revolves around the historic Black Bass Hotel (@blackbasshotel) (dating back to 1745), where locals and visitors gather for cappuccinos, riverside lunches, and elevated dinners surrounded by British antiques and unparalleled river views. The Lumberville General Store (@lumbervillegeneralstore) is a local gem, offering the perfect rest stop to bikers and hikers on the towpath. It is a café, bakery, and deli, open for breakfast and lunch.
The Lumberville–Raven Rock Pedestrian Bridge, known to locals as “the foot bridge,” connects residents to miles of hiking and cycling trails in New Jersey, while deep, clear river waters invite kayaking, fishing, and even swimming in the warmer months. It’s a rare mix of tranquility, beauty, and convenience, with New Hope and Doylestown just a short drive away.
The Delaware Canal Towpath: 60 Miles of Beauty and Connection
All four towns share a defining feature: the Delaware Canal Towpath, a 60-mile, flat trail perfect for walking, running, cycling, and horseback riding. Along the way, you’ll find wildlife, wildflowers, and Revolutionary-era landmarks, creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that’s as healthy as it is historic.
For many residents, the towpath isn’t just a recreational perk—it’s a daily lifestyle ritual, connecting them to the region’s natural beauty year-round.
Why Bucks County River Towns Are So Desirable
· Proximity to New York City (90 minutes) and Philadelphia (under an hour)
· Top-rated school districts like New-Hope Solebury, Council Rock North, & Pennsbury
· Historic homes, equestrian estates, farms, modern condos, and luxury riverfront estates
· Vibrant dining, boutique shopping, and thriving arts scenes
· Year-round recreation from kayaking to festivals
Find Your Dream Home Along the Delaware
Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded estate in Lumberville, a vibrant condo in New Hope, or a historic farmhouse near the towpath, Bucks County’s Delaware River towns offer something for every lifestyle.
As a local real estate professional who knows every neighborhood, café, and river view, I can help you find the perfect property to match your vision.
Let’s explore life along the Delaware together. Contact Denise at 215.595.8256 to start your journey today.