Bensalem

Bensalem is a historic township and one of the most populous in Pennsylvania. Colonial and Revolutionary-era mansions and farms have ballooned into a vast residential and commercial area, featuring Neshaminy Mall, one of the first large malls ever built, and the only Buddhist Temple dedicated to high ceremonies in the United States. Elegant, stylized homes are a short distance from schools, parks and world-class attractions.

Here you’ll find a community of traditional suburban tracts intersected by commercial thoroughfares and major freeways. Two Southeastern Philadelphia Transport Authority lines run through the township, putting Center City Philadelphia an hour's train ride away, while city and suburban SEPTA buses transport passengers on several local routes. Single-family houses comprise most of Bensalem Township’s residential landscape, with a range of established and newer homes. Split-level and ranch-style houses are a common sight along Bensalem’s suburban streets. Both styles emphasize large floor plans, though split-level homes have a spacious second story stacked on top of the first, while ranch-style houses only have a single story. Owing to its Colonial and Revolutionary roots, Bensalem has several houses with Colonial-style touches, from the steep roofing of Dutch Colonials to the simple and broad profiles of Cape Cod and Colonial-revival houses. More contemporary houses mix and match features from various home styles, but most area homes feature large home lots with paved driveways, garages and plenty of yard space. Bensalem Township’s home prices range from $340,000 for smaller ranch-style houses to as much as $790,000 or more for contemporary or larger Colonial-style houses.

Public school students are served by Bensalem Township School District, beginning their academic journeys at primary schools like Russell C. Struble Elementary, which has a B-minus Niche rating and teaches from kindergarten through sixth grade. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions like Robert K. Shafer Middle and Bensalem Township High School. Both schools have a C-plus Niche rating or above, and the latter high school had almost $80 million in renovations, including a new performing arts center, library and new science labs.

Local and state parks provide spaces for locals to get active and connect with nature. Bring the kids to the Imagination Land Playground, right on the corner of Hulmeville and Byberry Road, featuring colorful playgrounds and grassy spaces for kids to run around. Bensalem Central Park includes soccer fields, walking paths, pavilions, snack stands and the Penn Community Bank Amphitheater in over 100 acres of green areas. Relax by the creek at Newport Park, with sprawling green spaces and walking trails. Neshaminy Creek access opens up the creek and the Delaware River to water sports enthusiasts. The Neshaminy State Park has over 339 acres of walking trails, picnic shelters and a swimming pool perfect for cooling off on hot days. Learn about regional history at the Andalusia Historic House, a sprawling Greek Revival mansion with a verdant arboretum and lush gardens, rumored to have been the site of Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment.

Browse through bustling commercial centers like Street Road Plaza before enjoying one of the several local restaurants scattered around the township. National retailers like Kohl’s offer a range of apparel, jewelry and home goods. Grocery stores like Giant will keep you stocked with fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and other household necessities. Enjoy a matinee at the AMC theater after browsing the shops at Neshaminy Mall. Restaurant chains like Texas Roadhouse are available in the mall and scattered elsewhere around the township. Eat out at local establishments like Curran’s Irish Inn, a friendly neighborhood pub offering award-winning wings and a large assortment of comfort and pub fare. Enjoy live music and a meal at Eddington House, a family-friendly establishment serving up familiar American fare.

Come home to your piece of Historic Pennsylvania in Bensalem.

Written By

Ian Burke

Photography Contributed By

Mitchell Birnbaum

Video By

Jacob Cardwell