The Bristol Township community frames Levittown
Bristol Township is split into two sections by the census-designated place of Levittown, offering residential living in both areas of the southeastern Pennsylvania community. Established in 1692, the township surrounds the borough of Bristol, one of the oldest communities in the state. A $500,000 grant in 2017 helped revitalize the borough’s downtown, while Bristol Township offers convenience to the bustling strip near the river. “They took the downtown section, right on the water, and they redid all of that,” says Dan Spirer, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors. “That was really the beginning of the resurgence of Bristol. It really changed the whole town and really helped everything.” The almost entirely residential northern section is complemented by a southern segment cut through by multiple highways, which provide convenient access to Philadelphia, less than 25 miles away.
Bristol Township offers single-family architectural variety
The upper side of Bristol Township comprises single-family homes, many of them ranch- and colonial-style properties. Most homes there cost between $300,000 and $500,000. The lower section also offers primarily single-family homes, but some townhouses are located here as well. Single-family properties in the southern section range from about $320,000 to $600,000, and include ranch-style homes, Cape Cods, colonial-style homes and split-levels. Townhouses typically cost between $370,000 and $440,000.
Truman High School receives STEM accolades
Community students are served by the Bristol Township School District, which garners a C-minus rating from Niche. Mill Creek Elementary School receives a C, while Benjamin Franklin Middle School scores a C-minus. Harry S. Truman High School earns a B-minus. After the 2023-24 school year, Truman High was recognized as a Project Lead the Way Distinguished School, earning the honor for its efforts in promoting career readiness and STEM programs.
Dining options in both sections of Bristol Township
Diners can find several restaurants in the northern section of Bristol Township. Hing Wah Restaurant and Adriatic Pizza serve international fare along New Falls Road. Sports fans catch games at Stadium Bar & Grill, while Piazza’s Bakery sits just outside the northeast corner of the township. Shoppers have access to ACME Markets, Aldi and Walmart in Levittown.
In southern Bristol Township, the King George II Inn has been serving patrons since the late 1600s. “The King George II Inn is a really fun place,” Spirer says, adding that people head there before or after a show at the nearby Bristol Riverside Theatre. “It’s a huge attraction for people. They’ll bus them in and people come from all over.” Residents can get drinks at Second Sin Brewing Company or Broad Street Brewing, while Georgine’s is a nearly-50-year-old establishment. “Georgine’s is one of these really cool, old restaurants,” Spirer says. “It hasn’t been remodeled since the 1970s. It’s a really interesting and fun spot.” Other options include German fare at the Newportville Inn and comfort food at the Pines Tavern.
Drivers can hit the road to Philadelphia or Trenton
Bristol Township offers convenient travel to nearby cities. The Pennsylvania Turnpike runs east-west through the southern section, linking with Interstates 95 and 295 on the west side. Pennsylvania Route 413 passes through the township as well. Center City Philadelphia is just over 20 miles southwest from central Bristol Township, while Trenton is less than 20 miles away across the Delaware River. “It’s definitely commuters,” Spirer says of the typical residents here. “You’re right on the water, so it gets you over to New Jersey or to downtown Philadelphia in probably 35 to 40 minutes .”
SEPTA buses make stops along Route 413. St. Mary Medical Center is around 10 miles . Air travelers can head to Philadelphia International Airport, over 30 miles south. The Keystone Industrial Park, a former major employer of the area that sits near the interchanges of 276 and the interstates, is currently under renovation.
Municipal parks are available to Bristol Township locals
The northern section of Bristol Township is occupied in part by Queen Anne Park, which offers undeveloped, wooded areas and baseball fields. Sports fields also surround two schools in the area. Locals can take part in programs at the Fairless Hills YMCA. In the southern section of the township, Silver Lake Nature Center spans over 260 acres and is the largest space in the community. Beside it, the 175-acre Delhaas Woods offers trails and historic ruins, while the rest of the nature center also has trails and educational programs. Magnolia Lake is a favorite spot for fishing. Just south, Bristol Township Municipal Park has Little League fields, an amphitheater and a multi-purpose field.
Cultural and holiday celebrations throughout the year
Bristol Township Municipal Park’s amphitheater is the site of annual events like a Halloween Movie Night and a summer concert series. The community also kicks off the Christmas season in late November with a holiday parade. The Puerto Rican Day Festival is a summertime celebration at the Bristol Wharf with live music, vendors and activities, while the Italian Day Festival in early fall also offers music, local crafts and more.
