Nockamixon Township blends historic character and natural scenery
Nockamixon Township is a quiet community in southeastern Pennsylvania that is ideal for homebuyers who want to be near the metro areas without being in the cities. “It is more rural in Upper Bucks County than in Central Bucks County. So there’s more open land, less traffic, very little crime and lots of recreational things,” says John Suchy, an associate broker at Coldwell Banker Hearthside with over 15 years of experience. The community borders the Delaware River to the north and Lake Nockamixon to the south, providing easy access to water sports and other activities like hiking and camping. Suchy adds that the township has lower property taxes than surrounding areas, making it a popular home for people who work for companies across the state line in New Jersey.
Centuries of housing styles in rural Pennsylvania
Homes in Nockamixon Township cover a range of styles. “It varies. We have cottages and historical homes built in the 1700s and 1800s, like stone farmhouses. We have contemporary homes,” Suchy says. “We do not have developments. We don’t have tract homes.” In addition to the century-old styles, buyers can find postwar ranch-style homes throughout the township. While there are no subdivisions, Suchy says it is possible to buy a vacant lot and build a new home on it. Most properties are spacious, and some can reach up to 90 acres. The streets in this rural community wind through fields and dense forests. Wooded lots often shield the homes from the street, offering a secluded feeling. Because of the rural setting, there is no public water; all properties have private wells and septic systems. Homes on lots under 10 acres can cost between $240,000 and $720,000, with some outliers on either end. Larger properties over 10 acres range from $2 million to $2.25 million.
Lakes, trails and parks offer plenty of recreation
The countryside in Nockamixon Township gives residents plenty of recreation options. Nockamixon State Park covers over 5,200 acres and is centered around Lake Nockamixon. The lake has several boat ramps, a marina and a fishing pier. Visitors can play a round on the 18-hole disc golf course or take a dip in the park’s pool during the summer. Hiking and biking trails wind through the woods along the lake. The D&L Trail is a multi-use trail along the Delaware River, open to hikers and cyclists, with some areas for horses and snowmobiles. There is parking for the trail at multiple locations nearby, including the Durham Aqueduct and Tinicum Park. Ringing Rocks Park is a natural area with hiking trails and a waterfall. The main attraction here is a field of boulders that make a ringing sound when struck with a hammer.
Colonial-era pubs and restaurants dot the countryside
For a rural community, Nockamixon Township has several dining options. The Narrows is a restaurant and bar housed in a building that dates back to 1812. It is known for its historic setting and pub fare like fish and chips. The restaurant is across the street from the D&L Trail, with a footbridge leading to the path. Owowcow Creamery is an ice cream shop on Durham Road that uses local ingredients to create flavors like honey lavender and cashew caramel. A drive outside the township leads to storied fine dining spots like Golden Pheasant Inn and Black Bass Hotel. Black Bass has been open since the 1700s and is known for turning away George Washington, as the innkeeper was loyal to the British Crown. Groceries are available at Kimberton Whole Foods on Durham Road. There is also a CVS nearby. The nearby borough of Quakertown has more big-box stores.
Highly rated Palisades School District preps students for the future
Students might attend Durham Nockamixon Elementary School, which earns an A from Niche. Palisades Middle School and Palisades High School each receive a B-plus. The high school has been recognized in U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best High Schools each year from 2020 to 2024. Pennsylvania School Boards Association also designates Palisades as a Great Pennsylvania School. Students score higher on the SATs than the statewide average, and 83% of students taking AP exams scored a three or higher. Palisades offers seven career pathways, including business, education and medical. Families can apply for interdistrict or intradistrict transfers, but placement is based on available space and administration approval.
Larger cities nearby offer health care and an airport
State Route 611 is the main highway through the township, offering a north-south route. The closest point to cross the New Jersey state line is in the village of Upper Black Eddy, about 8 miles away. The closest hospital is St. Luke’s Hospital—Upper Bucks Campus, about 17 miles away in Quakertown . Allentown , the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, is about 22 miles away and has the closest airport.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
