Riegelsville is a small Pennsylvania town with a historic setting
The first thing drivers see when they cross the bridge into Riegelsville is an early 1800s inn and restaurant that embodies the spirit of this small borough. “I love the historic charm of the town. That was really important to me when I was looking for a home,” says Meredith Campbell, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker and Riegelsville resident. “It’s a very peaceful town. Even if it’s raining, there’s a sense of peace throughout the town every day.” Riegelsville is on the Delaware River bordering New Jersey. It’s close to Allentown and within commuting distance of New York and Philadelphia . While residents might spend their days working in larger cities, they come home to a quiet town with locally owned businesses, historic buildings and neighbors that care about one another.
Colonial-era homes to midcentury houses
Colonials and Victorians make up most of the housing in Riegelsville. Many homes have wood siding and front porches, while others feature stone exteriors. Houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s are common throughout the borough, with some dating as far back as the 1780s. Other options include mid-20th-century ranch-style homes. The suburban community has properties close together and sidewalks lining the streets. Most homes in the area cost between $290,000 and $590,000. According to data from First Street, much of the area near the river is at risk of flooding. The borough’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Historic taverns and casual general stores offer local dining
For a small town, Riegelsville has a variety of locally owned restaurants. “The most popular would be the Riegelsville Inn. It’s facing the Delaware River right by the bridge. It was built in 1838 and has been a functioning inn ever since,” Campbell says. The restaurant was opened by the town’s founder, Benjamin Riegel, and today is known for its upscale American fare and weekend brunch. Campbell also recommends pizza from Borderline Café. Mueller’s General Store and Kitchen serves sandwiches and sells some groceries, but a full haul requires a drive north to Easton or south to Quakertown . Businesses in town include convenience stores, a tackle shop and an antique store.
River, trails and parks provide recreation options
The location on the Delaware River offers plenty of recreation. The New Jersey side of the river has a fishing access point and boat ramp where residents can put in kayaks or motorboats. Several companies in the area operate guided tubing and kayaking trips down the river. The D&L Trail is a 144-mile path following the Delaware Canal, open to hikers, bikers, horses and snowmobiles. It’s accessible from a trailhead on Durham Road in the heart of town. The Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary has 200 acres of preserved woodlands and several hiking trails just north of the community. Visitors can see wildlife and enjoy a scenic overlook of the Delaware River. Riegelsville Boro Park has baseball fields, a playground and a picnic shelter on Wayside Way.
Highly rated Palisades schools prepare students for the future
Springfield Elementary School gets an A-minus from Niche and is about 9 miles away. Palisades Middle School and Palisades High School each earn a B-plus and are 6 miles away. High schoolers can choose from a college preparatory or vocational technical course of study. Students earn higher average SAT scores than the statewide average, and 83% of students taking AP exams score a three or higher. The district does not offer open enrollment, but families can apply for out-of-district transfers based on space and administrative approval.
Neighbors come together for annual, monthly and weekly events
Several events in the borough bring residents together. The library hosts weekly storytimes, plus adult book clubs and used book sales each month. The Fall Roll Out Car Show takes place in November and features vintage and antique cars, a flea market and vendors. The borough and local nonprofits host regular clean-up events to keep the parks and river litter-free. Local churches frequently put on other events like bake sales and plant sales.
Commuting options include state highways and nearby Interstates
State Route 611 is the main highway through Riegelsville, leading about 10 miles north to Easton. Allentown is about 20 miles away and has the closest airport. Some commuters make the 71-mile drive to New York via Interstate 78, while others drive 63 miles to Philadelphia via I-476. The nearest hospital is St. Luke’s Hospital-Easton Campus, about 9 miles away.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
