Locals and out-of-staters head to Tinicum for a remote atmosphere
An uptick in traffic in Central Bucks County motivated John Suchy to move to Tinicum more than 30 years ago, when he was seeking the quiet, remote lifestyle offered by this Pennsylvania township along the Delaware River. This is the same reason many people buy homes in Tinicum today, though the traffic they’re leaving behind is usually the gridlock of New York City and Philadelphia, says Suchy, today a manager and broker of Coldwell Banker Hearthside’s Tinicum office. For example, Suchy recently warned a client moving from New York of the occasional traffic on the bridge that straddles the Delaware River and connects Tinicum to New Jersey. “He said, ‘John, this isn’t traffic. Come to Manhattan, and I’ll show you traffic,’” Suchy says. Tinicum’s hills, valleys and nearly 10 miles of riverfront bring in buyers from these bigger cities. Some buy second homes to spend their weekends in the countryside, while others become full-time residents and make the 90-minute commute to Manhattan or Philadelphia. These new homebuyers join the families who have called Tinicum home for generations, working as farmers, plumbers and small business owners.
Colonial Houses sit on larges acreage in Tinicum.
Tinicum residents celebrate the holidays at Enchanted Evenings at Peddler’s Village every December.
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Houses spread across the countryside on large lots
Despite the region’s growing popularity with Philadelphians and New Yorkers, the pace of development has been tempered by the lack of public water and sewer systems. “That keeps the big builders out,” says Suchy, also a local representative for home design firm Lindal Homes. “They don’t want to build big developments in the area, though we have one or two.” When homebuilders do bring new houses to Tinicum, those houses are usually built on spacious properties big enough to fit a septic tank. The median lot size is about 3 acres, but some properties encompass more than 20. Many houses are priced between $350,000 and $650,000, but large homes, particularly those on the river, are more likely to cost between $700,000 and $3.5 million. “If you have one of those houses [on the river], you’re facing east, so you get to see the sunrise,” Suchy says.
Some homes along the Delaware River are in flood zones, and homeowners in these zones may be required to buy flood insurance. Tinicum hasn’t experienced major flooding recently, though flash floods hit another part of the county in 2023, killing seven people. When it comes to crime, the CAP Index crime score for the township is 1 out of 10, much lower than the U.S. average of 4.
Most of the homes in Tinicum are on very large lots and have a body of water nearby.
Victorian homes on large lots are also common site in Tinicum.
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Hiking, paddling and boating along rivers and creeks
A combination of parks, trails and river access points creates a robust recreation scene. The township oversees Tinicum Park, where open fields welcome disc golf players and, on occasion, Tinicum Park Polo Club players on horseback. “I see trucks going past my office,” Suchy says. “I’m like, ‘Where are they going with these 40-foot-long horse trailers?’ It’s to the polo matches.” For water-based recreation, boaters can launch their vessels from Tinicum Park and fish or cruise the Delaware River.
To the south, Tohickon Valley Park draws people looking to fish Tohickon Creek and campers aiming to spend a night along the bank. The creek’s gentle flow churns into rapids in March and November, attracting whitewater paddlers, while the park’s swimming pool is open to members from Memorial Day to Labor Day. More than 10 miles of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor trail follow the Delaware River through Tinicum; the entire trail spans 165 miles through eastern Pennsylvania.
You can take a peaceful stroll along most of the Deleware in Tinicum.
You can launch a boat right into the Delaware River in Tinicum.
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Grocery store and ice cream shop source from local farmers
Most nearby businesses line Pennsylvania Route 611 on Tinicum’s west end. That includes Kimberton Whole Foods, a local grocery chain sourcing products from 200 farmers, bakers and other producers in the Philadelphia area. Less than a mile up the road, Owowcow Creamery takes a similar approach, making ice cream from local honey, eggs, cream and milk. Across the Delaware River from Tinicum, cafes and restaurants line Bridge Street in the small waterside borough of Frenchtown. One of the more popular options there is The Golden Pheasant Inn, a Victorian-era stone tavern where diners are treated to French cuisine while overlooking the river.
You can find the freshet organic produce in Tinicum at Kimberton Whole Foods.
Ow Wow Cow Creamery is making homemade ice cream in Tinicum.
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Elementary school earns national recognition
Tinicum Elementary School near the middle of the township receives a B-plus grade from Niche. In 2021, Tinicum Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School, a U.S. Department of Education program that honors the nation’s highest-achieving schools when it comes to academics. After fifth grade, students can go to Palisades Middle School and Palisades High School, two B-plus-rated schools located 5 miles northwest of Tinicum.
Palisades Middle School on Tinucum serves 333 students in grades 6-8.
Student start their education at Tinicum Elementary.
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Arts festival funds historic preservation
In July, more than 130 artists come to Tinicum Park to display their works under the trees or in a cavernous red barn for the Tinicum Arts Festival. Live acts ranging from bluegrass bands to jazz quartets play at the festival, which raises money to preserve the nearly 200-year-old Stover Mill downriver from the park.
Locals can celebrate New Hope Pridefest 15 minutes down the river from Tinicum.
Summer in Sand is an annual show featuring ornate sculptures near Tinicum.
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Churches have long histories in Tinicum
Several churches are spread throughout the township, where many of the congregations have been active for more than 150 years. Tinicum United Church of Christ traces its roots to the 1780s, and membershave gathered in its current red brick building since 1908. The congregation supports many local causes, including Bucks County Food Runners. The nonprofit uses excess food donated by restaurants to stock a food pantry.
Tinicum is a small rural town about an hour north of Philadelphia.
Tinicum United Church of Christ has been in the are since the 1800's
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Commuting to New York, Philadelphia
Tinicum’s rural landscape makes it a car-dependent area. Route 611 extends north to south through the community, while the closest interstates are located outside of the township. It’s about 70 miles to New York City and roughly 50 miles to Philadelphia.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
Vincent Mauriello
Video By
Edward Pokoj
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