Upper Makefield offers quiet living near small towns and major cities
With its scenic countryside, highly rated schools and rich history, Upper Makefield is a Pennsylvania township that offers a peaceful respite from nearby cities. “I’ve lived in this area, been relocated out of the area and been relocated back in, and there’s really no place like it,” says Mary Ann O'Keeffe , a Realtor with Keller Williams Real Estate with almost 20 years of experience. “It’s very countrylike, but you are within an hour of two major cities: New York and Philadelphia .” There are also several smaller towns nearby, including New Hope and Washington Crossing, which is where George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the American Revolution. Princeton , home to Princeton University and several pharmaceutical companies, is a short drive away.
Spacious homes with colonial designs in a semi-rural landscape
Open spaces, rolling hills and curving streets that end in cul-de-sacs create a blend of suburban and rural atmospheres. The houses here typically sit far back from the street on lots that are over an acre. Most homes are New Traditional designs with colonial and Craftsman influences, mostly built from the 1970s through the 1990s. Buyers can also find Colonial houses from the mid-1700s and contemporary custom homes inspired by these historic properties.
Prices vary widely and are largely determined by size. Fixer-uppers and houses under 3,000 square feet can range from $400,000 to $900,000, while those up to 5,000 square feet can cost between $900,000 and $1.6 million. Houses with up to 10,000 square feet range from $1.6 million to $2.9 million, and larger homes can go for $2.9 million to $6.9 million. Townhouses, some of which are in 55-plus communities, can cost between $440,000 and $1.1 million. “It's extremely competitive,” O’Keeffe says. “We have a lot of industry between the two cities and Princeton, so it’s a desirable location to relocate to.” Properties near the Delaware River are at risk of flooding and might require flood insurance.
Council Rock schools are highly rated
Kids can attend schools in the Council Rock School District, which earns an overall rating of A from Niche. They can start at Sol Feinstone Elementary and then go to Newtown Middle; both earn A ratings. At the A-rated Council Rock High School North, students can join over 90 clubs and extracurricular activities, including the marching band and color guard, which won the US Bands Group IIA National Championship in 2025.
Restaurants and shopping in Washington Crossing and nearby towns
Several nearby communities have restaurants and walkable downtowns. The Washington Crossing Inn leans into Upper Makefield’s historic feel, serving upscale meals and afternoon tea in a preserved home from the early 1800s. In New Hope, The Dubliner on the Delaware serves Irish cuisine and has regular live music, and the downtown area has locally owned boutiques and specialty stores. In Newtown, the Newtown Farmers Market features Amish vendors and locally sourced groceries. “Newtown is the home of the pre-colonial original county seats, so it has a quaint, walkable downtown and an Americana feel,” says Jay Spaziano , a Realtor in Bucks County who owns Jay Spaziano Real Estate. Nearby grocery stores include McCaffrey’s Food Markets and Acme Markets.
Access to Philadelphia, New York and nearby amenities
Commuters can drive the 34 miles to Philadelphia by taking back roads to Interstate 295 and then getting on Interstate 95. The interstates also provide a route to New York City, around 78 miles away. The Yardley Station, located 8 miles away, is on the West Trenton Line and offers a train route to Philadelphia that takes around an hour. The Trenton Transit Center, 13 miles away, offers several train lines to Penn Station in Manhattan , with some taking under an hour.
Princeton is around 21 miles away via I-295 and U.S. Route 206. The small towns of New Hope, Newtown and Yardley are all within 7 miles. Houses of worship here include The Crossing and Grace Point. St. Mary Medical Center, the closest hospital, is 8 miles away, and Trenton-Mercer Airport is a 9-mile trip.
River access, trails and a golf course offer ways to stay active
The Delaware River borders the community, and boaters can get out on the water from the Washington's Crossing Boat Launch. Delaware Canal State Park runs parallel to the river, and its 59-mile Towpath Trail is popular for biking and walking. Nearby, the over 1,700-acre Tyler State Park has more trails that are used for hiking and horseback riding; the park also has a playground and a 36-hole disc golf course. For traditional golf, the private Jericho National Golf Club has an 18-hole championship course. According to O’Keeffe, Jersey Shore beach communities like Belmar are about an hour’s drive away.
Historic park draws crowds for annual December reenactments
Washington Crossing Historic Park preserves the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the American Revolution, an iconic moment that was enshrined in a famous painting by Emanuel Leutze. The park features a historic village, exhibits and a visitor center. Each December, the park hosts two reenactments of the crossing that can attract thousands of spectators and hundreds of reenactors.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
