The Moving to Bucks County Guide provides valuable resources for families moving to Doylestown. From top-rated schools to vibrant downtown spots, this borough maintains a small-town feel. 

Get ready to feel right at home in this charming Philly suburb.

Is Doylestown, PA, a Good Place to Live?

The county seat of Bucks provides various housing options, from historic homes to modern developments. Families benefit from the award-winning Central Bucks School District and reasonable commute to New York or Philadelphia. 

Residents feel a strong sense of belonging through community resources like Doylestown parenting support groups.

Doylestown Real Estate and Housing

Moving to Doylestown offers diverse housing options, from historic homes to modern developments, catering to various buyer preferences. The town’s housing market is thriving, with median home prices rising to $850,000, according to a 2025 report.

The higher-than-average cost of living ranking in Bucks County can be mainly attributed to the cost of housing. The increased cost of living reflects the county’s reputation as an attractive place to live, work, and raise kids.

Doylestown School System

Doylestown is home to the Central Bucks School District. It’s the third-largest school district in Pennsylvania and boasts a 99 percent graduation rate. Students don’t lack for ways to get involved, with over 280 extracurricular activity options. 

The Bucks County Education Guide can help families navigate the wide range of public, private, and charter schools in Bucks County.

Doylestown Parks and Recreation

One of the perks of a move to Doylestown is the well-kept park. Doylestown Central Park (426 Wells Rd.) features basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, walking trails, and an amphitheater.

Kids love the Kids Castle playground. It’s a magical structure with fun places to play, including a drawbridge, treehouse, and rocketship. The fenced-in playground gives children room to (safely) run.

The U.S. 202 Parkway Trail offers bikers and runners an 8.4-mile paved path connecting Doylestown to surrounding areas. Nearby, Peace Valley Park provides over 1,500 acres of recreational opportunities, including some of the best Bucks County Hiking Trails. 

What’s It Like to Live in Doylestown?

Doylestown is steeped in history and culture, with numerous familiar and unusual sites to explore. If you live in the borough, simply walk out the door. Doylestown is walker-friendly with cool and unusual attractions.

Doylestown Art and Culture

Families interested in art and culture will find a treasure trove of options. History buffs could get involved in one of the cool attractions after moving to Doylestown. The James A. Michener Art Museum (138 S. Pine St.) provides contemporary art exhibitions. 

The Mercer Museum (84 S. Pine St.) offers a glimpse into early American life. Artifacts include the 2,000-year-old whale oil lantern and 6,000- to 8,000-year-old Native American implements.

Another highlight is Fonthill Castle (84 S. Pine St.), the former home of Henry Chapman Mercer. Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of “Castle for the New World,” a poured, reinforced concrete structure. 

Don’t miss the Doylestown Arts Festival. The annual two-day event is a community favorite. It’s a celebration of local artists with music and food. 

Doylestown History

Doylestown owes its fame to several key historical and cultural developments. In 1745, William Doyle opened a tavern at a strategic crossroads. The area quickly evolved into a bustling village.

In the early 19th century, Doylestown became the county seat of Bucks County. This designation spurred growth and development as people continued moving to Doylestown. Additionally, the town gained further worldwide prominence through the visionary works of Henry Chapman Mercer. 

Fans of Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck can take a tour of The Pearl S. Buck House (520 Dublin Rd.). View the typewriter she used to write “The Good Earth.”

The Doylestown Historical Society (56 S. Main St.) offers public programs and exhibits that help preserve and share the town’s history. Browse through the local history collection, including real estate and items from the schools of Bucks County. History enthusiasts enjoy the Bucks County Civil War Museum’ (32 N. Broad St.). Explore educational programs and events focusing on the Civil War.

Doylestown Shopping

Doylestown consignment shops, unique boutiques and local stores offer a mix of shopping opportunties. From a toy store to an independent bookstore and everything in between, shoppers have options. Living in Bucks County makes it easy to shop ‘til you drop. 

On Saturdays from April through November, families can grab fresh produce from the Doylestown Farmers’ Market (2-50 S. Hamilton St.). It is the longest-running farmer’s market in Bucks County.

Park in metered spots and the public parking lots. It’s free to park in those areas after 5 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday, according to the Borough.

What’s It Like to Live in Doylestown with Kids?

Moving to Doylestown offers an abundance of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Hellerick’s Family Farm (5500 Easton Rd.) invites thrill seekers to try one of 9 ziplines, 21 obstacles, and a free-fall at their Ariel Adventure. 

Main Street Sport & Social (22 S Main St.) offers golf simulators to work on that golf swing all year. Look for duckpin bowling and consider joining a league. Try the indoor 9-hole mini golf course for date night or family time. 

Look for a Bucks County indoor play place for things to do with kids. Keep the fun going strong regardless of the weather. 

Does Doylestown Have a Downtown?

Doylestown boasts a highly walker-friendly downtown area. Families can explore a variety of family-friendly restaurants and unique shops that line its downtown streets. Seek out a Bucks County family-friendly brewery for more area fun.

The Doylestown Historic District is worth a visit. More than 90 percent of the buildings feature architecture before the 1930s, suggested Living Places. It’s the home of the Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle, and the James A. Michener Art Museum. 

The downtown hosts various events, including art festivals, farmers’ markets, and seasonal celebrations. Keep tabs on Bucks County events to get a sense of living in Doylestown.

What Made Doylestown, PA, Famous?

Although Mercer Museum and Fonthill Mansion receive tens of thousands of visitors worldwide yearly, a real estate sale sparked increased attention. Rumors swirled after the 2024 purchase of a 12,791-square-foot house on 97 acres of Bucks County land. News of a celebrity moving to Doylestown caused a sensation.

Did Taylor Swift move to Bucks County? Unfortunately, no.

However, Doylestown has been home to many notable people and celebrities. From Miss America 2020 (Camille Schrier) to visual artist pioneer (Dwinell Grant), this list includes:

• Stephen Bainbridge
• Sarah Blakeslee
• Washington Atlee Burpee
• Justin Guarini
• Margaret Mead
• James A. Michener
• Pink (Alecia Beth Moore-Hart)
• Stephen Sondheim

Wander the streets of Doylestown and perhaps glimpse a celebrity in the process.

Living in Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Doylestown truly offers something for every member of the family. See why people keep moving to Doylestown. Explore its rich history, enjoy a delicious meal, and participate in community events. It’s a wonderful place to live, work, play, and raise a family. 

Discover more tips and advice for growing and raising your family in the Bucks County Parent Moving to Bucks County Guide

Photos courtesy of Visit Bucks.