Whether you’re planning a move to Bucks County or just curious about one of its most beloved towns, Doylestown is worth getting to know. This charming borough has it all — top-rated schools, walkable streets, rich history, and a community that makes newcomers feel at home right away.

Read on for a neighborhood tour of everything that makes Doylestown such a special place to live and explore.

Is Doylestown a Good Place to Live?

Doylestown, the county seat of Bucks County, boasts an interesting and walkable downtown that draws residents and visitors alike for shopping, dining, and hanging out. Families love the award-winning Central Bucks School District, with a 99% graduation rate and abundant extracurriculars. Additionally, a manageable commute to Philadelphia or New York makes it ideal for working parents, as well as day trips to the cities.

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 $894,450, according to a 2026 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 (425 Wells Road) features basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, walking trails, and an amphitheater.

Within the park, you’ll find Kids Castle (425 Wells Road) 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 Doylestown Township Parks & Recreation also offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year, providing programs and events for residents of all ages to enjoy.

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. 

Doylestown Art and Culture

Doylestown is steeped in history, art, 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 numerous, interesting attractions.

Discover the regional collection, special exhibits and kid-friendly programming at the Michener Art Museum (138 S. Pine Street).

Wander the astounding collection at the Mercer Museum (84 S. Pine Street) for 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.

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

Add the Doylestown Arts Festival (downtown Doylestown) to your calendar, an annual two-day event in September, that celebrates local artists, with music and food. 

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

For live performances year-round, Town and Country Players (4158 York Road) is a community theater that brings local talent together in an intimate setting.

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. 

The Doylestown Historical Society (56 S. Main Street) 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 Street). Explore educational programs and events focusing on the Civil War.

Family-Friendly Activities

Moving to Doylestown offers an abundance of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Hellerick’s Adventure Farm (5500 Easton Road) invites families to visit their Adventure Farm, Aerial Adventure, Goat Yoga, Silo Climbing Wall, mini golf, and pick-your-own crops and flowers.

The Bucks County Free Library in Doylestown (150 South Pine Street) is a family-friendly library offering kids activities, story times, and engaging programs and resources for all ages.

Main Street Sport & Social (22 S Main Street) offers golf simulators, duckpin bowling, and an indoor 9-hole mini golf course — great for date night or family fun year-round. Look for a Bucks County indoor play place to keep the fun going strong regardless of the weather.

The area also has no shortage of enrichment options for kids. Music is well represented with School of Rock Doylestown (88 South Main Street), which combines lessons with live performance experience, and Bucks County School of Music (16 North Franklin Street), offering private instruction in piano, voice, and more — among several music programs in the area.

For water skills, Goldfish Swim School Doylestown (1661 Easton Road) in nearby Warrington provides year-round swim lessons in a safe, kid-friendly environment. Doylestown Township and Doylestown Borough Parks and Recreation also offers a wide variety of classes and camps for children covering arts, enrichment, and sports and wellness.

Downtown Doylestown

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 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.

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.

Doylestown Shopping

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. 

Busy Bee Toys (58 E State Street) is a locally-owned shop with an impressive selection of toys and gifts for all ages.

Serendipity (33 S Main Street) carries women’s clothing, handbags, and gifts, while Sarah Cornwell Jewelry (266 S Main Street) offers handcrafted pieces ranging from everyday wear to statement jewelry.

Satisfy a sweet tooth at Raymer’s Homemade Candies (30 E Oakland Avenue), a Doylestown staple for homemade chocolates and confections.

The Doylestown Bookshop (16 S Main Street) is a well-stocked independent bookstore with author events and a wide selection for all ages.

Rounding out the options, Main Street Marketplace (22 South Main Street) houses a mix of local shops and restaurants all under one roof.

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

Dining in Doylestown

Downtown Doylestown’s dining scene has something for everyone, whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee, hunting for an after-dinner sweet treat, looking for a family-friendly bite, or planning the perfect date night. The mix of casual spots, cozy cafes, and upscale dining makes it easy to find a reason to linger downtown a little longer.

For coffee, Nonno’s Italian Coffee Parlor (6 East State Street) is a go-to spot with a warm, mom-and-pop vibe, great coffee, and gelato. Wheat & Vine Provisions (266 South Main Street) offers a more intimate setting with inventive drinks, fresh pastries, and an impressive quiche selection.

Casual and family-friendly, Jules Thin Crust (78 S Main Street) is a local favorite for pizza with fresh, quality ingredients. Another casual dining location is Lovebird (19 E Oakland Avenue), serving up crispy, flavor-packed fried chicken that makes it a go-to spot for comfort food in Doylestown.

Make a special stop at Nina’s Waffles and Sweets (30 E. State Street) to satisfy any sweet tooth with house-made ice cream and fresh-baked waffles.

For a lively bistro atmosphere, Chambers 19 on (19 North Main Street) has been a downtown staple for decades, offering solid comfort food, happy hour deals, and a welcoming pub feel.

Those looking for a special night out won’t find a better option than Honey (42 Shewell Avenue), an intimate fine-dining spot known for elevated small plates and craft cocktails — a true date night destination. Rounding out the options, The Hattery Stove & Still (18 W State Street), tucked inside the historic Doylestown Inn, hits the mark for brunch, dinner, and everything in between.

Living in Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Doylestown’s blend of history, culture, and community makes it one of Bucks County’s most treasured towns. 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.