Leave the Car Behind: A Guide to Bucks County's Most Walkable Towns

Posted on: July 25, 2025 by The Marcolla Realty Team

The dream of leaving the car in the driveway and walking to a favorite coffee shop, a boutique, or a scenic park is a powerful one. While Bucks County is famous for its rolling hills and beautiful open spaces, it's also home to several vibrant, historic towns where a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle isn't just possible—it's exceptional.

For those searching for a home where community and convenience are right outside your front door, walkability is a key factor. As local experts who live and work throughout the county, we at Marcolla Realty have laced up our walking shoes to bring you our guide to the most walkable towns in Bucks County.

Here are our top 5 picks, each offering its own unique charm.

1. Doylestown: The Cultural Heartbeat

The Vibe: Sophisticated, historic, and bustling. As the county seat, Doylestown offers a small-city feel with the charm of a small town. Its streets are lined with Victorian architecture, museums, and an incredible variety of shops and restaurants.

What You Can Walk To:

• Dining & Drinks: An eclectic mix of fine dining, casual pubs, and trendy cafes.

• Culture: The famous trio of Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle, and the Michener Art Museum, plus the historic County Theater for independent films.

• Shopping: A fantastic collection of independent boutiques, bookstores, and antique shops.

• Essentials: A local grocery store, farmers market, library, and the Doylestown SEPTA station for a car-free commute to Philadelphia.

Real Estate Snapshot: You'll find everything from stately historic single-family homes in the borough to modern townhomes and condos just a short walk from the town center.

Perfect For: Culture lovers, foodies, and anyone who wants a dynamic and sophisticated downtown experience.

2. Newtown: Historic Charm Meets Modern Living

The Vibe: Polished, historic, and family-friendly. Newtown masterfully blends its rich colonial history, seen in the architecture along State Street, with modern amenities and a strong sense of community.

What You Can Walk To:

• Dining & Drinks: A great selection of restaurants like the historic Temperance House and Isaac Newton's, plus ice cream shops and coffee spots.

• Shopping: Unique gift shops, clothing boutiques, and specialty stores along State Street.

• Entertainment: The Newtown Theatre, America's oldest continuously operating movie theater.

• Recreation: Several parks and playgrounds are easily accessible on foot.

Real Estate Snapshot: The borough features stunningly preserved historic homes, charming twins, and single-family houses. Just outside the immediate center, you'll find desirable communities like Newtown Grant with their own networks of walking paths.

Perfect For: Families, history buffs, and professionals looking for a picture-perfect town with a vibrant Main Street feel.

3. New Hope: The Artsy River Town

The Vibe: Eclectic, artistic, and energetic. Nestled on the banks of the Delaware River, New Hope is a famous destination for its thriving arts scene, unique shops, and lively atmosphere. Its walkability is a core part of its identity.

What You Can Walk To:

• Arts & Culture: Dozens of art galleries, antique shops, and the renowned Bucks County Playhouse.

• Dining & Drinks: Riverside restaurants with stunning views, historic taverns, and lively bars.

• Recreation: The Delaware Canal Towpath offers miles of flat, scenic trails for walking and biking, right from town. You can also walk across the bridge to explore Lambertville, NJ.

• Shopping: An abundance of independent shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to high-end crafts.

Real Estate Snapshot: Housing options range from charming canal-side cottages and historic townhomes to dramatic contemporary homes tucked into the hillsides with river views.

Perfect For: Artists, free spirits, weekenders, and anyone who loves being by the water in a town with a creative soul.

4. Yardley: The Commuter's Oasis

The Vibe: Friendly, down-to-earth, and community-focused. Yardley offers a slice of classic small-town America with the major advantage of being a stone's throw from major commuter routes and its own train station.

What You Can Walk To:

• Dining & Drinks: A solid collection of coffee shops, brewpubs, and restaurants right on Main Street.

• Essentials: The Yardley SEPTA station, post office, and library are all central to the borough.

• Recreation: Like New Hope, Yardley sits on the Delaware Canal Towpath, providing incredible recreational access. Buttonwood Park hosts community events and a playground.

• Shopping: A charming collection of local stores and services.

Real Estate Snapshot: The borough is known for its beautiful Victorian and Colonial homes on tree-lined streets, as well as a mix of townhomes and newer single-family developments nearby.

Perfect For: Commuters to Philadelphia or Princeton, young families, and those who want a strong community vibe with easy access to nature.

5. Bristol Borough: The Revitalized Riverfront

The Vibe: Historic, proud, and on the rise. Bristol Borough is undergoing an incredible revitalization. Its walkable Mill Street is now a bustling hub of activity, and its beautiful riverfront park is one of the best in the county.

What You Can Walk To:

• Dining & Drinks: A growing number of excellent restaurants, a brewery, and classic local eateries.

• Entertainment: The Bristol Riverside Theatre offers professional productions year-round.

• Recreation: A gorgeous, sprawling riverfront park with an amphitheater that hosts concerts and community events.

• Community: A close-knit feel with frequent town-wide events like First Fridays and street festivals.

Real Estate Snapshot: Bristol offers some of the most affordable historic homes in the region, including beautiful brick-front Colonials and Victorian twins, making it a fantastic value.

Perfect For: Buyers looking for value, a strong community, and a chance to be part of a town's exciting next chapter.

Find Your Perfect Pace in Bucks County

From the cultural energy of Doylestown to the riverside renaissance in Bristol, Bucks County proves you don't have to choose between a serene suburban lifestyle and the convenience of walkability. There’s a community here to match every pace and every dream.

Ready to trade your car keys for walking shoes? The experts at Marcolla Realty know every street, neighborhood, and hidden gem in these towns.

Contact us today📲 to start exploring these incredible communities. Let's find your perfect Bucks County home, one step at a time.