Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA

On the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania, less than an hour from Philadelphia, is Bucks County, a classic slice of Americana 300 years in the making.

The history-rich region, where George Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River, showcases its colonial past in architecture, main streets and monuments.

Some residents commute to Philly but its central location makes it a popular weekend home destination for New Yorkers and Washingtonians as well as Philadelphians.

Tourism is a leading industry here accounting for $877.3 million, according to Bucks County’s tourism agency. Attractions as diverse as Washington Crossing Park, Sesame Street theme park and the 40-acre outdoor shopping mecca of Peddler’s Village draw visitors from far and wide.

Bucks County is celebrated for its flourishing arts community as well as for its outdoor recreational opportunities. The territory is a four-season playground for horseback riding, cross-country skiing, watersports and golf. The region boasts 28 public and private golf courses.

The county is roughly broken into three regions: Upper Bucks, Central Bucks and Lower Bucks. Upper Bucks is the land of covered bridges, lakes and wildlife. The emphasis is on preservation. Those seeking quieter lifestyle gravitate to the area’s farmsteads, horse farms and country retreats.

Central Bucks is the cultural seat with museums, galleries and artisan studios, most notably in the riverfront town of New Hope with a creative community that dates back nearly a century. Residences here and in nearby historic districts encompass a collection of restored stone manors, hobby farms and a growing number of new, luxury home developments. Neighborhoods are immaculately well maintained.

Lower Bucks is the heritage region, which includes, most prominently, the site of Washington’s 1776 Delaware crossing to launch a sneak attack on British troops.  

Some of the county’s wealthiest enclaves are in Lower Bucks. Here, as in other regions of Bucks County, homes are pegged to every era. Old. New. And timeless.