Moving To New Hope, PA? Information
About New Hope
History
Long considered the artistic jewel of Bucks County, New Hope is part quaint historic village and part quirky tourist mecca. From its earliest days as a summer haven for the Lenni Lenape Indians to its Colonial era role as a rest stop on the post road from Philadelphia to New York to the heady days when the elite of New Yorks theatrical and literary circles spent their summers and weekends here, New Hope has been a destination with a capital "D".
New Hope Today
Packed within its New Hope Boroughs 1.4 square miles is an exciting and historic central business district where art galleries, fashion boutiques, antique shop, the James Michener Museum Annex, and the historic Parry Mansion are shoulder to shoulder with Bed & Breakfasts, posh restaurants, coffee shops, bistros, bars, and clubs. The Bucks County Playhouse, the historic canal and towpath, now a State park ideal for hiking and biking, and the renovated New Hope & Ivyland Railroad are additional draws for tourists and locals alike.
But New Hope is far more than a place to visit. It is also home to some 2,252 residents (2000 census) who relish the small-town ambiance, the natural beauty of the river and its canal, and its sophisticated diversity.
New Hope Real Estate Insights
Not only are New Hopes residents a diverse group, so is its real estate. Federal era townhouses, Victorian mansions, 19th century factory conversions and new multi-million dollar river front flats are just a few of the housing options here.
In the 1960s, the first "Planned Unit Development" in the United States, called Village II, was built on the hill above the historic downtown. These townhouses and flats continue to be popular with homebuyers, many of whom start out as weekenders, but find the lifestyle here irresistible. Prices range from the $160,000s to $360,000s.
The Riverwoods Community adjacent to Village II was built in the late 1990s offering traditional three and four bedroom colonials on smaller lots, within walking distance of all that New Hope has to offer. Today, these homes typically sell in the mid $500,000s, with the Estate section of the development reaching closer to $1 million.
The Waterworks, a converted paper bag mill on the banks of the Delaware River, features two and three bedroom apartments and townshouses with prices ranging from $350,000s to $550,000s.
While there is not a great deal of new construction, two new townhouse projects have been turning heads recently. Canal Street, which is in the historic district, located on the Aquetong Creek,offers 20 units, each with about 3000 square feet and elevators. Prices start at about $900,000. Nearby is Canal Front. Each twin home with a base price of approximately $1.475 million, offers 4,100 square feet and includes master stone and stucco work, majestic slate roofs, exterior courtyards with fountains, beautifully designed landscaping, and balconies with river views along with many exciting interior amenities.
In January 2009, one homes sold, for $475,000, and in January 2008 two homes sold, at an average price of $599,250. As with all statistics, they must be viewed understanding all the facts. There were 30 homes sold in the year between January '08 and January '09. The highest priced home sold in the year between January '08 and January '09 was $2,350,000, the lowest priced home sold for $160,000. This is definitely a great time buy! Inventory is strong, Buyers are achieving great "discounts", interest rates are really good-and-heading-downward! There are many, diverse properties available in New Hope Boro, but you need a local market expert to help you secure the right one for you and your family.
Gail Nagele-Hopkins is an experienced real estate professional with substantial buying and selling experience in the New Hope area, managing and overseeing more than $25,000,000 of real estate transactions. For true expertise and outstanding service, contact Gail directly at 215-340-3500, Ext. 107.
© Gail Nagele-Hopkins