Moving To Nockamixon, PA? Information
Nockamixon Township
Nockamixon, a Native American name meaning "the place of three huts" or "the place of soft soil," is in the northeastern part of Bucks County with its eastern border running along the Delaware River.
Originally settled by the Lenni Lenape Indians (famed chief Nutimus lived in these parts) and later by the Shawnee Indians who were residents until about 1730, Nockamixon started to attract European settlers around that time. The Durham Iron Works, which was to figure greatly in the economy of the area well into the 19th century, was established nearby around 1727. Some early cabins in the woods were about the extent of residential life until several decades later. But by 1784, with a population of 629, there were 116 dwellings. By 1810, the population had doubled to 1,207, with many German settlers taking the lead.
As with most of Upper Bucks County's townships, Nockamixon is rural and relatively undeveloped. Its 22.6 square miles is dominated by Nockamixon State Park which boasts 5,283 acres surrounding the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon. The lake is a man-made reservoir formed by a dam on the Tohickon Creek. Fishing, swimming and boating are favorite activities at the Lake, and it is designated as a Pennsylvania Trophy Bass Lake.
Hunting, climbing and camping are also popular activities in the Park which includes State Game Lands #56. On the south side of the Lake, ten modern cabins are available for rentals throughout the year. And twice a year, in June and November, if high water conditions exist, there are timed water releases from the dam. For one day, the Tohickon Creek south of the lake becomes a whitewater course attracting kayakers from near and far.
Young campers enjoy Camp Nockamixon, a premier, private, coed residential camp in the Township, and the Weisel Hostel, a youth hostel on a 20th century country estate operated by the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation which features eight acres for hiking, fishing and enjoying nature. Family camping is available at the Tohickon Family Campground with 200 sites located on 64 acres along the Tohickon Creek.
In addition to camping, hunting, fishing and hiking, equestrian activities can be pursued at the Bucks County Horse Park, located on Route 611 between the villages of Revere and Ferndale. It is a private, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to preserving open space for amateur equestrians to enjoy with more than 25 miles of riding, carriage, hiking, jogging and bicycle trails.
In addition to the abundant outdoor recreational activities available in Nockamixon Township, it is also home to several thousand residents who live in a variety of
developments, in one of the five historic villages and hamlets, on a smattering of farms, in custom homes - some posh, some modest - on private wooded lots and along the riverfront in bungalows and cottages.
Rolling Hill Acres is one of the developments, with 25 homes built around 1976. These capes, ranches, split and bi-level homes typically sit on half acre lots with about 1600 sq. ft. of living space. The few recent sales have been in the low $300,000s.
Kintner Ridge is a newer community of 17 homes high on the ridge, with a few still available as new construction. The homes that have sold vary in size from 3,000 to 4,000 square feet on two acre +/- lots with long distance views at prices between the high $500,000s and low $600,000s.
Park View Estates is a smaller community with about five single family homes just north of Ottsville. They are about the same size as the Kintner Ridge homes. Several are currently on the market with prices ranging from the mid $500,000s to the mid $700,000s. The most recent sales in Park View Estates were priced in the mid to high $600,000s.
In the last five years, 20 properties were sold with prices ranging from $155,000 to $775,000. Among them were a 150 year old stone house, a 200 year old converted barn, some newly constructed homes, a few 30 year old ranches, a 35 year old contemporary, a few 50 year old split levels and bi-levels and a couple of 80 year old bungalows. There are no townhouses or over-55 communities in Nockamixon Township.
Nockamixon Township is served by the Palisades School District, an up-and-coming district in the area.
With its riverfront, park and game lands, abundant streams, quaint hamlets and generous open spaces, Nockamixon Township is attractive to prospective home buyers who may be looking for privacy and a rural and natural setting.