Moving To Springfield, PA? Information
About Springfield
First settled by the Lenni Lenapi Indians , Springfield Township, at the far north of Bucks County, was part of William Penn's original land grant. Located in the ecologically- important Cooks Creek Watershed, the area was heavily forested and endowed with many natural springs that gushed from its hillsides feeding streams, brooks and creeks that eventually flow into the Delaware River to the east.
Though rocky and dense with trees, the land was attractive to settlers who began to clear the forest for farming, and eventually to build homes along the creeks. The oldest home still standing dates to 1738. Soon a number of villages developed at the crossroads where waterpower was harnessed to run grist and saw mills. Springtown, which boasted six or eight houses, a tavern and store by 1737, was the largest village in the area. By 1896 there were 40 homes, two charges, a tavern, a store and several mills. Today Springtown is a thriving small community with a number of restored homes, a few shops and The Springtown Inn, a popular restaurant on Route 412 just minutes from Hellertown. Other villages and hamlets have quaint names like Amity, Passer, Gallows Hill, Pleasant Valley and Zion Hill.
Springfield Today
At nearly 31 square miles, Springfield is one of the County's largest townships. It has 46 miles of paved roads and 14 miles of dirt roads that wander through the woods, fields, hills and villages. Historic structures are abundant included Knecht's covered bridge, the only surviving covered bridge in the township; and Buckwampum Farm, which features an 18th century farmhouse on 64 acres; Funk's Mill, one of the earliest (1738) and finest saw and gristmills in the area. The name Buckwampum came from a Lenni Lanape name that meant a hill with a round swamp on top.
Springfield Township retains much of its rural, natural character. Its residents and local government have made land conservation a priority resulting in some 15,222 acres preserved and protected from development.
Springfield Real Estate Insights
With its open spaces, Springfield is also attractive to present day settlers. The housing stock is varied ranging from very old stone farmhouses to 1990's contemporaries, equestrian facilities to brand new traditional homes.
Prices vary widely as well. In the last five years, 14 properties sold for more than $1,000,000, up to $2,200,000. These included a converted barn and a converted gristmill, a 5000 sq. ft. 3 year-old artisan-built retreat, a 40 acre farm with a stone house and barn, and 33 acre 16 year-old estate farmhouse.
In 2008, five homes were sold in the low $500,000s to the high $600,000s while a number of properties including Victorians, simple farmhouses, 20 year-old ranch houses and a few capes and newer ranches sold in the $250,000 to $500,000 range.
Children who live in Springfield attend the Palisades School District.
© Gail Nagele-Hopkins