Living in Bensalem, PA
Bensalem is more than just the town between Philly and Langhorne. Located in Lower Bucks County, just minutes from Northeast Philadelphia, it’s home to one of the most diverse populations in PA, the oldest high school in the area, and a riverfront history that dates back to 1692. Whether you call it ‘Trevose,’ ‘Andalusia,’ or just ‘The Township,’ this guide covers everything you need to know about living, working, and playing in the 19020.
The Neighborhood Decoder
Bensalem isn’t just one place; it’s a collection of distinct communities. Here is how locals distinguish the different sections of the 19020.
Andalusia
The Vibe: Historic and Scenic.
The Lowdown: Located along the Delaware River, this is arguably the most historic section of the township. It’s home to the beautiful Neshaminy State Park and the historic Andalusia Estate. The streets here feel a bit older and quieter, with a mix of grand riverfront homes and classic bungalows.
Best For: Nature lovers and history buffs.
Cornwells Heights
The Vibe: The Commuter’s Hub.
The Lowdown: If you work in Philly or NYC, this is likely where you live. Anchored by the massive SEPTA/Amtrak station, this neighborhood is a convenient mix of residential streets and easy transit access. It has a tight-knit, old-school neighborhood feel.
Best For: City commuters who want a suburban lawn.
Trevose
The Vibe: The Commercial Crossroads.
The Lowdown: Situated near the Turnpike and Route 1, Trevose is where commerce meets community. It’s bustling, accessible, and home to many of the township’s businesses. While it has plenty of quiet residential streets, you are never more than 5 minutes from a major highway or a shopping center.
Best For: People who want to be 20 minutes from everywhere.
Nottingham
The Vibe: Classic Suburbia.
The Lowdown: When you picture the quintessential American suburb—curved streets, manicured lawns, and cul-de-sacs—you are picturing Nottingham. Located centrally within the township, it’s a massive residential anchor that feels safe, established, and family-oriented.
Best For: Families and those seeking a quiet residential life.
Eddington
The Vibe: The Industrial Backbone.
The Lowdown: Sitting between Route 13 and the river, Eddington is a mix of hard-working residential streets and Bensalem’s industrial parks. It’s an unpretentious, blue-collar community with easy access to I-95 and a strong local identity.
Best For: First-time homebuyers and local workers.
Bensalem’s Best Kept Secrets
We all know Parx Casino and the Neshaminy Mall. But here are the spots locals actually love.
The Sunset at the Marina: Drive to the very back of Neshaminy State Park until you hit the river. The view of the Philadelphia skyline from the marina wall at dusk is the best free show in town.
The “Temple Walk”: The grounds of the Mongkoltepmunee Temple (on Knights Road) are often open to respectful walkers. It is a stunning, peaceful slice of Thailand right in the middle of our suburbs.
Growden Mansion: Did you know Ben Franklin used to hang out here? Located on Neshaminy Valley Drive, this historical home is where Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment. It’s a quiet park with deep history.
The Riverfront Dining Scene: You don’t have to go to the city for water views. Spots like the Valley of the Sun (VOTS) club or the restaurants in the Totem Road area offer river breezes that make you feel miles away from Street Road.
A Brief History (For the Curious)
From farm country to the “Gateway to Bucks County.”
Founded in 1692: Bensalem isn’t just another post-war suburb; it is one of the oldest townships in Pennsylvania. The name comes from the term “Hill of Peace” (Ben + Salem), attributed to Joseph Growden, whose estate still stands today.
Famous Footsteps: Our history runs deep. Benjamin Franklin was a frequent visitor to the Growden Mansion (where he reportedly conducted early electricity experiments). We are also the home of Saint Katharine Drexel, the second American-born saint, whose shrine was a fixture on Bristol Pike for decades.
The Modern Era: For centuries, Bensalem was a collection of quiet farms and riverfront estates. That changed with the arrival of the PA Turnpike and I-95, transforming the township into the bustling commercial and residential hub it is today. While the farms are mostly gone, the history remains tucked away in our parks, old stone homes, and the winding path of the Neshaminy Creek.
Bensalem School District
Serving families in the Bensalem Township School District. The BTSD covers approximately 21 square miles and enrolls around 6,000 students.
There are six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school within the district. The oldest school in the district is Bensalem High School, established in 1923, while Cornwells Elementary School is the newest, having been established in 1998.
Elementary schools
Belmont Elementary School
Cornwells Elementary School
Samuel K. Faust Elementary School
Benjamin Rush Elementary School
Struble Elementary School
Valley Elementary School
Middle schools
Robert K. Shafer Middle School
Cecelia Snyder Middle School
High school
Bensalem High School
Charter School
School Lane Charter School. The school serves grades K-12.
Private Schools
Holy Ghost Preparatory School
The Mayor and Town Council
We have a full explainer on how our local government works. From the Mayor to the Town Council, who they are and what they do for us, along with other topics in our How To Bensaslem series.
