Community Guide

Bucks and Montgomery County community information:

Springfield Township was William Penn’s gift to his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett Penn. “Gulielma Maria Penn’s Mannor of Springfield” was first designated on a map in 1681 and this date is prominently displayed on the official Township Seal. Springfield was incorporated as a First Class Township in 1901 and is further organized under the council-manager form of government.

The primary commercial areas are located along Bethlehem Pike in the villages of Erdenheim and Flourtown and smaller industrial pockets in Oreland and Wyndmoor.

Springfield Township provides a full range of municipal services including police protection, refuse and recycling collection, sewage conveyance, highway maintenance, recreational activities, programs and park areas, economic development initiatives, zoning, code enforcement, and building inspection.
The Springfield Township Government exists to provide for the health, safety and welfare, quality of life and common good of the Springfield Township Community. At all times, the government shall be open, fair, sensitive, responsive, innovative, accountable, effective, efficient and protect the rights and dignity of its people.

Local real estate market data report, click here.

Upper Dublin Township was originally part of a 1684 land grant from William Penn called “Dublin”. The population grew around the settlements of Fitzwatertown, Dreshertown, Jarrettown, Maple Glen, Three Tuns and Rose Valley. One of the most important historical buildings in the township is the Emlen House on Pennsylvania Avenue near Camphill Road. George Washington had his headquarters there during a skirmish with the British in late 1777 before he moved his army on to Valley Forge.

On December 16, 1891, Gwynedd Township was divided into the Townships of Upper and Lower Gwynedd. The township’s area in terms of square miles has not changed since its inception. The four villages of Gwynedd, Gwynedd Valley, Penllyn, and Spring House comprise the heart of the township. Lower Gwynedd did not experience substantial changes prior to the 1950s. Today, however, the township contains several large employers along with commercial and office facilities. Moreover, the increase in townhouse and single family homes gives the township a nice mix of commercial and residential development.

PUBLIC SERVICES:

A good portion of the township is serviced by public water and sewer facilities. A full-time police force serves the township. Fire protection is provided by volunteer companies. Residential trash disposal is arranged by private contractors.

RECREATION:

A part-time recreation director works in conjunction with a board of directors that oversee activities. Facilities include softball fields, Little League fields, a tot lot, and basketball and tennis courts. Little League programs are run by a private organization. For more information on what is available, please call 215-646-5302.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

SEPTA rail and bus lines that run through the township provide access to other Central Montgomery County communities, Lower Bucks County, Eastern Montgomery County, and Philadelphia.

SHOPPING:

Neighborhood shopping facilities and many specialty shops and businesses are easily accessible. Also, shopping facilities in neighboring municipalities provide excellent choices. The nearest major shopping malls are the Montgomery Mall and the Willow Grove Park Mall.

Montgomery Township was established in 1714. The network of roadways that were developed throughout parts of the township helped create commercial centers, including inns, taverns, and trade centers. These small centers developed into villages that were the forerunners for development. The growth of population, business and industry which began shortly after World War II, is continuing into the 1990s. Montgomery Township was the fastest growing Montgomery County municipality between the census periods of 1980 and 1990. Today, the township attracts consumers with a large variety of commercial/retail establishments, including the Montgomery Mall. The best-known section of the township is Montgomeryville. It should be noted that residents or businesses may actually be located within the township, but have a mailing address of Lansdale or Colmar.

PUBLIC SERVICES:

All but the eastern one-third of the township is served by public water and sewer facilities. The township is in the process of constructing a sewage treatment plant to serve the remainder of the township. A full-time police force serves the community. Fire protection is provided by volunteer companies. Residential trash disposal is arranged by private contractors.

RECREATION:

A Parks & Recreation Committee oversees various programs. Facilities include three parks, a nature center, a fitness trail, tennis courts and softball fields. Little League programs are run by the Montgomery Township Baseball Association. For more information on what is available, please call 215-855-1771.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

SEPTA bus lines provide easy access to the Greater Central Montgomery County area. From points in Lansdale and North Wales Boroughs, the commuter has access to lower Bucks County, Eastern Montgomery County, and Philadelphia.

SHOPPING:

The Montgomeryville section of the township (in and around what is commonly referred to as the 5 points intersection) is one of Montgomery County’s biggest retail areas. Several strip and neighborhood shopping centers, along with the Montgomery Mall are located here. Two new projects, one of which is underway, will be adding more retail space over the next couple of years.

Upper Gwynedd Township was created on December 16, 1891, when Gwynedd Township was split into two separate municipalities. An old Indian trail became a major transportation route called Sumneytown Pike and hotels, businesses and taverns centered around this “Great Road.” The township remained primarily agricultural up to the time of the Second World War. It was at this time that both residential and industrial developments would become increasingly noticeable. Merck & Co. has a 400-acre complex in the heart of the township and has assisted greatly with various municipal infrastructure improvements. Over the past decade, this township has experienced an almost 30 percent increase in population and an increase in housing units of 33 percent. The most recognizable community in the township is West Point. Also, some residents and businesses may have a Lansdale or North Wales mailing address.

PUBLIC SERVICES:

The entire township is serviced by public water and sewer facilities. Some large parcels of land are presently without these services but could be hooked up. A full-time police force serves the residents. Fire protection is provided by volunteer companies. Residential trash disposal is arranged by private contractors. The township may put the service out for bid to one hauler.

RECREATION:

Facilities include playgrounds, fields for softball and baseball, and a public swimming pool. Little League programs are run by a private organization. For more information on what is available, please call 215-699-7777.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

SEPTA bus and rail service connects the township with other areas of Montgomery County and Lower Bucks County.

SHOPPING:

Neighborhood and specialty shopping areas are located throughout the township. The nearest major shopping mall is the Montgomery Mall.

Whitpain Township was established in 1701, and is one of the oldest municipalities in the county. Even up to the turn of the twentieth century, the township was covered mostly by rich farmland. However, an increase in residential areas was noticeable by the 1930s. The most visible increase in population started in the late 1950s and is still continuing today. Today, the township is known for its large executive-style homes, major business parks, small community shopping facilities, small businesses, and the Montgomery County Community College. Major roadways pass through the township giving residents good access to other areas of Montgomery County such as Greater Norristown and the North Penn area. The most recognizable portions of the township are Blue Bell and Center Square, which, by the way, have the same zip code.

PUBLIC SERVICES:

North of Morris Road, public water and sewer facilities are limited. The remainder of the township is serviced by public water and sewer facilities. A full-time police force serves the township. Fire protection is provided by volunteer companies. Residential trash disposal is provided by three haulers who are licensed by the township.

RECREATION:

Facilities include athletic fields and a variety of programs under the direction of the Township Park and Recreation Board. Little League programs are run by private organizations in cooperation with the township. For more information on what is available, please call 610-277-2400.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

SEPTA bus routes connect the township with the Norristown Transportation Center and Philadelphia.

SHOPPING:

Community and specialty shopping facilities are located in the township. The nearest major shopping malls are the Montgomery Mall and the Plymouth Meeting Mall.

Doylestown:

Doylestown Pennsylvania is a thriving community of culture, commerce and history. It is located in the heart of Bucks County, one of the most beautiful areas of the entire United States.

Doylestown was fated to be an important city early in it's history. It lies at the intersection of two of the oldest roads in early America: The East-West road from Philadelphia to New York City, Old York Road, or Route 202, and the North-South road from Philadelphia to Easton, Easton Road or Route 611.

It was at this intersection of important roads that in 1745, William Doyle built a tavern called Doyl's Tavern. It was this man and this tavern that came to be the namesake of this town: Doyles' Town.

Later, men named Mercer and Michener came along, settled here and changed the face of this part of the country.