Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania
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Lower Makefield Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA. Lower Makefield Township is usually referred to as "Yardley" because they share the 19067 postal zip code, and because Lower Makefield has a Yardley mailing address (the post office that supports both Lower Makefield and Yardley is physically located in Yardley Borough) . However, Lower Makefield covers an area of 18 square miles (vs. less than one square mile for Yardley Borough) and contains a population more than 13 times that of the borough of Yardley. Although the two towns have separate, distinct town governments and police departments, they are closely coupled in many ways and share their school system, fire department, and sports programs. The small community of Yardley Borough is bordered by the Delaware River on the east, and by Lower Makefield Township on the north, west, and south.
As of the 2000 census, the population of Lower Makefield Township was 32,681, and the population of Yardley Borough was 2,498.
In addition to Lower Makefield and Yardley, postal zip code 19067 also includes the borough of Morrisville, located southeast of Lower Makefield Township along the Delaware River. However, Morrisville is a distinctly separate town entity and has its own government, school system, police department, fire department, and sports programs. Lower Makefield is the largest municipality (by population) in the U.S. without its own municipal court or post office. If the township had its own post office, it would be the wealthiest zip code in Pennsylvania. The shared zip code 19067 is currently the second-wealthiest in the state due to Lower Makefield's inclusion.
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[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 47.4 km² (18.3 mi²). 46.5 km² (17.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.9 km² (0.4 mi²) of it (1.97%) is water.
[edit] Development and Growth
Lower Makefield, according to 2004 census estimations, is the fastest growing municipality in Lower Bucks County. Many housing developments and some corporate centers have been constructed since 2000, especially the area around Shady Brook Farm and I-95. However, the township has been well-planned and maintains a strong balance between growth and preservation, and is considered to be very desirable for the high quality of life it offers residents.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 32,681 people, 11,706 households, and 9,388 families residing in the township. The population density was 703.4/km² (1,821.8/mi²). There were 11,931 housing units at an average density of 256.8/km² (665.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the township was 93.32% White, 1.81% African American, 0.07% Native American, 3.72% Asian, 0.29% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.
There were 11,706 households out of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.5% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 16.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the township the population was spread out with 27.6% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $98,090, and the median income for a family was $106,908. Males had a median income of $80,329 versus $47,138 for females. The per capita income for the township was $43,983. About 1.8% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Other
The township is located in the Philadelphia Metro Area, but is also within 71 miles of the Statue of Liberty which would make it within the New York City metro area as well, but it is not accounted for as such because politically it is not in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
Lower Makefield Township has been a top finisher in the MONEY Magazine and CNN/Money "Best Places to Live" rankings for the Eastern region of the United States in the under 100,000 population category.
As a result of the affluence and high median income in Lower Makefield Township, 19067 has been listed as the second wealthiest zip code in Pennsylvania based on IRS figures for Adjusted Gross Income.
Lower Makefield Township's crime rate is the lowest in the Philadelphia region.
Lower Makefield is part of the Pennsbury School District, which is a top-ranked school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsbury High School prom has become world famous, and in 2004, the novel "Wonderland: A Year in the Life of an American High School" by Michael Bamberger was released to critical and commercial acclaim. Based on the 2002-2003 school year, it follows around a handful of students as they deal with the trials and tribulations of high school while centering around senior prom. Paramount Pictures, in conjunction with MTV Films, has optioned the rights to a film based on the book. In 2004, Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum star John Mayer performed at the prom, following in the footsteps of bands Maroon 5, Michael Tolcher and Eve 6 who had previously performed at Pennsbury High School.
In the September 11th Attacks on the twin towers in New York City, Lower Makefield Township lost 6 residents, including the captain of United Airlines Flight 175, the highest number in Pennsylvania, which lost a total of 29 tower employees. This high concentration is most likely due to the large number of Manhattan commuters who live there. The Garden of Reflection Memorial in Lower Makefield went into development shortly after the 9/11/2001 tragedy as a dedication to the 17 Bucks County residents who perished in the attacks, and it also honors all of the 2,973 victims who lost their lives. The State of Pennsylvania has selected The Garden of Reflection as the Official Pennsylvania 9-11 Memorial, and it was formally dedicated on September 30, 2006. The $1.4 million memorial, designed by Yardley architect Liuba Laschyk, includes twin fountains representing the towers of the World Trade Center; a Walk of Remembrance, with a series of glass panels etched with the names of the 2,973 people who lost their lives in the 9-11 attacks; and a memorial rail etched with the names of the 17 residents from Bucks County who were killed.
On October 28, 2004, President George W. Bush visited with a crowd of 23,000 at the 84-acre Broadmeadows Farm in Lower Makefield during a campaign rally for the 2004 Presidential election.
Lower Makefield Township developed its own 18-hole golf course, Makefield Highlands Golf Club, which opened in 2004, and it is considered the only true links-style golf course in the Tri-State area. The club includes a par-72 course designed by Rick Jacobson, The Highlands Grille restaurant, Pro Shop, golf instruction, and full practice facility (driving range with both mat and grass areas, putting green, and chipping green with bunkers).
Shady Brook Farm is a popular location for area residents, and is located in Lower Makefield. Shady Brook Farm has a large Farm Market and Garden Center, and hosts many events, including Pumpkin Fest and HorrorFest in the fall, Santa's Village and the Holiday Light Show during the Christmas season, and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, as well as others throughout the year, including the Wine Concert Series and Apple Festival.
In June 2006 at the 88th Annual Bucks County Fireman's Association Parade in Quakertown, PA, the all-volunteer Yardley-Makefield Fire Company won best overall fire department, as well as first place awards in the following categories: marine unit, deputy or chief's vehicle, aerial tower, over 1,500 gallon-a-minute engine, light rescue pumper, 1965 and older motorized apparatus, and best marching unit with music.
In October 2006, the 15th annual YMS (Yardley-Makefield Soccer) Columbus Cup soccer tournament was recognized by Gotsoccer.com as a Premier Elite Tournament, which puts the YMS tournament at the same level as the Disney Showcase, Jefferson Cup, Bethesda, Dallas Cup, WAGS, Raleigh Shootout and the other most highly rated tournaments.
[edit] External links
- Lower Makefield Township Home Page
- Pennsbury School District
- Township of Lower Makefield Police Department
- Yardley-Makefield Fire Company
- Garden of Reflection
- Yardley-Makefield Soccer
- Pennsbury Athletic Association Baseball and Softball
- Makefield Highlands Golf Club
- Lower Bucks Lacrosse
- Pennsbury Falcons Wrestling Club
- Lower Makefield Township Swim & Dive Team
- Yardley-Makefield Public Library
- Bucks County Performing Arts Center
- Yardley Players Theatre Company
- Shady Brook Farm
- Charlann Farms
- Yardley News
- Yardley Business Association
- Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce
- Washington Crossing Historic Park
- Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau
- The Official Bucks County Pennsylvania Web Site
- Official Visitor Site for Greater Philadelphia
- Bucks County Republican Committee
- Bucks County Democratic Committee
