Croydon, Pennsylvania, is the home of Bristol College, which was founded in 1833. The college only remained open for four years, but its White Hall became a Civil War hospital, and later it was used to house the orphans of African American soldiers. In 1984, White Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Croydon is a census-designated place. It provides a home to about 9950 people, according to the 2010 Census, but it is not incorporated and does not have its own government. It does have Croydon Fire Company # 1, which is entirely staffed by volunteer firefighters. Croydon spans just 2.5 square miles, yet it's the headquarters of such established businesses as PAC Industries and DENAQ. Croydon's crime rates are lower than average for not only the state of Pennsylvania but also the country overall. It also offers a range of shopping options and libraries, with entertainment venues within easy driving distance in the nearby city of Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs. The community is served by four schools, two public and two private.
Moving to Croydon
It's easiest to search for apartments in Croydon on business days and during normal business hours, but landlords aren't rigid here. If you need an after-work appointment or Saturday is the only day you can get out to tour new digs, you'll likely find someone to accommodate you. Make it a point to get to your appointments on time, however. Whether you're touring rentals at 3 p.m. on a Monday or cutting into a rental agent's weekend, you'll likely lose points for lateness. Vacancy rates here can vary, and you don't want tardiness to turn your dream apartment over to the next guy or gal.
Deposit Required
In this neck of the woods, landlords typically expect deposits at least two times before you move in. Typically, they'll want a deposit to hold an apartment or rental home in the first place. Then, many will want the first month's rent and a security deposit equal to one month's rent at the lease signing. Some may even require first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit. If you search carefully and have patience, you may find some apartment complexes offering special, limited-time deals, such as first month's rent and a security deposit of less than $100 to move in. Likewise, if you are willing to shop around and have time to spare, you may find some rentals that have most or all of the utilities included in the rent.
Neighborhoods in Croydon
Since Croydon is a small census-designated community, it doesn't have many distinct neighborhoods. However, you will find a mixture of renter- and owner-occupied properties here. Rents tend to be higher here than in many other Pennsylvania neighborhoods yet still slightly less than average national rental prices. Here are a couple of neighborhoods to consider if you want to move to Croydon.
Croydon Acres / Croydon Heights: This part of town is a good place to search for apartments simply because of the variety offered here. You will find everything from studios and one-bedroom apartments to rental houses and townhomes. As far as apartments are concerned, you'll find apartment complexes, high-rises, small apartment buildings and homes converted to apartments. Wheels are usually necessary here, as this area has a Walk Score of just 37, but you can walk to a bus or train line if you prefer to let someone else do the driving. Devine Elementary School is located here, as is Fritz's Bakery.
Town Center: This is a pricier part of town, with rents here higher than those in almost 80 percent of communities in this state. Apartment rentals aren't as plentiful here, as most properties are single-family homes, townhomes, or smaller apartment buildings. This part of Croydon has a Walk Score of 37, which means that you will need a car to go most places, but there are still some destinations you can reach on foot. You can reach a train line and a bus line less than a mile away. Enjoy fresh air and outdoorsy activities at Neshaminy State Park. Then go fill your belly at the State Road Deli and Market.
Nearby Apartment Complexes
Glen Hollow Apartments: This apartment complex offers studios, one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments. Leases are on a month-to-month basis.
Grandview Apartments: You'll find this apartment complex in nearby Bensalem, offering junior and deluxe one-bedroom apartment options as well as two-bedroom apartment homes.
Croydon Station Apartments: Check out the current availability at this apartment complex if you are interested in a one- bedroom / one-bath or two-bedroom / one-bath unit.
Living in Croydon
Shopping, movies, bowling, and the like are typical pastimes for people who call Croydon home. Of course, all of these activities can help you to work up an appetite. One good thing about Croydon, which you will surely come to appreciate, is that there are so many restaurants to choose from in town. Get a slice with your favorite toppings at La Vera Pizza or have a traditional meal at the Sunrise Diner. If you have a craving for barbecue, head over to Garlick's Great American Smoke to eat your fill. You'll also find places to knock back a few, such as Dog and Bull and Patrick's Pub and restaurant. For city-style nightlife, museums, and theater, hop on PA 611 and then I-95 for the 20-minute drive to Philadelphia.