After William Penn had laid out Philadelphia, his "great town", in 1682, he traveled north through a vast tract of land he had purchased from the local Indians. Some 28 miles northeast of Philadelphia, in the middle of trees that bordered a creek flowing to the Delaware River, he allegedly announced "This is where I propose to build my 'new town' ". No documentation supports this tale but, two years later in 1684, William Penn's surveyor, Thomas Holme, devised a plan for a new settlement initially called New Township. Straddling what is now called Newtown Creek, the site included 640 acres. In time, the name was shortened to Newtown.   Newtown Borough, originally planned in 1684, enjoys a rich history spanning over three hundred years. Much of the Borough’s growth can be traced through its built environment, including its small-scale residential and commercial streetscapes and stylistically diverse architecture. Within the Borough are excellent and varied examples of architectural styles. They include early Colonials of the eighteenth century, stately Classical Revivals of the early nineteenth century, ornate Victorians and Queen Annes of the late nineteenth century, and Colonial Revivals of the early twentieth century. With the listing of the Newtown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and the two subsequent district expansions in 1986 reflecting its current boundary, the significance of the Borough’s developmental and architectural heritage was nationally recognized. Through an ongoing commitment of Newtown’s Citizens and Council, the preservation of the Borough’s historic character and the promotion of sensitive compatible development have been identified as important priorities. Since 1969 Newtown Borough has sought to preserve its historic resources through various regulations and ordinances, by providing property owners with preservation information, and allowing them to make informed choices when considering a project. Today, the Newtown Historic Architectural Review Board assists Citizens and Council in the review of proposed projects within the Historic District.  Newtown Borough split from the surrounding Newtown Township and was incorporated in 1838. Today it is a community with a mix of colonial buildings and newer homes that retains the character of its history. State Street, which runs through the Borough and houses numerous shops and restaurants, is the site of Welcome Day each spring, an Antique Auto Show during the summer, and Market Day in the fall. Newtown Borough is in the center of northern Lower Bucks County, completely surrounded by Newtown Township.  The Council Rock School District encompasses Newtown's 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 2 high schools, and there are several (mostly religious) private schools in the town. The Bucks County Community College in Newtown offers continuing education, arts and culture degrees and courses, and business and industry training and certification. Nearby colleges and universities include, the Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Princeton University (about 22 miles away), Thomas Edison State College (about 12 miles away in Trenton, NJ), Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington (about 16 miles away), Arcadia University (about 19 miles away in Glenside), La Salle University and Philadelphia University (both about 20 miles away in Philadelphia), and the College Of New Jersey (about 20 miles away in Ewing, NJ).   Color Me Mine This is an art studio that stocks clay pots, mugs, plates, and any number of figurines, along with glazes and brushes. Kids and adults paint their selection. There is a work area in which to create a masterpiece, and the studio will then fire the creations and have them ready for pick-up. Also features a “Design a Bear” outlet where kids can design their own animal. Newtown Library Visit the happy kid's area; borrow books and tapes, and come to the weekly pre-school story time and special events. The library often hosts bedtime story times for toddlers and pre-schools-come in your pajamas! Newtown Parks and Recreation Department There are five parks in Newtown and numerous open spaces and wilderness areas. Most parks have ball parks or courts; visit this site to find out more and for news on upcoming recreational events and activities. Helen Randle Park Visit the children's playground at this Newtown Park. Tyler State Park Ride a horse or bike along over 100 miles of paved trails or go fishing, swimming or canoeing on the river. You can rent horses and canoes in the park and there are plenty of picnic areas in the woods. Girl Scouts of Pennsylvania (5 to 17) Girl scouting increases your confidence and opportunities. Recent research showed that two-thirds of all women in "Who's Who in America" are Girl Scout graduates; 72 percent of these women say that their success is greatly due to their Scout experiences. Newtown Pack 99 Cub Scouts (5 to 10) Go on challenging and fun outings and learn outdoor and communication skills with other boys your age. Bucks County Boy Scouts There are several boy scouts chapters in Bucks County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County See a movie, go to a museum, listen to music or make something with an adult mentor; you can talk about what's happening in your life and just have fun.  Things To Do For Everyone  Newtown Trail This trail is 3.7 miles in length, connecting Tyler State Park and Silver Lake Park. Heading east from Tyler State Park, this trail travels along Green Lane to Council Rock North High School. The trail travels east along Swamp Road to Sycamore Street. Here the trail branches: east through Newtown Borough along Washington Avenue to Newtown-Yardley Road, or south along Sycamore Street to Carl Sedia/Chandler Fields. From the Borough, the trail continues east along Newtown-Yardley Road to Terry Drive/Lower Dolington Road. The trail splits to either head north along Lower Dolington Road to Roberts Ridge Park and Goodnoe Elementary School, or east along Newtown-Yardley Road to Upper Silver Lake Road. Turning left on Upper Silver Lake Road, the trail continues to the sharp bend in the road, then to the pedestrian bridge over Core Creek. The trail follows the east bank of Core Creek under the bypass and ends in Silver Lake Park. Click here for a trail map. Newtown Parks and Recreation Department There are five parks in Newtown and numerous open spaces and wilderness areas. Most parks have ball parks or courts; visit this site to find out more and for news on upcoming recreational events and activities. Bucks County Fine Art Gallery Exhibits contemporary painting, sculpture and fine crafts by regional and nationally recognized artists Lovi Visual Art Gallery specializing in contemporary sculpture and visual art. Howard H. Geyer Art Gallery An artist since 9 years of age, he creates artwork in which each is unique and different, each showing realism and depth. Half Moon Inn aka the Court Inn Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and by appointment. One of the oldest and historic buildings in the borough, houses the Research and Barnsley Room that holds the history of Newtown from its past to its present The Schofield Ford Covered Bridge, Swamp Road Was originally built in 1873, but burnt down in 1991 and was rebuilt a few years later. It is one of the longest bridges in Bucks County. You don't see covered bridges very often these days and back than they were a very popular type of bridge.  Pets Are Inn Pets Are Inn makes special arrangements for your pet that far surpass the offerings of a traditional kennel. We carefully screen animal loving individuals and families to care for your pet(s). Dogs & Cats Rule There are all kinds of pet things in here. Lots of cool treats, toys, collars, training things and so much more! If you are interested in spectator sports, the Eagles, Phillies, Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers are less than an hour away. There is an excellent minor league baseball team and minor league hockey team in Trenton, New Jersey. Those games can be reached within 15 or 20 minutes and are very reasonably priced. Northhampton Valley Golf Club Surrounded by 127 acres of rolling green hills, Northampton Valley Country Club provides the perfect setting for a wedding that you will never forget. For golfers, play the 18-hole championship golf course; playing to a par of 70, that will challenge the most experienced golfers. Olde Masters Golf Club This hilly course is difficult because of its narrow, tree-lined fairways. There is water coming into play on five holes, and the greens are medium in size and speed.   
Closing or Settlement >Closing Costs
If you are in the process of buying a home, you have probably figured out how much you will need for the down payment, but don't forget about the closing costs associated with the purchase of any property. These additional costs can add up to a significant amount.
Closing costs will vary, depending upon the costs of financing your home loan and the time of the month that you close. Your real estate agent will be able to give you an estimate of all these costs, including the points on your loan, private mortgage insurance (if required), the title search, title insurance, attorneys' fees, and any transfer taxes or recording fees changed by local government agencies. There may also be property taxes, homeowners' association fees and insurance that must be prepaid.
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What is the earliest residential building that remains in Manhattan?
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Fraunces Tavern, built in 1719, is where George Washington delivered his Farewell Address to his officers in 1783. |
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