Celebrities Like Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Flock to this Tiny Pennsylvania Town—Here’s How It’s Made Prices Shoot Up

If you’ve been trying to buy a home in New Hope, PA, but are finding yourself priced out, the celebrities flocking to this quiet hot spot might be to blame.

Supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid and their mom, former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Yolanda Hadid, bought a property in the area in 2017—dubbed the Carousel Farm—for $3.7 million.

Their complex features a 5,0000-square-foot stone house, an in-ground pool, and a barn big enough to accommodate 16 horses. As the home’s listing explains, the Hadid farm is a “gentleman’s estate” where you can “relax around the pool, go riding on the 32+ acres, or just play your own version of Gatsby.”

Since then, interest in the quaint town of 2,500 has soared, and median home prices are hovering around $1.3 million. In recent months, Tina Fey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Justin Bieber have been spotted around the town. Meanwhile, Bradley Cooper and Jakob Dylan have bought property in the area, according to Philadelphia Magazine.

So why are so many people flocking to New Hope?

New Hope’s draw

People love the location, for one. New Hope is conveniently located halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, making it an attractive option for commuters to both cities and a great rehearsal area for many Broadway productions.

For years, major shows used the Bucks County Playhouse as a staging ground before their Broadway runs, helping to infuse the area with an artsy vibe.

Over time, its burgeoning arts scene drew a multitude of artists, punks, and poets there.

Part of New Hope’s attraction lies in its ability to entertain both low-brow tastes and high-brow culture. Walk down New Hope’s Main Street, and you’ll find art galleries and high-end boutiques alongside head shops, used record stores, and more than a few tie-dyed t-shirts. Its laid-back vibes led to New Hope being named the Most Hippie Town in Pennsylvania several years in a row.

“The area feels tucked away from the noise of urban life while being conveniently situated near major hubs like New York City and Philadelphia,” says Samuel Kile, founding partner of Loyal Home Buyers. “This blend of seclusion and accessibility has made it ideal for celebrities seeking a retreat that doesn’t sacrifice convenience.”

Ken Murakowski, a broker with Century 21 in Bucks County, shares another perspective.

Plus, Kile points out that New Hope’s school system is one of the top in the state, ranking 671 in the country according to U.S. News and World Report.

High-priced homes and celebrity neighbors

Beyond New Hope’s convenience and quaint charm, there’s now the added thrill of potentially running into a supermodel at the local farmers market.

Gigi Hadid’s ex, Zayn Malik, also owns a home in New Hope. Earlier this year, he told British Vogue that New Hope was a “great place to reflect” and added that the home was the inspiration for his latest album, “Room Under the Stairs.” 

And Gigi’s current love interest, Bradley Cooper—who grew up in Jenkintown, PA, less than an hour away—also purchased a property down the street from the Hadids. The seven-bedroom stone manse, which dates back to 1704, was sold to Cooper in December 2023.

“For the celebs, I imagine the draw would be that it’s still quiet there,” says Murakowski.

Plus, your dollar goes much further in New Hope. Homes there are an average of $405 per square foot. In Manhattan, they’re $1,520 per square foot.

What you should know about moving to New Hope

If your dream is to hobnob with the rich and famous at local haunts, there are a few things you should know.

The celebrity interest has undoubtedly contributed to the area’s high real estate prices. The median home listing price in New Hope is $1.3 million, while nearby Lambertville, NJ—just across the Delaware River from New Hope—has a median listing price of $649,500.

In New Hope, the top 5% sales price is about $2.75 million, and the top 10% is about $2.38 million. In Lambertville, the top 5% sales price is about $906,000, and the top 10% sales price is about $840,000.

While those prices are out of reach for many, the average household income in New Hope is $210,573 while more than 19% of households earn more than $500,000. In nearby Lambertville, the average household income isn’t far off at $180,000, while nearly 11% of households earn more than $500,000.

Despite the higher prices, the number of sales in New Hope is around three times as many as the number of transactions in Lambertville.

“Buyers should be prepared for bidding wars and higher-than-average property taxes, but these factors are often outweighed by the area’s charm and long-term investment potential,” says Kile.

Kile also warns that prospective homeowners should also consider some of the drawbacks of New Hope life. For example, homes on the river may require flood insurance, and if you purchase one of the many historic homes in the area, you’ll need to follow strict preservation guidelines.