Levittown, Pa.
BuildingtheSuburbanDream

EXPLORE THE EXHIBITGo to Planning, Building and Selling LevittownGo to The Suburban WayGo to Levittown Kitchen

Exhibit acknowledgements

Photo of Levittown homes

The brainchild of developer William J. Levitt, Levittown, Pennsylvania was the largest planned community constructed by a single builder in the United States. By the time it was completed in 1958, the development occupied over 5500 acres in lower Bucks County and included churches, schools, swimming pools, shopping centers and 17,311 single-family homes.

To its 70,000-plus residents, Levittown represented the American Dream of homeownership. To many others, Levittown epitomized postwar suburbia—a place often criticized but widely copied.

In honor of its 50th anniversary, this exhibit explores the early history of Levittown from the perspective of those who built and lived the suburban dream.

Photo of William J. Levitt
The State Museum of Pennsylvania Copyright © 2003 The State Museum of Pennsylvania