Middletown is in the heart of Lower Bucks, the most heavily urbanized portion of the County. The Township is situated approximately midway between Philadelphia to the west and Trenton to the east. Middletown is adjacent to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, about 1.5 miles from Exit 351 (old Exit 28) and 2 miles from Exit 358 (old Exit 29). The Township is crossed by major traffic routes, including 1-95, U.S. 1, and PA Route 413, among others. These roads are convenient links to locations across the Delaware Valley and lead directly to the interstate highway system. Eleven municipalities border Middletown. These include the townships of Newtown, Lower Makefield, Falls, Bristol, Bensalem, Lower Southampton and Northampton, and the four boroughs of Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, Penndel and Hulmeville.

Middletown was among the fastest growing post-war suburbs in the Philadelphia area during the 1950's. The Township is still a growing community in a highly developed metropolitan region. Pressures for both residential and nonresidential growth continue to be strong forces for change in Middletown and much of the surrounding area. These conditions underscore the need for ongoing comprehensive planning in the Township.

Middletown is a unique and diverse community. It contains 19.4 square miles and is the third most populous of Bucks County's 54 municipalities, according to the 1990 Census. The southern portion of the Township Is home to the Levittown residential development. The central portion contains large areas devoted to retail and other commercial development. Western Middletown is largely an older residential area. Northern Middletown is the fastest growing part of the Township and the only portion of Middletown with substantial undeveloped properties. Particular care is being taken to conserve the natural environment and the existing low-density land use pattern in northern Middletown. Striking a balance between the Township's overall growth and preservation needs is a central theme of this comprehensive plan.