If you want to buy a true duplex in Philadelphia without paying Center City prices, Northeast Philadelphia is hard to beat. The Northeast was largely built out in the mid-20th century, and many blocks are lined with brick twins and two-unit buildings with an apartment on each floor, which is exactly what a first-time house hacker needs. I work in the Northeast every week, and here’s how I break it down for clients.
Why Northeast Philly Works for House Hacking
- Duplex inventory: many neighborhoods have blocks of two-unit buildings with separate entrances, along with twins and rowhomes
- Entry prices: generally lower than many other Philadelphia neighborhoods and nearby suburbs
- Transportation: the Market-Frankford Line (ending at Frankford Transportation Center), Roosevelt Boulevard bus routes, I-95 and several Regional Rail lines
- Steady demand: a large, diverse population of renters, families and working professionals
The Three Parts of the Northeast
Lower Northeast: Frankford, Mayfair, Tacony, Oxford Circle, Lawncrest
This is where you’ll usually find the lowest entry prices and the most rowhomes and two-unit buildings. Mayfair and Tacony have a strong neighborhood feel and access to I-95 and the Trenton Regional Rail line. Oxford Circle and Lawncrest have many classic brick duplexes. Condition varies block by block, so a careful inspection is essential.
Near Northeast: Rhawnhurst, Fox Chase, Burholme, Holmesburg, Castor Gardens
The Near Northeast is a sweet spot for many house hackers: established neighborhoods, plenty of duplexes and twins, and good access to Roosevelt Boulevard, the Fox Chase Regional Rail line and shopping along Cottman and Castor Avenues.
Far Northeast: Bustleton, Somerton, Parkwood, Morrell Park, Torresdale
The Far Northeast feels more suburban, with larger twins, single-family homes and garden-style duplexes, along with access to the West Trenton and Trenton Regional Rail lines. Prices are generally a bit higher, but properties often have parking and yards that tenants value. Bustleton and Somerton also have large Russian-speaking communities, and our team works with clients in Russian, Spanish and English.
Philadelphia Rules to Check Before You Buy
- Legal unit count: confirm the number of legal units with the City’s zoning and L&I records. Many converted properties aren’t legal for the number of units being rented.
- Rental license: Philadelphia requires a rental license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections for each rental unit you lease, even in an owner-occupied duplex.
- Lead-safe certification: rentals built before 1978 must be certified lead-safe or lead-free before a new lease begins.
- Certificate of Rental Suitability: landlords must give tenants this certificate at the start of each lease.
- Homestead exemption: as an owner-occupant, you can apply for Philadelphia’s Homestead Exemption to lower your property tax bill.
What I Look For on Northeast Duplexes
- Separate electric meters and adequate electrical service for each unit
- Separate heating systems, or a plan for fairly splitting shared utilities
- The age and condition of the roof, windows and heating systems
- Evidence of water in basements, which is common in older brick homes
- Whether both units are legal and licensed, and what the current leases say
As an electrical engineer who has renovated and managed his own rentals, I check these on the first showing so you know the real cost of the property before you make an offer.
Also see: House Hacking in Roxborough & Manayunk · Best Bucks County Towns to House Hack · Мы говорим по-русски · Se habla español
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeast Philadelphia good for house hacking?
Yes. Northeast Philadelphia has a large supply of brick duplexes, twins and rowhomes at generally lower prices than many other parts of the city, plus access to the Market-Frankford Line, Roosevelt Boulevard and Regional Rail.
Which Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods have the most duplexes?
Duplexes are common across the Lower and Near Northeast, including Oxford Circle, Lawncrest, Mayfair, Rhawnhurst and Castor Gardens. The Far Northeast has more twins and single-family homes, along with some garden-style duplexes.
Do I need a rental license for a duplex in Northeast Philadelphia?
Yes. Philadelphia requires a rental license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections for rental units, and rentals built before 1978 must be certified lead-safe or lead-free before a new lease begins.
Can I get help in Russian or Spanish?
Yes. Alan Asriants speaks Russian, and Maria Guadalupe Asriants works with clients in Spanish.
Alan Asriants is a real estate agent licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 2017, an electrical engineer (Penn State) and an investor who grew a single house hack into an 18-unit rental portfolio. He leads The Asriants Team at New Century Real Estate.