I live and invest in Bucks County, and it’s where I started house hacking. It’s also one of the best places in the region to do it: you get access to Philadelphia jobs, good school districts and steady rental demand, often at lower prices than the Main Line or Center City. But duplexes and small multifamily properties aren’t spread evenly across the county. Here’s where I point first-time house hackers.
What Makes a Town Good for House Hacking?
- Inventory: enough duplexes, triplexes, twins and homes with in-law suites to choose from
- Rent-to-price ratio: rents strong enough to cover a meaningful share of the mortgage
- Tenant demand: access to transit, major roads, jobs and shopping
- Local rules: reasonable rental registration, inspection and zoning requirements
Lower Bucks County: The Most Options
Bensalem
Bensalem borders Northeast Philadelphia and has easy access to I-95, Route 1, the Turnpike and SEPTA’s Trenton line. You’ll find duplexes, small apartment buildings and single-family homes with rentable space, plus strong rental demand from commuters. It’s my home base and one of the most practical places to start.
Bristol Borough and Bristol Township
Bristol Borough’s historic, walkable downtown includes older homes that have been converted into multiple units, and nearby Bristol Township and Croydon offer more affordable entry points. These areas suit buyers who want lower prices and are comfortable evaluating older housing stock.
Morrisville
Right across the river from Trenton, Morrisville has older twins and multi-unit homes and quick access to New Jersey jobs and the Trenton train station.
Langhorne Borough, Penndel and Hulmeville
These small boroughs have older homes, some already split into apartments, near Route 1 and the Langhorne train station. Inventory is limited, so being ready to move quickly helps.
Feasterville-Trevose and Levittown
These areas are mostly single-family, so house hacking here usually means renting out rooms, a finished basement or an in-law suite rather than buying a classic duplex. Prices and demand are both solid.
Central and Upper Bucks: Boroughs With Character
Warminster offers a mix of housing near the Warminster train line. Further north, boroughs such as Quakertown, Perkasie and Sellersville have older homes in their downtowns, some converted into apartments, often at lower prices than central Bucks. Towns like Doylestown and Newtown are highly desirable, but their prices make it harder to find a house hack that cash flows.
Don’t Forget Northeast Philadelphia
If you’re open to the city, neighborhoods just across the county line, including Somerton, Bustleton, Fox Chase, Holmesburg and Mayfair, have a larger supply of duplexes and triplexes. I cover them in detail in House Hacking in Northeast Philadelphia. In Northwest Philly, see House Hacking in Roxborough & Manayunk.
Local Rules to Check Before You Buy
- Legal unit count: confirm with the township or borough that every unit is legal and permitted.
- Rental registration and inspections: many Bucks County municipalities require rental licenses or periodic inspections.
- Resale or use-and-occupancy inspections: many municipalities require one before closing, which can trigger required repairs.
- Zoning: if you plan to add a unit or convert a property, check zoning before you buy.
Every Property Is Different
The town is only the start. The specific property, its condition and its numbers matter more. When we tour a house hack together, I review the electrical service, systems and layout and run rents, taxes and financing before you make an offer.
Also see: House Hacking in Roxborough & Manayunk · House Hacking in Northeast Philadelphia · FHA Loans for Duplexes in PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bucks County good for house hacking?
Yes, especially Lower Bucks. Towns like Bensalem, Bristol and Morrisville have a good supply of small multifamily properties, solid rental demand and access to Philadelphia and Trenton.
Can I house hack a single-family home in Bucks County?
Yes. In mostly single-family areas like Levittown and Feasterville-Trevose, many people house hack by renting rooms, a finished basement or an in-law suite. Check local zoning and rental rules first.
Do I need a rental license in Bucks County?
It depends on the municipality. Many Bucks County townships and boroughs require rental registration or inspections, so check with the local municipality before renting out units.
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.