A couple have left thousands of people in awe of their lifestyle, as they live in a rather unusual location in Manhattan, and don’t have to pay a single cent to a landlord
Danielle Kate Wroe Senior Social News Reporter
08:27 ET, 24 Nov 2025
The pair get all the perks without the price (Stock Image)(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
A couple has revealed how they manage to live in New York City – completely rent-free.
They are truly living the dream. Instead of paying thousands of dollars monthly to rent a (probably quite tiny) apartment, they actually pay nothing! Picture what you could accomplish with all the money you saved if you did the same. Well, that’s the reality for Allison Bracken and her partner, as they pay $0 in rent ever.
Many will be wondering ‘how’ they manage it – and it’s all to do with the “40ft school bus” they converted “into a home”. The duo “currently live in Manhattan” with their two dogs, and their lifestyle is so much more affordable.
Recording the alternative living situation for social media, Allison stepped onto the bus. Her dog, Ricky, could be seen perched on the dashboard of the vehicle, which has been completely transformed and updated to make it look appealing.
Mr Lahey, their other dog, approached her as she entered the bus. Viewers could then see a contemporary kitchen, similar to what you’d find in a home that had just been renovated.
Allison shared: “We have a fully equipped kitchen”. That’s not the only remarkable amenity, either.
They also have a “dining room table with hidden storage, a wood-burning stove, a work or gaming station, a couch that converts into a queen-sized bed for guests”. Features that you would never expect you’d be able to squeeze onto a former bus!
Allison proudly displayed her “hydroponic garden to grow vegetables and herbs,” a smart way to save some cash. Additionally, the couple heats their bus with a “propane heater”.
They’ve hung a map on the wall marking all the places they’ve visited as a family – because, naturally, living in a bus means you’re not tied down to one location. So, no rent and total freedom!
At the back of the bus, the couple has created “a master suite with walk-in closets”. Above their bed, there’s a dual-purpose air-conditioning unit that also serves as a heater, depending on the weather.
Their bed is not only spacious, but they also have a “full-size bathroom featuring a bathtub”. The entire space is beautifully decorated, making it an ideal choice for travel enthusiasts.
“With 270 square feet of space, our home is larger than most NYC apartments,” Allison noted, adding: “We have everything we need to live comfortably in the Big Apple”.
Many commenters praised the bus, calling it “gorgeous” and speculating about the “fun” the couple must be having. However, others had questions.
One asked: “Are you ever worried about break-ins? How secure is it?” To which Allison responded: “It’s as secure as a traditional home”.
Another commenter joked: “Rent free except for all the parking fees and fines lol.” But Allison assured them that so far, it had been “so far so good”.
Some pointed out that even with potential fines, it’s “still probably cheaper than NYC rent prices”. Another person complimented them on doing an “excellent job”.
Escape Camper Vans notes, “the basic law states that all commercial vehicles, including RVs and camper vans, can park in city parking spaces for no more than 24 hours”.
So, while it requires some savvy maneuvering and might not be the best idea, they’re having a blast and living without paying rent!