Articles by
Adina Dragos
Adina Dragos is a real estate writer and research analyst with RentCafe. She has solid experience in real estate writing, covering topics ranging from best cities for renters and the top cities for rental activity to cost of living. Her work was featured in several prominent media channels such as Axios, The Dallas Morning News, ConnectCRE and The New York Times.
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Public transit in Providence: What renters need to know
This compact, walkable city is one of the most transit-friendly in New England, making car-free renting not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable. If you’re relocating…
These are the best affordable neighborhoods for renters in Cary, NC
Cary has built a reputation as one of the best places to live in North Carolina. The town sits at the western edge of the…
5 questions to ask before renting an apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa draws a steady stream of renters, like students enrolling at the University of Alabama, young professionals settling in after graduation and families drawn to…
Which are the most sought-after cities entering summer 2026? The West leads for the first time
The peak rental season is right around the corner and renters are already eyeing their next move ahead of the busy summer months. The West…
How to choose the right neighborhood in a new city as a young professional
Relocating to a new city is one of the most exciting and overwhelming decisions a young professional can make. Between evaluating job opportunities, budgeting for…
5 Questions to ask before renting an apartment in El Paso, TX
El Paso draws a mix of military families, university students and young professionals who appreciate the city’s affordability relative to other Texas metros and the…
Denver, CO vs. Salt Lake City, UT: Cost of living comparison for renters (2026)
Looking to trade the buzz of Denver for the mountains of Salt Lake City, or vice versa? Denver has long drawn renters with its mix…
A guide to Hartford, CT public transit for renters
Finding your next rental in Hartford, CT is exciting, and knowing the city’s transit options can make car-free living not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable….
Moving to Reno, NV? Ask these 5 questions first
Reno has become one of Nevada’s most in-demand rental markets, drawing remote workers, tech employees and newcomers priced out of California looking for more space…
You got rejected from your dream apartment — now what?
Getting turned down for an apartment you loved stings. You toured it, imagined your furniture in the living room and pictured your morning coffee on…
Your happy place is just a conversation away with the new RentCafe app in ChatGPT
Meet the new RentCafe app in ChatGPT, an exciting step forward in apartment search. It combines the trusted rental listings platform used by millions of renters with the conversational power…
Move-in budget: What it is and how to build one for a smooth rental start
A move-in budget is a financial plan that outlines all the costs associated with starting a new residential rental. It goes beyond rent, and should…
See what you’ll really pay: RentCafe introduces Total monthly cost and the Cost calculator
RentCafe listings now display the Total monthly cost and the Cost calculator, two new features designed to give you a clear, complete picture of what…
What is the difference between a rental application fee and a security deposit?
When you’re searching for a place to live, you’ll likely come across two common upfront costs: a rental application fee and a security deposit. While…
The unspoken rules of a club house in an apartment building
The club house in a residential apartment building is often seen as a shared extension of your living space. It is where neighbors gather, relax,…
Understanding your rent receipt: A renter’s guide to reading, using, and keeping records
From a renter’s perspective, a rent receipt is more than just a piece of paper or a digital confirmation. It’s proof that you’ve paid your…
RentCafe.com’s new AI-powered search lets you find apartments by describing what you want
With RentCafe.com’s natural language search feature, you can now find apartments simply by describing what you want in plain English — no dropdowns or checkboxes…
5 affordable neighborhoods to check out in Lubbock, TX
Lubbock is the economic and cultural hub of West Texas — home to Texas Tech University, a growing healthcare sector, and a surprisingly lively food…
5 practical tips for renters adjusting after a move
Moving into a rental property is a major life moment. Whether you relocated across town or to another city, the transition can feel both exciting…
How security deposits work when renting with roommates: A practical guide
Renting a home with roommates can make housing more affordable and social, but it also introduces shared responsibilities. One of the most important things to…
New Haven, CT, public transit guide for renters
Apartment hunting in New Haven means more than finding the right square footage — it means choosing how you’ll move through one of Connecticut’s most…
What is a co-applicant on a rental apartment? A simple guide for renters
Applying for a rental apartment often requires things like proof of income and credit checks, stacking up approval odds against you. That’s where co-applicants come…
A renter’s guide to public transit in St. Paul, MN
Renting an apartment in Minnesota often involves planning how you will travel each day. Public transit in St. Paul is an important factor for many…
What is a micro-apartment? A renter’s guide to small-space living
Finding a place that fits your budget can feel tough. That’s why more renters are considering micro-apartments during their apartment hunt. These small units focus…
Top trending cities to watch ahead of the 2026 rental season
As the 2026 rental season approaches, early signs of heightened renter interest are already taking shape across several U.S. cities. Specifically, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Minneapolis…
The Aurora, CO, zip codes with the most new apartments
Aurora’s rental landscape has expanded considerably over the last ten years, marked by the addition of over 10,400 new apartments spanning ten zip codes. Understanding…
What are the top zip codes in Tampa, FL for new apartments?
Tampa is building up: more than 23,500 new homes have hit the market across 14 zip codes in just the last ten years. Understanding where…
A renter’s guide to where new apartments are rising in Arlington, TX
Developers have finalized more than 5,500 new apartments in Arlington in the past ten years, impacting seven different zip codes. Understanding where these developments are…
Where Wichita, KS’ new apartments are being built
With almost 4,000 new units completed since ten years ago, Wichita continues to see reliable residential development across six different zip codes. Understanding where these…
What are the top zip codes in Tulsa, OK, for new apartments?
Reflecting a decade of reliable progress, Tulsa has finalized upwards of 3,700 new apartments across seven of its zip codes. Understanding where these developments are…