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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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 transportation 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 transport 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…
The Minneapolis, MN, zip codes with the most new apartments
With more than 23,500 new apartments across 14 different zip codes, the Minneapolis apartment boom shows no signs of slowing down. Understanding where these developments…
What are the top zip codes in Oakland, CA, for new apartments?
The past decade in Oakland has been defined by a significant construction cycle, resulting in the completion of more than 12,800 new apartments spanning seven…
A renter’s guide to where new apartments are rising in Miami, FL
Miami’s skyline tells a story of incredible growth; over the last ten years, developers have finalized more than 55,000 new apartments across a 30-zip-code radius….
What are the top zip codes in Raleigh, NC, for new apartments?
The Raleigh boom is real: over 30,000 new apartments have been built in the last ten years to keep up with the city’s tech-led population…
Where Colorado Springs, CO’s new apartments are being built
The past ten years have seen a surge in development within the Colorado Springs metro area, with builders delivering upwards of 16,400 new apartments. Understanding…
What are the top zip codes in Omaha, NE for new apartments?
Omaha’s rental landscape is flourishing; over the last decade, more than 11,000 new apartments have been built, offering renters a high quality of life without…
Where Mesa, AZ’s new apartments are being built
Mesa is making its mark: with 8,461 new apartments across 39 developments in just ten years, it’s proving why it’s Arizona’s third-largest city. This expansion…
The Kansas City, MO, zip codes with the most new apartments
The past ten years in Kansas City have been defined by a significant multifamily boom, marked by the completion of over 17,155 new apartments across…
What are the top zip codes in Sacramento, CA for new apartments?
Over the last decade, developers completed approximately 10,489 new apartments across 58 developments in Sacramento, offering renters a stable and modern alternative to coastal California’s…
What are the top zip codes in Tucson for new apartments?
Over the last decade, developers have completed 5,011 new apartments across Tucson, offering renters significantly more options than in other Southwest metros while maintaining the…