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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5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Sacramento, CA
If you’re searching for an affordable California city with career opportunities, outdoor access and a strong sense of community, Sacramento should be on your radar….
The ‘Sweet Spot’ Timing: When to Start Your Apartment Search for a Summer Move
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, school, or simply craving a change of scenery, summer is one of the most popular times to pack…
5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Chicago
If you’re thinking about moving to Chicago, you’re not alone: In 2025, the city continues to attract renters from all across the country thanks to…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city like no other. With its vibrant culture, historic charm and unbeatable food scene, it’s no surprise that so many renters…
Apartment Hunting Just Got Easier: Check Out What’s New on RentCafe.com
Finding your next apartment should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. At RentCafe.com, we’re committed to making your search as simple and efficient…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Sacramento, CA
If you’re searching for an affordable place to call home in California, Sacramento is a great place to start. Known for its rich history, welcoming…
Cost of Living in Phoenix: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter
Finding the right apartment is only part of the journey of moving to a new city. Before signing that lease, it’s smart to understand what…
U.S. average apartment size is increasing, with San Francisco and New York leading the charge
As we kick off the rental season, square footage has emerged as the new currency in the apartment market, with larger rentals gaining momentum. Our…
A Practical Guide to Understanding Common Area Maintenance Fees
Renting an apartment in a well-kept residential building has its perks: a clean lobby, secure entryways, neatly trimmed landscaping, and functioning amenities, just to name…
Cost of Living in San Francisco: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter
Relocating to a new city is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re moving as a renter. Whether you’re changing jobs, chasing…
The Neighbor Interview: Tactful Ways to Get the Inside Scoop During a Viewing
Apartment-hunting isn’t just about glossy photos, updated appliances or that irresistible “open-concept living” description in the listing. Instead, one of the most valuable — and…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Jacksonville, FL
With a strong job market, beautiful weather, and proximity to beaches, Jacksonville offers a great quality of life without the high costs of cities like…
The Best Zip Codes for Luxury Apartments at Lower Rents in San Antonio
Living in a luxury apartment means more than just stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops: It often includes perks like secure parking, pools, fitness centers and…
RentCafe.com’s Latest Features: Finding Your Happy Place Is Simpler Than Ever
We know the search for the dream apartment can take time, and at RentCafe.com, we’re always working on ways to make it easier, faster, and…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Charlotte, NC
Renting in Charlotte, NC, offers a fantastic balance of city living and suburban comfort with something for every budget. As the largest city in North…
Exploring Orlando’s Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters
Beyond the theme parks and tourist hotspots, Orlando is packed with awesome neighborhoods that offer both affordability and a fantastic quality of life. Whether you’re…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, offering a balance of urban amenities and Southern charm. Known for its strong job…
Renting with Student Loans: How to Manage Debt and Find an Affordable Apartment
Student loans are the financial equivalent of a weighted backpack that follows you long after graduation. Whether you majored in philosophy or finance, one lesson…
Soft Credit Checks: A Peek Behind the Financial Curtain
If you’ve ever applied for an apartment, a new credit card, or even a job, you may have come across the term “soft credit check.”…
Maintenance Requests: How to Fix It Without a Hitch!
Home is where the heart is — but it’s also where the leaky faucets, creaky floorboards, and flickering lights are! Whether you rent an apartment…
Questions to Ask as a Parent With Kids When Looking for a Rental
There are few things harder than raising a child and finding that perfect rental might be one of them. Okay, maybe not quite that hard,…
A Guide to Securing Your Security Deposit Refund
Ah, security deposits — the pot of gold at the end of your renting rainbow! Or at least, that’s the dream. But too often, renters…
How to Best Negotiate Lease Terms as a Renter With Kids
Finding the perfect nest for your family is a journey filled with open house visits, neighborhood research, and countless discussions about what truly makes a…
Rental Activity Report: Washington, D.C. Tops List Again as Southern Cities Attract More Interest
The start of the year is prime time for renters seeking great deals on a new place to call home. But, which cities were capturing…
AI and the Rental Market: How Algorithms Are Changing the Apartment Search Game
In today’s digital age, finding the perfect rental property has become a bit like dating — swipe left on the overpriced studio, swipe right on…
5 Strategies for Budgeting Monthly Bills for First-Time Renters
Making the big leap into renting your own place is not always easy, but it can be rewarding. No more sneaking snacks from your parents’…
Setting Up an Emergency Fund Plan for First-Time Renters
You’ve finally taken the plunge and rented your own place. No more unsolicited advice about cleaning your room or explaining why pizza counts as breakfast….
How to Pick the Best Neighborhood for Your Family
Finding a place to live is a big deal — especially when you have little ones running around. As a renter, you want the flexibility…
How to budget for moving: A renter’s guide to lifting the financial weight
Moving to a new place is more than just packing boxes and tossing out that avocado-green sofa you swore you’d reupholster (but never did). It’s…
What Is a Walk-Up Apartment? Pros, Cons, and Things to Consider Before Renting
Searching for the perfect apartment isn’t easy — especially when daily stair climbs are part of the deal. For some, the idea of hauling groceries…