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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A group of people raising their glasses in a cheerful toast, smiling and celebrating together.

How to Organize a Thanksgiving Community Meal for Your Apartment Building

Thanksgiving is the season of gratitude, hearty meals, and cherished memories. But what if this year, instead of just celebrating with family or a close…

Top 5 Most Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Phoenix

Article updated November 2024 Phoenix, the radiant “Valley of the Sun”, offers more than just year-round sunshine and enchanting desert vistas. For renters on the…

An aerial view of downtown Spokane, Washington, showcasing a mix of modern and historic buildings surrounded by lush greenery.

Cost of Living in Spokane, WA: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

When moving to a new city and planning for rental expenses, the goal is to strike a balance between lifestyle and affordability. One of the…

city view with buildings and trees

From Coast to Coast: Which Are the Most Livable Metro Areas in the U.S. in 2024?

Dreaming of that perfect place to live? Look no further! After analyzing 139 U.S. metros and using 17 key metrics to assess factors like cost…

Close-up of a woman opening the storage compartment of a modular sofa in a living room, revealing a practical hidden space

7 Genius Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment

Living in a small apartment can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris — every piece of furniture must fit just right. Whether you’re a…

The iconic White House in Washington, D.C., standing proudly amidst the vibrant beauty of the city.

Cost of Living in Washington, DC: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Moving to a new city is always an exciting adventure, but it’s also a decision that comes with a lot of questions — especially when…

Exploring the stunning downtown Nashville skyline with picturesque views of the city along the Cumberland River.

Apartment Construction in Nashville Metro Area: Top 3 Cities for New Rentals in 2024

The Nashville metropolitan area continues to experience significant growth, and with that comes a surge in apartment construction to meet the rising demand for housing….

Indoor Plants That Thrive in Fall: Bringing Nature Into Your Rental

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to the joys of gardening — far from it. In fact, this is the…

Gardener tending to flowers with his dwarf rabbit as company.

Rental-Friendly Pets: Unusual Animals That Make Great Apartment Companions

Let’s be honest: Pets make life better. They’re adorable, loyal, and some even double as your personal therapist when life gets rough. But if you’re…

Bring the Fall Vibes Indoors With These DIY Stovetop Potpourri Blends

There’s something magical about fall, right? That crispness in the air, the sight of leaves turning into warm hues of gold and orange, and the…

View of downtown Detroit, MI, at sunrise.

September Rental Activity Report: Detroit Takes the Crown, South Is Renters’ Preferred Region

Detroit sees meteoric rise as renters’ preferred city this month. The South is the most in-demand region for renters in September with 11 entries.  Hialeah,…

influencer preparing for video

Top Influencer-Friendly Cities in 2024: Bloomington, IN, Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Gen Z-ers

There are plenty of reasons to pack up and move to another city. One would be to answer the call to fame — internet fame,…

View of Dallas, TX from above at sunset.

Where to Find Most New Apartments in the Dallas Metro Area

It’s hard not to notice that Dallas has become an attractive location for many renters. Driven by a robust job market, a varied economy, and…

A view of the Seattle skyline during summer

Top Cities for Apartment Construction in the Seattle Metro Area in 2024

As the Seattle metropolitan area continues to grow, so does the demand for housing, making apartment construction a vital part of keeping up with the…

View of Atlanta, GA, overlooking Piedmont Park at dusk.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its challenges. For renters, one of the biggest considerations is…

View of Minneapolis, MN city skyline over the river at dusk.

August Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Is Most Sought-After City Again, West Dominates Rankings

Minneapolis takes back the crown after a brief stint in second place last month. Renters are focusing their apartment searches on the West, which counts…

Little girl with mother taking out clothes from drawer in bedroom.

Decluttering for Families: How to Get Everyone on Board This Fall

Fall is here! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and let’s face it — your living room is starting to resemble a cluttered…

The 6 Best Neighborhoods for Short-Term Renting in Cincinnati

A haven for foodies and beer aficionados alike, Cincinnati is the city that really has it all. From beautiful historical architecture to gorgeous, pleasant parks…

Entryway Essentials: Tips for Crafting a Stylish Entryway in Your Rental

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and your entryway is no exception. Whether you’re welcoming friends or delivery…

View of Chicago, IL's cityscape at sunrise.

How Much Apartment Space Can You Snag for $1,500 in Illinois?

With the ongoing work-from-home trend, the need for comfortable living spaces (within your budget) has never been higher. Across the country, you can usually rent…

Young couple with big boxes moving into a new rental.

Is Off-Campus Living Worth It? A Student Renter’s Guide to the Ups and Downs

So, you’ve finally reached that milestone: college! But before you pack up and wave goodbye to your hometown, there’s a big decision to make. Do…

Fire safety 101: Must-know tips for apartment renters

When you think about renting an apartment, fire safety probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. You’re most likely focused on the location,…

Roommates helping each other cook in a shared kitchen.

Meal Prep Tips for Busy College Students Sharing a Kitchen

College life — the perfect blend of cramming for exams, chugging coffee, and attempting to cook in a kitchen that might double as a broom…

Skyline of a city downtown in Michigan from above at dawn.

Apartment Space for $1,500: How Much Can Renters Get in Michigan?

Renting an apartment can be an overwhelming journey for anyone looking to secure a comfortable living space, especially during the busy summer months. With the…

View of a city in Georgia at dawn.

How Much Apartment Space You Can Rent for $1,500 in Georgia

It’s the high season for renting and apartment seekers everywhere are on the lookout for the best value for their dollars. But where can they…

questions to ask potential roommates

Top 10 Questions to Ask Potential Roommates

Whether you’re renting your first apartment or you’ve moved more times than you can count, finding the right roommate is never easy. That’s why asking…

The centerpiece is a fruit-shaped bathtub, such as a banana or a strawberry, surrounded by imaginative amenities like towel racks shaped like vines and a mirror framed with leaves.

Luxury Car Elevator or Private Observatory? A Look at the Top 10 Quirkiest Apartment Amenities in 2024

Besides worrying about how to take care of laundry, renters today might also find themselves contemplating whether having a recording studio in their apartment community…

View of the Colorado state Capitol building against the blue sky.

Apartment Size in Colorado: Discover the Largest Spaces to Rent

When searching for a new apartment, size is a crucial factor. In Colorado, finding a spacious apartment can significantly enhance your living experience. From the…

Biggest Signs That Your Potential Roommate Isn’t Right For You

Choosing a roommate is like finding a new best friend to share your fridge, your living room and fight over the TV with — so,…

Three excited roommates celebrating their successful search for a new place together.

How to Find a Roommate in a New City: Your Ultimate Guide

Moving to a new city is such an exciting experience! The thrill of exploring new neighborhoods, discovering local hotspots, and creating fresh memories makes it…