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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7 Ways RentCafe.com Prioritizes Renters’ Safety While Apartment Hunting
With 2025 underway, the search for your dream apartment is getting a fresh new start — but still as safe as ever! If your New…
RentCafe.com’s Newest Power Features: Finding Your Happy Place Just Got Easier!
We know how much time and effort goes into finding the perfect home, so we are always thinking of new features to make your search…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Chicago
Renting in Chicago offers an exciting city lifestyle, access to world-class cultural attractions, and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. While the Windy…
Questions to Ask During an Apartment Tour
Picture this: You’re stepping into a potential new apartment, imagining how your couch will fit perfectly against that wall or how you’ll finally start that…
How to Build Your Credit Score While Renting
Ah, the joys of renting your first place — the excitement of independence, the thrill of choosing the perfect throw pillows, and the slight dread…
Top Neighborhoods in Denver
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect rental apartment or just curious about where fellow renters are flocking, Denver boasts a range of neighborhoods…
Minneapolis Is Top City to Watch in 2025 Amid Midwest – West Battle for Popularity
Minneapolis is renters’ top city to watch in 2025 for rental activity, after attracting considerable rental interest throughout 2024. Atlanta claims the silver medal, followed…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Columbus, OH
Renting in Columbus, OH, offers a unique blend of affordability and exciting city life. As the state capital and one of the fastest-growing cities in…
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Rental Application When Your Credit Isn’t Perfect
If your credit score isn’t exactly the kind of number that would make a landlord swoon, don’t worry — you’re not alone. It might feel…
How to Get References From Previous Landlords
When it comes to renting a new place, one thing stands between you and the apartment of your dreams: references. Landlords want to ensure that…
Maximizing Energy Efficiency: How to Lower Your Bills While Renting in 2025
The new year is just around the corner, and while many are sweating over gym memberships or attempting to Marie Kondo their closets, there’s another…
Hidden Gems for Renters: Exploring Some of the Most Unusual Libraries in the U.S.
When you think of libraries, what usually comes to mind? Rows of books, hushed voices, and maybe a pair of spectacles perched on a librarian’s…
How to Make the Best of Living Off-Campus in Student Apartments
Living off-campus is a rite of passage for many college students — offering a first real taste of freedom, responsibility, and, let’s be real, a…
RentCafe.com: Smarter Ways to Find Your Happy Place
Ready to find your dream apartment twice as fast? At RentCafe.com, we are committed to continuously enhancing your journey to find your new home. Our…
How to Pick the Best Christmas Tree for a Small Apartment
When the holiday season rolls around, even the tiniest apartment deserves its fair share of festive sparkle. Sure, your rental might not have vaulted ceilings…
6 Must-Have Eco-Friendly Features in Luxury Apartments
As we sail into a greener future, luxury isn’t just about opulent finishes and stunning views — it’s also about a responsibility to the environment….
Giving Back to the Community: How to Organize a Donation Drive in Your Apartment Building
When Thanksgiving rolls around, it’s time to talk turkey about what it means to give back. As the holiday reminds us to reflect on the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…