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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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…

aerial view of charleston for best cities for renters

Best Cities for Renters to Live in 2024: Charleston Tops the Charts for Second Year in a Row

Key Takeaways Charleston, SC, is this year’s best city for renters for the second year in a row, followed by Atlanta in second place and…

Two roommates unpacking boxes in their new home.

First Time Living With a Roommate: Dos and Don’ts for a Happy Home

Living with a roommate for the first time can be both exciting and stressful. Whether you’re leaving your family home, tired of living by yourself,…

How to Organize Your Personal Library When Living in a Rental Apartment

Setting up a personal library in a rental apartment is like embarking on a fun, creative adventure. Whether you’re a book lover with an ever-expanding…

A young renter works from home during a heatwave, looking exhausted as she wipes her forehead, with a fan blowing on her and several water bottles on her cluttered desk.

Beat the Heat While Working From Home: How to Stay Productive & Comfortable

As summer temperatures rise, maintaining productivity and comfort while working from home can become a challenging task. The sweltering heat can lead to discomfort, decreased…

View of Detroit, MI's city center at sunset.

How Much Gen Z Renters Pay on Rent in Michigan by Age 30

Michigan is like a treasure trove of possibilities for Gen Z renters on the hunt for their dream digs. With its kaleidoscope of landscapes and…

View of Crescent Bay of Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA during summer.

Metro Breakdown: Here’s How Much Gen Z Renters Pay on Rent in California by Age 30

With its stunning coastlines and energetic cities, California is like a beacon of opportunity for Gen Z renters chasing their dreams. Whether you’re drawn to…

Aerial view of Overland Park, KS, a suburb of Kansas City

Rental Activity Report: Overland Park, KS, Boldly Edges Out Minneapolis for Top Spot After Stunning Climb

Overland Park, KS, dethrones Minneapolis as most sought-after spot by renters in our April rental activity report. West & South finish neck and neck for…

Couple tapping a box on moving day.

5 Tips to Master the Art of Fragile Packing When Moving to a New Rental

Moving to a new apartment is an exciting adventure, but the thought of packing up fragile items can send shivers down anyone’s spine. But don’t…

Old-World Charm in a New-World Location: 6 U.S. Spots Where Renters Can Have a Taste of Europe

If Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown” taught us anything, it’s that sometimes we “gotta make a move to a town that’s right for” us. And who doesn’t…

view of downtown Minneapolis during summer

March Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Leads the Chart; Alabama City Makes Bold Entry Into Top 10

Minneapolis is renters’ first pick for apartment-hunting for the fourth month in a row.   Overland Park, KS, overtakes Atlanta for second place this month. Renters…

From Balcony to Plot: 5 Ways to Maximize Small Spaces in Community Gardens for Renters

In the heart of bustling cities, where every square foot counts, community gardens have become the urban gardener’s paradise — a patch of soil where…

construction site in miami housing potential

Unlocking Miami-Dade’s Housing Potential: Existing Vacant Land Could Provide Affordable Housing for 192,000 Renters

Miami-Dade County is dealing with an affordable housing challenge: Through a combination of nationwide rising housing costs and a development pace struggling to keep up…

The 5 Best Neighborhoods for Short-Term Renting in Raleigh

Looking for a place with historic neighborhoods, world-class museums and plenty of green spaces to enjoy on the weekend? If so, then look no further…

A panoramic image of Orlando, Florida, taken from across a scenic lake reflecting the city’s skyline.

Here Are 10 Amenities Renters Love in Orlando

Renting an apartment isn’t just about the space you inhabit — it’s also about the lifestyle and conveniences that come with it. Sunny Orlando is…

Top 10 Amenities Renters Love in Orange County

In the bustling region of Orange County, CA, where beachside living meets cityscapes, apartment amenities are key to a great rental experience. As renters seek…

5 Tricks to Turn Your Balcony Into an Outdoor Oasis This Spring

Balconies make for great spots to spend lovely evenings with your friends or loved ones while watching the sunset — which is why it’s important…

february rental activity report

February Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Is the Most Coveted City, Western Cities Dominate the Top 30

Minneapolis is the most sought-after city by renters for the third consecutive month. Atlanta and Queens, NY, are neck and neck for second place in…

Top 10 Amenities Renters Love in Scottsdale, AZ

When it comes to finding the perfect apartment in Scottsdale, AZ, the search is not just about the location or the size of the unit;…

view of Portland, OR skyline

Top 10 Apartment Amenities Renters Love in Portland

If you’re considering a move to Portland, OR, and you’re on the lookout for rental apartments here, it’s essential to consider the amenities that can…

view of Detroit, MI skyline

Top 10 Most Sought-After Amenities in Detroit

Finding the perfect apartment is not just about the space itself — it’s also about having access to amenities that can enhance your living experience….