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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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….

view of Denver, CO during sunset

Top 10 Amenities Renters Love in Denver

As you start your search for the perfect rental apartment, it’s essential to consider the amenities that can truly enhance your living experience. Beyond just…

view of Chicago, IL during the day

See How Much Apartment Space You Can Get for $1,700 in Chicago

With the average monthly rent circling around the $1,700 mark, prospective renters are understandably eager to find ways to maximize their living space within that…

view of Oklahoma City, OK during a sunset

How Much Apartment Space Can You Get for $1,700 in Oklahoma City?

When it comes to apartments for rent in the U.S., the magic number for many is around $1,700 a month. While this budget is enough…

How Much Apartment Space Does $1,700 Get You in Nashville?

The quest for a comfortable living space within a reasonable budget is a real challenge for many renters. With the average monthly rent hovering around…

How Much Apartment Space Can You Get for $1,700 Across Houston?

When looking for the ideal apartment, budget-conscious renters across the U.S. often find themselves juggling numbers, square footage and location preferences. With the average monthly…

close-up of a woman's hand using a key to unlock the door

Safety 101: 5 Tips for First-Time Renters to Keep in Mind When Living Alone

Living alone for the first time can feel like embarking on a grand adventure: From deciphering the mysteries of lease agreements to mastering the art…

How Finding the Perfect Apartment Is Like Finding the Perfect Life Partner

You’re endlessly scrolling through rental listing websites, looking for that perfect new place to move into and, suddenly, an overpowering feeling of déjà vu hits…

featured-image-save-your-deposit

How Not to Lose Your Deposit – The Superhero Edition

It’s all fun and games until you lose your security deposit. These superheroes learned that the hard way when they moved to the big city….

view of a city in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas’ Most Affordable Renting Spots for Single-Family Homes

Nestled in the heart of the United States, Northwest Arkansas emerges as a beacon of affordability and quality living for families looking to call this…

january rental activity report

January Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Leads as the Most Sought-After City, West Rivals Midwest for Top Spots

RentCafe’s January rental activity report shows Minneapolis stays in the lead as the most sought-after city by renters at the start of 2024. The West…