Articles by

Alexandra Both

Alexandra Both is a senior real estate writer and research analyst with RentCafe. She brings over almost 10 years of real estate writing experience, having served as a senior editor at Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News. A seasoned journalist, Alexandra has worked across print, online, and broadcast media. Her work has been featured in a variety of prominent outlets, including The New York Times, The Guardian, USA Today, and Architectural Digest. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Community Development.

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how to find affordable apartments - nice apartment with furniture and decorations in neutral tones with warm lighting

How to Find Affordable Apartments: A Renter’s Guide

As a renter, landing a budget-friendly yet quality apartment means strategic planning and savvy research. Or just incredible luck. Looking for ways to snag that…

Unhappy young woman on a sofa wearing a Santa hat and looking for some holiday fun away from her loved ones.

Holiday Fun Without the FOMO: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Away From Loved Ones

Are you feeling the holiday blues because you can’t host a massive family gathering in your rental? Or maybe you’re frustrated that you can’t travel…

The renter and landlord shake hands after successfully negotiating rent.

How to Negotiate Rent: Simple Tips and Effective Strategies

Renting a home can strain your budget, but negotiating rent is a possibility many renters overlook. While not every landlord will agree to lower the…

The Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson Memorial reflecting in the Tidal Basin, Washington, DC.

Best Museums in Washington, DC: 5 Hidden Gems Beyond the National Mall

The nation’s capital is one of the most sought-after cities by renters, and it’s easy to see why. In fact, few other places in the…

Family with little daughter resting on sofa in living room of a family-friendly apartment.

How to Find the Best Family-Friendly Apartments

As parents searching for the perfect home, finding family-friendly apartments requires careful consideration of various factors beyond the monthly rent. Whether you’re relocating or seeking…

Empty room with white walls and parquet floor, striped blue wallpaper on the wall. Rental-friendly upgrades that can be easily implemented.

Rental-Friendly Upgrades for a More Welcoming Apartment

Renters often dream of transforming their apartments into cozy and welcoming homes, yet many hesitate because they don’t want to risk their security deposits or…

Male arm in suit offer insurance form clipped to pad and silver pen to sign a renters insurance.

Is Renters Insurance Required? Here’s What You Need to Know

As a renter, you’ve probably heard the term “renters insurance” thrown around. But what exactly does it mean, and more importantly, is renters insurance required?…

The skyline of Downtown Los Angeles with skyscrapers at the center.

Top 3 Cities for New Apartments in LA Metro Area

The Los Angeles metropolitan area continues to be a hotbed for apartment construction, reflecting the region’s ongoing demand for rental housing. As one of the…

Door mat with Halloween pumpkins and fallen leaves in hall.

Spooktacular Halloween Door Decoration Ideas for Crafty Renters

As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves begin to turn, there’s no denying that Halloween is just around the corner. For renters, this…

Bike and e-scooter for rent, two transportation alternatives for city renters.

Smart Transportation Alternatives for Car-Free Renters in Big Cities

Living in a big city without a car can be both liberating and challenging: While you’re free from the burdens of car payments, insurance, and…

Houston skyline with tall buildings and a beautiful pink sky.

Top 3 Cities for New Apartments in the Houston Metro Area

Looking for a new place to call home in Houston? You’re in luck! This Texan metro area ranks sixth nationwide for the total number of…

The downtown city skyline of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city with an affordable cost of living.

Cost of Living in Minneapolis: What Renters Need to Know in 2024

Relocating can be an exciting yet demanding experience for renters, and one of the major factors to consider when moving to another city is the…

The shoreline at Sunny Isles Beach in Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area where apartment construction is booming.

Apartment Construction in Miami and Its Suburbs: Top 3 Cities for New Rentals in 2024

There are many things that make Miami a desirable place for renters. Beyond its beautiful beaches and attractions, its diverse job market and urban amenities…

Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida. Apartment Construction in Orlando is booming.

Top 3 Cities for Apartment Construction in Orlando Metro

The Orlando metropolitan area continues to be a magnet for renters, drawn not just by its world-famous attractions, but also its burgeoning job market, and…

Fall Maintenance Essentials for Renters: A Quick Guide

As the leaves start to change and temperatures drop, it’s time for renters to prepare their apartments for the cooler months ahead. Fall maintenance is…

Simple interior design of a new clean modern apartment. No one at home, in a cozy bright sunny living room with white walls, gray sofa, wooden shelves, green plants, warm rug and laminate flooring.

Top 10 Student Housing Amenities for Off-Campus Living

We’re off to a new academic year and, hopefully, you’re all settled in your new place. If you chose off-campus living, you might still be…

Panoramic view of Downtown Seattle, where $1,500 per month gets renters less than 500 square feet of apartment space.

Where $1,500 Gets You the Most Apartment Space in Washington

Planning a move? If you’re still searching for a new place and you’re interested in Washington apartments, we’re stepping in with a quick helping hand….

View of downtown Winston Salem, North Carolina, where renters can get plenty of apartment space for $1,500.

Maximizing Apartment Space in North Carolina: Here’s Where Your $1,500 Rent Budget Goes Furthest

We’re in the last days of the high season for moving when many are still looking for that perfect place to rent. If you’re still…

View of the fountains at 95th and Metcalf, in Overland Park, KS, the top city for the July rental activity report.

July Rental Activity Report: Overland Park, KS, Returns to Top Spot, West Region Attracts Most Interest From Renters

Overland Park, KS, dethrones Minneapolis as renters’ favorite city in the July rental activity report. The West stands out as the most sought-after region for…

Smart home gadgets like phone, headphones and a tablet in an open drawer.

Best Home Gadgets for Students: Smart Tech for Back-to-School Season

With the back-to-school season upon us, student renters are gearing up to find an apartment for rent and make their living spaces more comfortable and…

The skyline of Miami, FL, a city where renters with a budget of $,1500 a month can get cozy apartment spaces.

Apartment Space in Florida: How Far Does Your $1,500 Rent Budget Stretch?

As hybrid work and other lifestyle trends continue to reshape our living preferences, renters are on a quest for the perfect balance of space and…

Close-up of a man's hands with a calculator and a lot of utility bills on the table.

How to Save on Utilities: A Renter’s Guide to Cutting Costs

As a renter, you might think you have little control over your utility bills. After all, you don’t own the property, so how much say…

City view of Orlando, Florida, where apartment size is among largest in Florida.

Apartment Size in Florida: Where to Find the Largest Rentals

Are you on the hunt for a new apartment in the Sunshine State? If so, you’re probably also wondering about apartment size in Florida. Whether…

a living room with wood flooring and white walls, including a glass coffee table on the right hand side

How Much Apartment Space Does $1,500 Get You in 200 U.S. Cities?

Renters looking for a spacious apartment on a budget in a big city should immediately head to the South. That’s because more than half of…

Miami downtown skyline and futuristic mover train above Miami river panoramic view, Florida state, USA.

10 Ways to Be More Sustainable as a Renter in Miami

As climate change poses increasing challenges to coastal cities, Miami has taken significant steps to mitigate its impact and create a more environmentally friendly urban…

Subway running on Longfellow Bridge in Boston.

Public Transport in Boston: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re renting an apartment in Boston or if you’re thinking about moving to Beantown, you might be trying to figure out how to navigate…

the skyline of los angeles during sunset

Apartment Size in California: Where to Find the Most Spacious New Rentals

With its stunning coastlines, iconic cities, and diverse landscapes, California has long been a magnet for renters seeking an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle. From the…

Young woman with fan ready for a summer staycation.

10 Staycation Ideas: How to Create the Perfect Summer Getaway in Your Rental

Summer is here, and the allure of a relaxing vacation is getting stronger. However, you don’t need to pack your bags and travel far to…

Minneapolis skyline at sunset with tall buildings, lights, and the waterfront.

May Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Makes Swift Return to Top Spot, South Prevails in Top 30

Minneapolis returns as the most in-demand city for renters — its fourth time taking the lead in 2024. The South is renters’ preferred region this…

interior of an apartment with a sofa, armchairs and a coffee table

Average Apartment Size Rebounds Nationally as More 2- & 3-Bedroom Rentals Are Built

The average apartment size in the U.S. increased by 27 square feet from the previous year, reaching 916 square feet. More two- and three-bedroom apartments…