Articles by

Alexandra Both

Alexandra Both is a senior real estate writer and research analyst with RentCafe. She brings over 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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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…

Apartment Size in New York City: Manhattan Rentals Are Getting Roomier

If you’re looking for an apartment for rent in the Big Apple, you might be wondering about the typical apartment size in New York City….

A small child opens a chest of drawers wardrobe with child protection. Dangerous situation at home. Child trapped finger in the door.

How to Babyproof Your Apartment: 8 Essential Ideas

As a renter with a baby, ensuring your little one’s safety is a top priority. While some start the babyproofing process way before the toddler…

Aerial view of Manhattan's Financial District skyline from New York Harbor.

Top 3 Fresh Adaptive Reuse Projects in New York City

With its iconic skyline and bustling streets, New York City is home to many architectural gems — but even the most celebrated buildings can outlive…

aerial view of houses for rent in South Carolina

Top 3 Metros for New Houses for Rent in South Carolina

Are you searching for a fresh start and more living space? Then you might already be browsing houses for rent and dreaming of that backyard…

Young woman appearing worried about renting mistakes while she is looking through documents sitting on the floor among moving boxes.

8 Essential Renting Mistakes Every Gen Zer Should Avoid

Navigating the rental market can feel like a minefield, especially for Gen Zers stepping out on their own for the first time. Whether you’re moving…

a group of Gen Zers

Gen Z by Age 30: Renting Becomes the Go-To Housing Option With a Total Cost of $145,000

Generation Z is emerging as the most diverse and potentially the best-educated group in American history, setting them up to possibly become the highest earners…

two gen z renters, a young man and young woman are sitting on a wall, smiling

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

Apartment hunting as a 20-something can feel like being a kid in a candy store but instead of sweets, you’re eyeing amenities, location, and, of…

suburban housing in neighborhood of build to rent homes

The Build-to-Rent Housing Boom: New Single-Family Rentals Reach All-Time High, With Another 45,000 on the Way

Build-to-rent homes are having their most successful year on record: A total of 27,500 houses for rent were completed last year — 75% more than…

upscale apartment living room with large windows, wooden floors a large sofa with pillows and good quality furniture

Luxury Living on a Budget: How to Maximize Your Upscale Apartment Experience

Living in an upscale apartment doesn’t have to break the bank. The effort of paying for a better location, superior building quality, and upscale finishes…

view of an eco-friendly apartment building for renters committed to green living

Green Living: How to Choose & Support Eco-Friendly Apartment Buildings

In today’s world, the health of our planet is more important than ever, making the choice of an eco-friendly apartment building a significant step towards…

Group of young mixed race people with mobile phones. Excited students using their technological devices. Concept of young enterprising, friendly, selfie, app, hipster, millennial.

How Much Gen Z Is Poised to Pay on Rent in New York Metros by Age 30

As Generation Z, or “Zoomers,” come of age in a world vastly different from their predecessors, their approach to housing and lifestyle choices is equally…

group of Gen Z renters laughing and having fun together

How Much Gen Z Pays on Rent by Age 30: Top 5 Metros in Texas

Have you ever wondered how much money you spend on rent in your 20s? Well, we did dome snooping into the spending habits and income…

hands holding a pen and signing a standard lease agreement

Understanding Common Terms in Standard Lease Agreements: From Security Deposits to Subletting

So, you’re diving into the world of renting for the first-time. This is a big step and it’s best to come prepared. In addition to…

aerial view of skyscrapers in new york city

How Many Apartments Are Underway From Former Office Buildings in New York?

In the heart of New York’s bustling metros, a transformative trend is reshaping the urban landscape. Adaptive reuse, the process of repurposing old buildings for…

view of Philadelphia's skyline

Discover the Top 10 Apartment Amenities for Renters in Philadelphia

Searching for the perfect apartment in Philadelphia can be an exciting journey filled with numerous possibilities. As you embark on this adventure, one of the…

Downtown Minneapolis, MN over Lake Harriet

Top 10 Apartment Amenities in Minneapolis to Elevate Your Rental Experience

Minneapolis, the “City of Lakes,” isn’t just known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic Prince legacy. Beyond the scenic Chain of Lakes and the…

The skyline of Alexandria, Virginia, including Old Town Alexandria and the Potomac River, as seen from the George Washington Masonic Temple.

10 Unique Apartment Amenities for Renters in Alexandria

Welcome to Alexandria, a charming city in Northern Virginia known for its rich history, modern culture, and thriving community. Did we mention it’s a stone’s…

New York City midtown Manhattan sunset skyline panorama view over Hudson River

How Far a Renter’s Income Stretches in New York

Finding a place to live in New York can feel like a high-stakes balancing act: You want a booming city with enough energy to keep…

Top view of small vegetable garden on balcony of town apartment with varieties of green plants growing on a ceramic pots over wood shelf. Urban sustainable organic garden concept.

Grow Your Own Apartment Garden: 8 Edible Plants for Urban Green Thumbs

Are you an apartment dweller craving fresh, homegrown produce? Fear not, for even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a thriving indoor garden….

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Top Renting Sweet Spots in the U.S.: Where Your Income Goes the Furthest

Renters can get the most out of their income in Silicon Valley’s Sunnyvale, where the highest median wages in the nation make it easier to…

colorful skyline at golden hour blue and pink clouds over Austin Texas USA

Top 5 Cities in Texas for Financial Balance and Wellbeing

Are you a renter looking to move in a city where your income can stretch further, allowing you to achieve financial balance? Texas awaits, boasting…

the skyline of Cincinnati and bridges over the Ohio River

Top 10 Must-Have Apartment Amenities for Renters in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a great place to live for renters looking for amazing apartment amenities, which means that securing a rental that ticks all your boxes…

Skyline of Columbus Ohio near the waterfront

How Much Apartment Space Can You Rent for $1,700 in Columbus?

Looking for the best rental means balancing what you can afford and getting enough space to live comfortably. Across the country, renters pay about $1,700…

panorama of Baltimore Harbor and tall buildings in the background

See How Much Apartment Space You Can Secure for $1,700 in Baltimore

In the quest for the perfect apartment, a rental that offers that desirable balance between comfort and budget can seem as real as a unicorn….

Sunset light over the skyline of downtown Milwaukee

Top 10 Amenities Renters Love in Milwaukee

While this might come as a surprise for some, Milwaukee is a captivating city with much to offer renters. From its rich cultural scene to…

Dallas skyline at sunset

How Much Apartment Space Can You Rent for $1,700 in Dallas?

Apartment hunting can be exciting, but it often comes with a side of stress. That’s because striking the perfect balance between spacious digs and affordability…

apartment interior shot with a sofa, a coffee table, a desk and pictures hanging on the wall

Your Ultimate First Apartment Checklist: Key Things to Review Before Signing a Lease

So, you’re about to take the exciting plunge into your first apartment rental adventure. Congratulations! It’s a thrilling time filled with newfound independence and the…