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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aerial view of brooklyn with numerous sky scrapers in the background

Your 2024 Guide to Renting Apartments in Brooklyn

Welcome to the heart of urban living! As we venture into 2024, Brooklyn, NY, continues to be a beacon for renters seeking a vibrant, culturally…

wide view of Manhattan's Financial District with many sky scrapers surrounded by water

Top 10 Most In-Demand Cities for Renters in the Northeast

From the lights of Times Square to the cobblestone streets of Boston, the Northeast region is a captivating blend of cities with unique vibes. Whether…

view of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, skyline from a green field

Top 10 Most Popular Midwest Cities for Renters

Renters searching for their next home have distinctive needs and preferences when it comes to where they want to live. The Midwest is now the…

close up view of two hanging lamps made from natural materials and plants inside an apartment

Bringing Nature In: 2024 Biophilic Interior Design Ideas for Apartments

Welcome to 2024, where the buzzword in apartment living is “biophilic design.” Goodbye bland beige and brutalist grey! Hello, green and blue! This always fresh…

best places to rent

Rental Activity Report: Atlanta Is Top Market to Watch in 2024, Midwest Most Popular Region for Renting

Our rental activity report shows Atlanta is the top city for renters to watch in 2024 after attracting the highest rental activity on RentCafe.com in…

Grand Rapids skyline seen from a bridge on Grand River: skyscrapers in the distance, a bridge and the river flanked by trees in fall colors.

Apartments in Grand Rapids: Your 2024 Guide to the City

If you’re on the hunt for apartments in Grand Rapids, MI, you’ve clicked on the right guide. Picture this: a city where urban energy meets…

apartments in minneapolis

Your 2024 Guide to Renting Apartments in Minneapolis

In recent years, Minnesota’s Minneapolis has strengthened its status as one of the most popular destinations for renters in all of the Midwest. Minneapolis is…

two hands using evergreen twigs to create winter décor

How to create winter décor for your apartment on a budget

You don’t have to be into Christmas to add a little winter touch to your apartment. Nor do you need a lot of space or…

tips for living with a roommate

Tips for Living With a Roommate: How to Create Private Spaces in a Shared Apartment

Living with a roommate can be a great way to save on rent and make new friends. But it also means giving up some privacy…

rental activity report

November Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Is Most In-Demand City, Two California Destinations Join the List

Minneapolis took the lead for the first time after six months in our ranking of the most in-demand cities for renters. The Midwest is still…

new houses for rent in Florida

Best Places to Find New Houses for Rent in Florida

Known for its sunshine, beaches and leisurely lifestyle, Florida attracts many newcomers seeking to rent each year. A growing number of them are looking for…

Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner in Your Apartment? Follow These 11 Tips to Make It Easy and Fun

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy a delicious meal. But if you’re a renter living in a small…

october rental activity report

October Rental Activity Report: Queens Takes Top Spot, Midwest Is Most Popular Region

New York City borough Queens is October’s most sought-after location by U.S. renters in our October rental activity report. Elsewhere in the state, Buffalo, NY,…

houses for rent in Arizona

Where to Find the Newest Houses for Rent in Arizona

With its striking desert landscapes, 300 days of sun and thriving cities, Arizona is a great place to call home. Many newcomers are looking for…

indoor things to do

Indoor Things to Do on a Rainy Day: 12 Fresh Ideas to Boost Your Mood

As the sky turns grey more often and the weather cools off, we’re spending more and more time inside our homes. Sure, colder weather has…

houses for rent in Texas

The Best Places to Find New Houses for Rent in Texas

If you’re looking for a new house for rent in Texas, you’re in luck. The state has seen a boom in new construction in recent…

wellness design

Wellness Design Ideas & Other Tips to Create Healthy Spaces

More than ever, health (and particularly mental health) is becoming one of the most popular topics among architects and interior designers. Live-work-play is now live-work-play-heal-learn….

september rental activity report

September Rental Activity Report: Arlington, VA, Takes the Lead as Most Sought-After City, Queens Secures 3rd Spot

Arlington, VA, is the most in-demand city for renters in our September rental activity report, making the list for the third consecutive month. High interest…

apartment art

Where to Buy Affordable Art for Your Rental Apartment: 8 Cool Ideas

Moving into a new rental can be exciting, but also challenging if you’re on a tight budget. One of the best ways to make your…

august rental activity report

August Rental Activity Report: Arlington, VA, Is Most In-Demand City, NYC Boroughs Climb Closer to the Top

Arlington, VA, is the most sought-after city by U.S. renters in our August Rental Activity Report, leading our top 30 for two consecutive months. The…

Outdoor Activities for Renters in Scottsdale, AZ

  With its mild climate, proximity to mountains and desert, and an array of trails and parks, renting an apartment in Scottsdale comes with budget-friendly…

housing potential in phoenix

Unlocking Phoenix’s Housing Potential: Existing Vacant Land Could Hold Apartments for 93,000 Renters

Phoenix is one the nation’s fastest-growing cities, having welcomed more than 30,000 newcomers in the last three years, all needing a place to live amidst…

how to keep apartment cool

Stay Chill! How to Keep Your Apartment Cool in the Summer Without AC

Summertime is here, the sun is shining and everything is heating up. But who says you need to rely solely on air conditioning to keep…

best things to do in scottsdale

Experience Arizona: Best Things to Do in Scottsdale

Planning a move to Scottsdale, AZ? Or maybe you just rented an apartment in the city and you’re curious about the lifestyle of those living…

smart home on a budget

Smart Home on a Budget: Gadgets for Less Than $100

The best thing about smart home technology is its ability to make your life easier and more convenient. The great news is that you don’t…

june rental activity report

June Rental Activity Report: Kansas City Is Most In-Demand City, With Suburb Overland Park Coming in 2nd

The top four most popular cities for renters as found in our June Rental Activity Report are in the Midwest. Kansas City, MO, is the…

build-to-rent

New Build-to-Rent Homes Hit Record With 3 Times as Many Houses Under Construction

The construction of new build-to-rent homes hit a record in 2022, with more than 14,500 houses completed. Phoenix, Dallas and Detroit are the top three…

how to feel at home

How to Feel at Home in Your New Apartment

Moving to a new rental apartment can be exciting, but also stressful. Of course, everyone’s experience is different. You might feel like you don’t belong…

building potential in dallas

Unlocking the Building Potential in Dallas: Existing Vacant Land Could Hold 100,000 New Apartments

Dallas is facing a serious housing crisis. The city has the largest homeless population in Texas, as well as a severe shortage of housing units….

best neighborhoods for renting in scottsdale

Best Neighborhoods for Renting in Scottsdale, AZ

If you’re looking for an apartment to rent in Scottsdale, AZ, you might be overwhelmed by the many options available. Scottsdale is a vibrant and…