Articles by
Mihaela Buzec
Mihaela Buzec is a senior writer, researcher, and online content developer for RentCafe, where she has over 7 years of experience writing about the real estate industry. She authors important resources such as the statistics pages describing generational patterns and renter's guides that help renters in their journey. Her work has appeared in publications such as Apartment Therapy, Indy Star, and Investopedia.
Mihaela is a published researcher and activates within academia as well. She holds a BA in English and German Language and Literature, an MA in Current Linguistics, and a PhD in neurolinguistics.
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Matching your apartment to your work, hobbies, and daily routine
Finding an apartment isn’t just about square footage or rent. It’s easy to get drawn in by polished photos, modern finishes, or a good deal,…
Visiting Oakland? Here are 11 things locals told us to try
Oakland is one of the major cities in the Bay Area and an often underrated Californian city. It is home to many important institutions and…
11 locals-approved things to do in Madison, WI
Named after founding Father James Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, has been the state capital since its founding in 1848, mainly because of its geographic location as…
14 things renters should photograph on move-in day
Moving into a new apartment can sometimes get stressful, as it comes with plenty of things to do: turning on utilities, submitting a change-of-address form,…
How to find affordable student housing in major U.S. cities
Moving to major U.S. cities as a student can be such an exciting challenge. While it generally means dealing with higher rents than in smaller…
The best college towns in the U.S. for 2026: Bozeman, MT, leads for 3rd straight year
Bozeman, MT, ranks as the best college town in the U.S. for the third consecutive year in RentCafe’s 2026 analysis of 244 towns. It’s followed…
10 of the best things to do in Hampton Roads, according to the people who live here
Along the coast of southeastern Virginia lies Hampton Roads, arguably one of the most interesting and history-rich areas of the US, made up of several…
Renter-friendly ways to add rustic charm to a modern apartment
Modern apartments are designed for efficiency and simplicity. Clean lines, neutral walls, and streamlined finishes create a blank canvas. While that aesthetic works well in…
10 exciting, locals-recommended things to do in Louisville, KY
Friendly, community-oriented Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero and older brother of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark…
13 fun things to do in Fresno as recommended by the locals
Founded in 1872, Fresno, California was initially a railroad town before becoming the agricultural hub it is today. It grew rapidly with the development of…
The Ultimate Guide for Senior Renters: From Finding the Right Apartment to Living Comfortably
For a long time, everyone’s dream has been to age in place in their own home. Seniors renting in retirement was not a very common…
Top 10 things to do in Memphis as recommended by locals
Founded on the banks of the Mississippi River in 1819, Memphis quickly grew into a vital hub for river trade, music, and cultural exchange. Its…
10 locals-recommended things to do in Indianapolis, IN
In 1821, state leaders designed Indianapolis to serve as Indiana’s new state capital because it offered a central location in a geographically beautiful area. Not…
8 side jobs you can do from your apartment for extra money
A survey from Bankrate revealed that over 45% of all working Americans have a side hustle, with the percentage rising to nearly 50% when we…
A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Rental Scams
As a renter, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against those who may try to take your money fraudulently. This means knowing how…
Moving during winter: Tips to keep your cold-weather move safe and smooth
Moving to a new rental apartment in winter? You’re facing some unique challenges — icy walkways, freezing temperatures, and the constant threat of moisture damage…
10 exciting, locals-recommended things to do in El Paso, TX
In far West Texas on the US-Mexico border lies the beautiful city of El Paso, home to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)…
9 fun, locals-recommended things to do in Philadelphia for students
Moving to Philly for school? If so, you’re about to become a part of one of the richest educational histories in the US! The city’s…
9 neat things to do in Boston for new students as recommended by the locals
Founded in 1630, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities, playing a central role in the American Revolution as the site of the Boston Tea…
Everything you need to know about renting: Timelines, terms & documents explained
This article was updated in October 2025. Searching for and finding a rental apartment is a journey that can be filled with excitement, but also…
9 Tips to prevent your dog from barking in the apartment
If you’re trying to prevent barking, it helps to first understand why dogs do it. Barking is normal and often useful — dogs use it…
10 things to do in Huntsville, AL, as recommended by the locals
If you’re planning a trip to Huntsville, Alabama any time soon, you’d better get your ducks in a row now! Its popularity as a hub…
11 Fun Things to Do in Omaha, as Recommended by Locals
Historically called the “gateway to the west,” Omaha has an abundance of midwestern friendliness, charming neighborhoods, and green spaces—and its cost of living is highly…
11 Locals-Recommended Things to Do in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana—often referred to as NOLA, The Big Easy, or Crescent City—is one of the most exciting, tradition-rich cities in the US! Nestled along the Mississippi River…
Work, vibe, thrive: Top metros for Gen Z graduates in 2025
After graduation, you’ll find yourself facing an important decision — where to move to start your career and enter your adult era. As a Gen…
Are You a Shutterbug in Chicago? Here Are Some Picture-Perfect Spots Endorsed By Local Professionals
Anyone who’s visited Chicago knows there’s a little something for everyone. Are you into the hustle-and-bustle of downtown? You can mingle among the towering skyscrapers…
Roommates and Lease Agreements: What Happens If a Roommate Moves Out Early?
Sharing a rental with a roommate can be a smart way to cut costs, especially in competitive housing markets. But what happens when one roommate…
13 Fun Things to Do in Salt Lake City, as Recommended by the Locals
As Utah’s capital and largest city, Salt Lake City (SLC) has a fascinating history rooted in Native traditions (the Shoshone, Ute, and Paiute tribes inhabited…
The LA Arts Scene: 15 Must-See Recommendations from Those Who Live and Work There
LA is one of the most incredibly diverse cities in the world, and its art reflects that. Whether you’re interested in classical painting or sculpture,…
Red Flags to Keep in Mind when Moving to Another Apartment in a Rush
Renters know that finding the right apartment building can be tricky. From loud neighbors to smelly roommates, a lot can go wrong. And if you’ve…