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RentCafe Editors

The RentCafe Editors are a team of real estate writers, researchers and analysts committed to making the rental journey easier for millions of renters. From in-depth market reports and data-driven studies to practical tips for apartment searching and living, they deliver trusted, timely content you can count on.

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Person working remotely

How Self Storage Helps Remote Workers Stay Organized and Productive

Working from home isn’t just a temporary trend, but the new normal. According to a 2025 Gallup survey, nearly 30% of U.S. employees now work…

Getting The Most Out of Your Rental by Embracing Minimalism

Whether you work from home or in a hybrid model, the space you live in has a tremendous impact on your quality of life. And…

save for a down payment

Welcome to the Midwest: 2022’s Best Metros Where Renters Can Save Fastest for Their First Home

Saving for a down payment on a starter home and becoming a homeowner in less than three years is possible — especially in the Midwest….

neighborhoods by apartment construction

Apartment Construction by Neighborhood: The Nation’s Downtowns See Historic Boom, with DTLA Leading the Way

Highly popular due to their location and vibrant amenities, urban neighborhoods around the country have seen a boom in new apartment construction in the last…

renter suburb

Picket Fences for Rent: 100+ Communities Transitioned to Renter Suburbs in Last Decade

Renters are now the majority in 103 suburbs that were previously homeowner territory 10 years ago, and 57 others are expected to follow suit in…

new apartment construction

Despite Challenges, 2021 New Apartment Construction Tops 330,000 for 5th Consecutive Year

New apartment construction remains strong this year — more than 330,000 rental units are expected to be delivered nationwide, which is comparable to the previous…

Live in Luxury On Chicago’s Gold Coast

The Gold Coast neighborhood has long been considered one of Chicago’s most luxurious and desirable neighborhoods. Located directly on the shores of Lake Michigan, the…

extra room cost to upgrade

1 in 3 Renters Are Looking to Upsize to an Extra Bedroom: What It Costs & Where to Upgrade for Less

Survey reveals that a third of apartment-hunters look for rentals with an extra bedroom to call „home office,” as 75% don’t have a dedicated space…

Park West: Luxury on The Lake in Chicago

Park West is a section of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. As the name implies, it is located just west of the park and the lakeshore,…

advice on living alone

Expert Advice: 10 Tips on How to Make the Most of Living Alone

While the idea of living alone for the first time might sound liberating and even exciting to some, it can be a difficult step for…

Logan Square

Vintage Charm Meets Modern Cool in Chicago’s Logan Square

Logan Square is a neighborhood that has long been known for its diversity and sense of community. Over the past few decades, it’s also become…

Hyde Park: Chicago’s South Side Gem

Hyde Park is one of Chicago’s most vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhoods. It is situated on the South Side between the shores of Lake Michigan…

Wicker Park: Chicago’s Hipster Paradise

Located a short drive northwest from Chicago’s downtown Loop, Wicker Park has become the city’s hipster paradise. While the area is mainly residential, it’s become…

Upsizing apartments, home office

Future Apartments to Get “One Home Office Larger” as More Renters Work from Home

After a decade of shrinking apartments, renters are set to receive the extra space they need: 36% of cities are currently building larger units than…

Lakeview: Something for Everyone on Chicago’s North Side

Lakeview is one of Chicago’s largest and most densely populated neighborhoods. This North Side neighborhood contains many smaller enclaves, including sports haven Wrigleyville and LGBTQ-friendly…

River North is Chicago’s Liveliest Entertainment District

River North is a neighborhood that has undergone the ultimate transformation. The area was once a manufacturing district, full of warehouses and other industrial buildings….

Lincoln Park – A Classic Chicago Neighborhood with Something for Everyone

It’s no surprise that Lincoln Park has become one of Chicago’s most attractive residential neighborhoods over the last few decades. Lincoln Park is particularly popular…

Chicago’s South Loop is Constantly Evolving

The South Loop is a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago’s downtown area that is rapidly evolving. In decades past, the area was home to warehouses and…

Chicago’s West Loop: Where Industrial Chic Meets Foodie Heaven

It’s hard to think of a Chicago neighborhood that has seen such a transformation as the West Loop. Bustling produce markets and meatpacking plants have…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,200 in These 109 Texas Cities

For $1,200, you’ll get about 25% more apartment space in Texas than the 711 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,300 in These 56 Georgia Cities

For $1,300, you’ll get about 30% more apartment space in Georgia than the 770 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,100 in These 63 Michigan Cities

For $1,100, you’ll get about 43% more apartment space in Michigan than the 651 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,400 in These 57 Pennsylvania Cities

For $1,400, you’ll get about 7% more apartment space in Pennsylvania than the 829 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,000 in These 32 Indiana Cities

For $1,000, you’ll get about 57% more apartment space in Indiana than the 592 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,600 in These 40 Illinois Cities

For $1,600, you’ll get about 10% less apartment space in Illinois than the 948 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,400 in These 101 Florida Cities

For $1,400, you’ll get about 13% more apartment space in Florida than the 829 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,200 in These 36 North Carolina Cities

For $1,200, you’ll get about 34% more apartment space in North Carolina than the 711 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities….

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,400 in These 38 Minnesota Cities

For $1,400, you’ll get about 10% more apartment space in Minnesota than the 829 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

How Much Space You Can Rent for $1,000 in These 84 Ohio Cities

For $1,000, you’ll get about 40% more apartment space in Ohio than the 670 square foot average in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. Of…

Living in the Midst of History in D.C.’s Fort Totten

Fort Totten got its name from a fort that was built during the Civil War as part of the Northern Defenses. The fort itself is…