Articles by

Veronica Grecu

Veronica Grecu is a senior creative writer and research analyst for RentCafe. With more than 14 years of experience in the real estate industry, she covers a variety of topics in the apartment market, including rental competitiveness, new construction and other industry trends. Her work has been featured in top publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, CNN, CNBC, and more. Prior to RentCafe, Veronica was involved in producing real estate content for Multi-Housing News, Commercial Property Executive and Yardi Matrix. She holds a B.A. in Applied Modern Languages and an M.A. in Advertising and PR.

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Downtown Grand Rapids offers plenty of rental options near the riverfront — a prime area for anyone looking for apartments in Grand Rapids, MI.

Apartments for rent in Grand Rapids, MI: 5 questions to help you pick the right one

If you’re looking for apartments in Grand Rapids, MI, you’re definitely not the only one. The city has become one of the toughest places to…

House versus Apartment for Rent

Is it better to rent a house or an apartment?

So, you’re ready to find your next place to call home — but here comes the big question: should you rent a house or an…

Skyline view of Manhattan apartments surrounded by modern high-rises and city lights, capturing the energy and lifestyle of downtown apartments in New York City.”

Everything you need to know about renting downtown apartments

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in the heart of a city, surrounded by energy, convenience and culture, then downtown apartments might already be on…

Scenic view of downtown Buffalo, NY at sunset with apartments along the waterfront, illustrating the housing and cost of living in Buffalo.

What’s the cost of Living in Buffalo, NY? Here’s what renters need to know

Moving to the Northeast? That can feel like a huge step for any renter. We get it. This is one of the pricier regions to…

A sunny view of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, featuring the blue Main Street Bridge over the St. Johns River — highlighting the city’s accessible neighborhoods and convenient public transit options for renters.

Public transport in Jacksonville, FL: What renters need to know

Jacksonville, FL, is one of those cities that really has it all: coastal charm, big city convenience and plenty of personality. With its rivers, beaches…

Aerial view of downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, showing apartment buildings, residential streets, and greenery — ideal context for renters asking key questions before leasing apartments in Ann Arbor.

5 questions to ask before renting in Ann Arbor, MI (beyond “how much?”)

If you’re looking for apartments in Ann Arbor, MI, you’ve picked one of the most exciting places in the Midwest to call home. This city…

Illustration of an autumn park with orange trees, benches, a pond with ducks, and a city skyline, symbolizing the fall season as the best time to rent an apartment.

When is the best time to rent? Here are 5 advantages of renting in off-season

Looking for an apartment during the peak rental season can feel like a real struggle. When everyone’s searching at once, finding a place becomes more…

Colorado State Capitol Building & the City of Denver Colorado at Sunset. Rocky Mountains on the Horizon. Find affordable neighborhoods in Denver, CO.

Moving to Denver in 2025? Explore the best affordable neighborhoods to consider

Denver, a dynamic city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers a fantastic quality of life. However, like many large urban hubs, the…

An apartment search website open on a smartphone, symbolizing how rental pre-qualification gives renters a head start when finding their next home.

Rental pre-qualification explained: What it is and how it can help you find an apartment faster

In competitive rental markets like Miami, Chicago or New York City, apartments disappear within days. If you’ve tried finding a place during peak season, you…

Happy couple celebrates moving into their new rental, highlighting America's move-easy metros.

America’s move-easy hotspots: Renters change homes most frequently in the Southeast

For many American renters, the reasons for moving are often related to finding jobs and better housing — trends that still hold firm even with…

Scenic view of downtown Huntsville, Alabama, at dusk featuring Big Spring Park and city buildings — highlighting the importance of asking the right questions before renting apartments in Huntsville.

Searching for apartments in Huntsville, AL? Ask these 5 key questions first

As one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities, Huntsville combines Southern charm with a strong aerospace and tech-driven economy. The city delivers a high quality of life…

Close-up of a credit report showing a poor credit score — illustrating financial challenges renters face when searching for bad credit apartments.

Bad credit apartments: How to get a lease when you have a low credit score

Worried that your credit score will keep you from finding your dream apartment? You’re not alone. Some renters face the challenge of securing bad credit…

A scenic view of Phoenix, AZ, with downtown skyscrapers, suburban neighborhoods and surrounding desert mountains at sunset, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions before renting in Phoenix.

5 essential questions to ask before renting an apartment in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ — also known as the Valley of the Sun — is a growing city, drawing new residents with its sunshine and energy. Renting…

Panoramic view of Miami’s downtown skyline with the elevated Metromover track crossing the Miami River, highlighting public transit options near high-rise apartments.

Public transport in Miami: What renters need to know

Looking for apartments in Miami? You’re searching in the country’s hottest rental markets, where securing a rental apartment means competing with a dozen of other…

The Detroit People Mover running on its elevated track downtown, a convenient public transit option in Detroit that renters use for quick and reliable access to neighborhoods, jobs, and entertainment.

Navigating Detroit’s public transport system: Best options for renters

Detroit is experiencing a remarkable transformation. A revitalized downtown, growing job market and creative energy are attracting new residents, proving that the Motor City is…

Stressed young woman sitting on a couch with her laptop, struggling during her apartment search, illustrating the challenges of reducing stress when apartment hunting.

The ultimate guide to a stress-free apartment search

Searching for apartments can feel like a fun adventure at first. But in today’s highly competitive rental markets, renters don’t have the luxury of taking…

Woman holding cup of tasty pumpkin spice latte on a wooden table.

Fun Personality Test: What’s Your Renter Type Based on Your Go-To Pumpkin Spice Latte Order?

Fall is in the air, and you know what that means — pumpkin spice latte season is in full swing! Whether you’re grabbing one on…

A panoramic view of downtown Chicago with its iconic skyline along Lake Michigan, seen under partly cloudy skies. Chicago ranks as the second hottest U.S. rental market during the peak rental season of 2025.

Chicagoland is sizzling in peak rental season, but Miami is even hotter

Securing a rental is always tough during the peak moving season. And although thousands of new apartments are popping up across the country, renters are…

Hand painting a wall gray, symbolizing lead-based paint disclosure and the importance of renter awareness in older apartments.

What Is a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (and Why Does It Matter)?

If you’re searching for apartments for rent, chances are you’ve seen paperwork like applications, background checks, and lease agreements. But there’s one document many renters…

Detroit skyline at sunset with downtown apartments and neighborhoods, a guide for renters asking key questions before renting in Detroit.

5 Key Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Detroit

Detroit has been quietly reinventing itself in recent years as one of the Midwest’s most dynamic cities for renters. From restored historic buildings downtown to…

Aerial view of apartment buildings in the Bronx, NY—highlighting the borough’s rental options and key questions renters should ask before signing a lease.

5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in the Bronx, NY

If you’ve ever tried renting in New York City, you already know that apartment hunting is no walk in the park. The city has one…

Woman surrounded by moving boxes holding a “New Home” sign, representing apartment hunting mistakes renters should avoid during peak rental season.

5 Mistakes to Avoid During Peak Rental Season

Finding the right apartment is no walk in the park, but searching during peak rental season adds even more pressure. Between May and September —…

Wood-frame apartment buildings under construction with scaffolding and a red crane in the background

New apartment construction tops 500K units this year, more than half in 1 region

New apartment construction in the U.S. is flexing its muscle again in 2025, with an estimated 506,353 units expected to be opened nationwide by the…

Smiling woman checking mail and talking on the phone in front of apartment mailboxes after changing her address.

Change of Address Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move

New neighborhood, new apartment, new start! But between unpacking and figuring out where the closest grocery store is, there’s one important task you shouldn’t forget:…

View of Brooklyn brownstones with NYC skyline, highlighting the importance of having a clear understanding of the cost of living in Brooklyn before moving here.

Cost of Living in Brooklyn, NY: Everything You Need to Know Before Renting Here

Moving to New York City is a dream for many. But when you’re a renter, it can feel like jumping into the deep end without…

Person seemingly overwhelmed with moving to a new state alone, sitting on a couch surrounded by boxes, wearing a packing box on their head in a new apartment.

What to Know Before Moving to a New State Alone

Moving to a new state alone is one of those life changes that feels bold, adventurous and full of fresh possibilities. If you’re moving for…

Renters coordinating with movers during an interstate move, standing near a moving truck with boxes and furniture.

Planning Your Interstate Move: How Far in Advance Should You Start?

An interstate move — whether it’s for a cool new job, an exciting school adventure, or just a fresh start — is a big undertaking….

Views of foxtail palm trees at the front of apartment buildings at Miami, FL, the most competitive rental markets in the U.S. at the start of the 2025 moving season.

Miami’s Rental Market Is Red Hot, Fueled by Florida’s Renewed Momentum

As the summer moving season ramps up, apartment hunting is becoming more challenging for renters across the U.S. Bolstered by Florida’s growing appeal, Miami strengthens…

Group of smiling Gen Z friends standing under a blue sky, representing community and excitement around moving into a first apartment with a move-in checklist.

First Apartment, Who Dis? Move-In Checklist for Gen Z Renters

Scored that dream apartment? Congrats! You’ve likely spent weeks, even months scrolling listings, touring places, and doing mental math to find the sweet spot of…

Miami apartment building with palm trees under blue sky, representing housing options and cost of living challenges for renters in the city.

Cost of Living in Miami: Here’s What Renters Need to Know

Moving to a new city is a big deal — it’s rarely a walk in the park, especially when you’re a renter trying to find…