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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3 affordable neighborhoods in Arlington, TX: Where to rent for less
Arlington, TX, is nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, offering a mix of suburban comfort, entertainment and steady job opportunities, especially in education, healthcare and…
Miami vs. New York City: Cost of living comparison for renters (2026)
Thinking about trading palm trees for skyscrapers or the other way around and don’t know what to expect? Before you sign a new lease, it…
Searching for apartments in Albuquerque, NM? Ask these key questions when touring
Albuquerque, NM, is at the crossroads of desert beauty and everyday affordability. With the Sandia Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande cutting through…
Top community amenities to look for when renting one-bedroom apartments
When you’re renting a one-bedroom apartment, the most valuable community amenities are the ones that stretch your living space beyond your front door and replace…
3 affordable neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA: Where to rent for less
If you’re on a budget and searching for apartments in the Midwest, Des Moines, IA, is a smart choice, offering a range of affordable neighborhoods….
Lease extension vs renewal: Key differences to know before you decide
As your lease end date gets closer, your landlord will likely offer you the option to extend your stay in your current apartment. But how…
Public transit in Alexandria, VA: Best options for renters
Alexandria, VA, offers some of the best public transit access in the entire Washington, D.C., metro area — a major advantage for renters looking to…
Best affordable neighborhoods in Eugene, OR: Where to look for apartments if your rent budget is limited
Eugene, OR, is a lively college town known for its progressive vibes and deep connection to the outdoors. Located in the southern Willamette Valley, it…
How far in advance should you book a moving company for peak-season moves?
If you’re planning a move during peak season (May through September), you should book a moving company at least four to eight weeks in advance…
Best affordable neighborhoods in El Paso, TX: Where to find budget-friendly apartments
El Paso is one of those cities that keeps flying under the radar — and that’s exactly what makes it such a great deal for…
What is a lease extension? A renter’s guide to staying put
If you’ve ever glanced at your lease and realized the expiration date is just weeks away, you might be feeling a bit of panic. Many…
These are the best affordable neighborhoods to rent in San Jose, CA
San Jose is one of California’s most dynamic cities, but it’s also one of the priciest, making affordable neighborhoods harder to find. The average rent…
Here’s what to ask before renting an apartment in Albany, NY
Albany, NY, may be the state capital, but it still feels like a close-knit city. That sense of community is part of what draws so…
Shared laundry room rules: The unspoken etiquette every renter should know
If you’re a seasoned renter or preparing to move into your first apartment with shared laundry room, you’ve probably wondered what the most common rules…
Apartment hunting in San Antonio, TX? Ask these key questions before signing a lease
San Antonio, TX, is a city that feels like a giant small town. It has a personality all its own, blending deep-rooted history with a…
Searching for apartments in Lubbock, TX? Ask these key questions first
If you’re looking to settle down in West Texas, Lubbock has a vibe all its own. Because the cost of living here consistently sits below…
Getting around Tampa, FL: What are the best public transit options for renters?
Looking for an apartment in Tampa, FL, without planning your life around traffic? The Tampa public transport plays a bigger role in renting decisions than…
Rent collection: A renter’s guide to how paying rent works
If you’re new to apartment living, you may be wondering what is rent collection and why it seems to work differently depending on where you…
How to budget for an apartment like a pro
Learning how to budget for an apartment can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Many renters worry about missing hidden costs…
Essential questions to ask before renting an apartment in Long Beach, CA
Renting in Long Beach, CA, comes with a lot of perks, especially for people who want to stay in Southern California without dealing with the…
Tour on your own time, at your own pace: The ultimate guide to self-guided apartment tours
Finding a new place to call home is an exciting adventure in its own right, but scheduling apartment tours can become a logistical hassle. Between…
2025 Year-end report: It’s harder than ever to find an apartment in Manhattan, NY; Miami & Chicagoland are still red-hot
Apartment hunting remained intense across the U.S. this year, with Miami and Chicago leading the pack and Manhattan rising fast. Fortunately, flexibility and convenience are…
Make your next apartment search easier: Smart ways to use holiday downtime
Starting an apartment search without proper preparation can quickly turn into a stressful rush, leading to fast decisions and missed opportunities. When you take a…
Navigating Ann Arbor, MI, without a car: What renters need to know
Public transit plays a big part in daily life for renters in Ann Arbor, MI. Whether you’re a student, a young professional or a graduate…
Beyond the skyline: What you need to know about the cost of living in Manhattan, NY
Renting in New York City has always come with challenges, but Manhattan takes things to an entirely different level. The borough’s culture, energy and unmatched…
Here’s what renting was really like in 2025: Local insights from America’s big cities
If you’ve searched for an apartment this year, you already know: the rental market has been anything but boring in 2025. From record-breaking construction in…
2025 rental market in review: Key trends and exclusive insights from RentCafe.com
The rental market has shifted in meaningful ways in 2025, reshaping who rents and where. More than 506,000 new apartments opened nationwide, with over half…
Get ahead of the competition: Why rental pre-approval is key in your apartment search
If you’ve ever fallen in love with an apartment only to find out someone else got approved first, you know how tough the rental market…
Rent concessions made easy: How to score great deals on apartments
Finding a rental apartment that checks all your boxes — price, location, amenities, and overall vibe — can feel like hitting the jackpot in ultra-competitive…
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…