Articles by

Veronica Grecu

Veronica Grecu is a senior creative writer and researcher for RentCafe. With more than 10 years of experience in the real estate industry, she covers a variety of topics in residential and commercial real estate, including trends and industry news. Previously, she was involved in producing content for Multi-Housing News, Commercial Property Executive and Yardi Matrix. Veronica’s academic background includes a B.A. in Applied Modern Languages and an M.A. in Advertising and PR.

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Residential building. bottom view. Modern apartment building on a sunny day. Facade of a modern apartment building.

2024 in Review: Top Insights Renters Need to Know

In 2024, the real estate market has experienced notable transformations. So, to provide renters with a comprehensive understanding of the latest market dynamics, we have…

Three Gen Z friends smiling and enjoying city life together.

5 Tips for Gen Z Renters Living in Expensive Cities

Living in a major city has undeniable perks, especially for Gen Z renters. These bustling urban centers offer unparalleled access to cultural hotspots, career opportunities,…

"Washington, D.C. cityscape at sunset. The city offers some affordable neighborhoods with rents below $2,000 per month.

Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Washington, DC

Looking for apartments in Washington, D.C., can feel like a real challenge, especially with the city’s cost of living sitting a steep 47% above the…

A modern apartment building with balconies and large windows.

2024 Year-End Report: Miami’s Competitiveness Wanes With Suburban Chicago and Milwaukee Closing In

The Midwest stands out as a red-hot region for renters in 2024, with five markets in the nation’s top 10 and two on the podium…

Torn paper revealing a close-up of dollar bills, symbolizing the hidden costs of renting an apartment.

The Hidden Costs of Renting an Apartment: What You Need to Know Before Signing a Lease

Renting an apartment is the preferred housing choice for millions of Americans, with Gen Z leading the way as the only renter-majority generation. Of course,…

Downtown St. Paul, MN skyline with greenery and the Mississippi River in the foreground. Find the best affordable neighborhoods in St. Paul, MN.

What Are the Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in St. Paul, MN?

Looking for rental apartments in a city that blends charm, character, and affordability? St. Paul, MN, has you covered! Renting here offers a lot of…

A vibrant skyline view of downtown Montreal, Canada, framed by autumn foliage.

Canada’s Trending Cities for Renters: Winnipeg Ranks 1st as Many Look to Prairie Hubs for Better Deals

Key Takeaways: Winnipeg, MB, is the #1 trending city for renter interest in Canada, leading a pack of highly coveted locations in the Prairie Provinces….

Magnifying glass inspecting a wooden apartment model, symbolizing scrutiny in debunking myths about renting.

Top 5 Common Myths About Renting Debunked

Renting offers a lot of great perks, from flexibility to freedom from maintenance worries. Yet, it’s often seen as less appealing than owning a home….

Small room in a compact rental apartment featuring a Murphy bed to maximize space.

Small Apartment Hack: How Murphy Beds Help Maximize Compact Spaces

Living in a small apartment definitely has its charm — as well as its challenges. Even though the average apartment size in the U.S. now…

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA downtown skyline in autumn season.

What’s the Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, MI? Here’s What Renters Need to Know

Moving to a new city brings excitement and opportunity, but understanding the cost of living is crucial, especially for renters. Besides searching for rental apartments,…

Overhead view First Avenue with traffic drivings through the buildings of Manhattan in New York City, as seen from the Roosevelt Island Tramway.

Best Museums in New York City for Renters Who Love All Things Housing

For anyone calling New York City their home, there’s so much more to this place than skyscrapers and crowded streets. You can find some of…

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 apartments.

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…

A couple of renters relaxing on the couch, watching blockbuster movies, with a bowl of popcorn and a remote in hand.

10 Movie Quotes to Live by (As a Renter)

Living in a rental apartment often comes with its unique set of challenges and joys. Whether you’re navigating your first lease, decorating on a budget,…

Aerial view of the Vancouver, Washington skyline during a sunny summer day.

Cost of Living in Vancouver, WA: What to Expect as a Renter

Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its share of stress, especially when you start crunching the numbers….

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…

View of financial district Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn buildings at sunset.

Top 3 Spots for New Apartments in New York

In 2024, the U.S. is on track to hit a record-breaking year in apartment construction, with a massive 518,000 new units projected to be completed…

The U.S. hottest rental markets in peak season 2024 feature Suburban Chicago at a tie with Miami for first place. Aerial view of downtown Joliet, IL (in suburban Chicago) showcasing its riverfront, historic architecture, and urban landscape.

Chicagoland Matches Miami for Hottest Rental Market, Fueled by Rise of the Midwest

Key Takeaways: The national RCI score stands at 75.8 during the busiest time for moving, with significantly more renters choosing to renew compared to last…

Skyline of downtown Minneapolis, MN, with prominent buildings, bridges, and a river under a clear sky.

Where to Find New Apartments in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

If you’re on the hunt for brand-new apartments for rent, 2024 presents an excellent opportunity for a fresh start. A record-setting 518,000 new units are…

New York, Queensborough Bridge across the East River between the Manhattan and Long Island City in the borough of Queens. USA.

Apartment Space for $1,500 in New York: 5 Places to Consider in the Empire State

With the peak rental season behind us, renters are still on the lookout for great deals, hoping to secure the best apartment space as they…

Panoramic view of Portland, Oregon's skyline with Mount Hood visible in the background, framed by lush, forested hills and a mix of modern and historic buildings.

Rent Budget Capped at $1,500 a Month? Here’s How Much Apartment Space You Can Get in Oregon

Apartment hunters are actively seeking the best bang for their buck, especially with the continued popularity of the work-from-home lifestyle. As a result, renters are…

A woman in an orange shirt is smiling as she interacts with a smart home automation panel mounted on the wall in her modern rental apartment.

Falling for Tech: Autumn-Inspired Home Gadgets to Upgrade Your Rental

As the crisp fall air begins to roll in, it’s the perfect time to cozy up your rental apartment and embrace the season with a…

Aerial view of downtown Detroit at sunset, featuring the Renaissance Center and a blend of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings bathed in a warm, golden light.

Cost of Living in Detroit: What to Expect When Renting in the Motor City

Starting fresh in a new city is thrilling, but it also comes with its challenges — especially when searching for the perfect rental apartment. Before…

Cartoon paper food bags, reusable wooden and glass storage containers and bottles to reduce consumption.

Beyond the Tote: 7 Reusable Kitchen Essentials You Haven’t Considered Yet

If you’re a renter who’s into eco-friendly living, you’ve probably already got a bunch of reusable tote bags for your weekly grocery shopping trips. But…

Aerial view of Phoenix, AZ, showcasing a vibrant city skyline with high-rise buildings set against a backdrop of a colorful sunset, residential neighborhoods with lush green trees, and palm trees lining the streets in the foreground.

Apartment Space in Arizona: How Much Square Footage You Can Rent for $1,500 a Month Across the State

The peak rental season may be cooling down, but finding the right apartment is still a challenge for renters across the country who are on…

Downtown Reno skyline, Nevada, with hotels, casinos and the surrounding High Eastern Sierra foothills.

Renting in Nevada: How Much Apartment Space Can You Afford Within $1,500?

As the moving rush sweeps across the U.S., apartment hunters are more determined than ever to get the most value for their monthly budget. With…

A construction crane working on a colorful, new apartment building under a clear blue sky.

New Apartment Construction to Reach Historic High of Half Million in 2024, Two Million Rentals to Open by 2028

The U.S. is poised to reach new heights in new apartment construction for the third year in a row, with 2024 expected to set a…

A stunning panoramic view of the Jersey City, NJ skyline at sunset, showcasing its towering skyscrapers and waterfront.

Apartment Space for $1,500: How Much Room Can Renters Expect in New Jersey?

Searching for apartments for rent during the busy summer months can be a real headache, especially if you’re trying to make your money stretch as…

A well-organized emergency kit for renters displayed on a yellow background, including a flashlight, a can of food, a lighter, a radio, a first aid kit, a hard hat, water bottles, a pair of gloves, a whistle, and a bottle of medication.

7 Essential Items Every Renter Needs in Their Emergency Kit

As a renter, you might not have as much control over your living situation as homeowners do in case of an emergency. You can’t exactly…

An aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with multiple houses, each displaying a prominent "For Rent" sign, representing a build-to-rent community with single-family homes available for rent.

Pros and Cons of Living in a Build-to-Rent Community: What Renters Need to Know

Looking for a new place to call home can be tough, especially during the busy summer season. But there’s a new trend in the rental…

Pre-travel items on a green background: a straw hat, vintage camera, pine cones, toy airplane, smartphone, notebook, map, and magnifying glass, suggesting adventure and planning

Leaving on a Jet Plane? First, Prep Your Apartment in 10 Easy Steps

The thrill of booking a plane ticket, the anticipation of a new adventure, that satisfying out-of-office email auto-reply — there’s nothing quite like planning a…