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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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…

A cozy bedroom setup in a first apartment featuring a bed with brown and mustard bedding, string lights, vinyl records, and colorful posters on the wall. A desk with a laptop, tablet, and lamp sits to the right, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The thrilling but terrifying test of adulthood: Moving into your first apartment

Feeling excited, nervous, maybe even a little scared — all at once? That’s completely normal. Moving into your first apartment and starting life on your…

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…

Modern apartment building on a sunny day. Facade of a modern apartment building.

2024 Mid-Year Review: Top Rental Market Findings by RentCafe.com

The first half of 2024 revealed intriguing trends and shifts in the rental market. To keep you informed, RentCafe.com has compiled the top must-read reports…

Aerial view of downtown Minneapolis, MN, with a mix of modern high-rise buildings, bridges over the river, and residential areas surrounded by lush greenery under a cloudy sky.

Mid-Year Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Is Top City in 1st Half of 2024, West Most Desirable Region for Renting

Key Takeaways: Our mid-year rental activity report reveals a growing trend of renters adopting a meticulous approach to their apartment search by thoroughly exploring multiple…

An illustration of neighbors in an apartment building interacting through their windows, engaging in various activities such as reading, watering plants, having a coffee, and playing with a cat, highlighting a sense of community and connection.

How to be a good neighbor: 7 tips for renters that go beyond the basics

When living in a rental apartment, being a good neighbor goes far beyond following the rules and keeping noise levels down. It’s about nurturing a…

A New York City subway train arriving at a station, with its colorful exterior and platform visible.

Public transit in New York City: Exploring the best commute options for renters

When it comes to renting apartments in New York City, one of the top things to consider is how close you are to public transit…

A cozy stargazing spot in a living room featuring a modern telescope on a tripod, a comfortable chair, and a blue wall adorned with star decals, creating a relaxing atmosphere for observing the night sky.

Apartment Balcony Astronomy: Essential Stargazing Tips for Renters

For those of us in high-rise apartments right in the heart of bustling cities across the U.S., stargazing can be a peaceful break from the…

Modern suburban apartment complex with varied brick and siding façades, featuring balconies and large windows under a clear blue sky.

Chicago, Silicon Valley Challenge Miami as Hottest Rental Markets

Key takeaways: The national competitivity score stands at 73.4 out of 100 at the start of the moving season, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. renters…

A young man smiles while wearing headphones on a city bus, surrounded by other passengers in a brightly lit interior.

Navigating Philadelphia’s Public Transport System: A Renter’s Guide

Philadelphia is famous not just for its pivotal role in American history and its dynamic cultural scene, but also for its comprehensive public transport network….

best beaches for renters in san diego

Best 5 Beaches for San Diego Renters

Looking for a rental apartment in San Diego? Or maybe you’re already enjoying life in this lively coastal city. Wherever you are in your renting…

A renter and a potential roommate sit across from each other at a small table in living room, engaging in a discussion. The renter is taking notes on a clipboard while the candidate speaks, both appearing attentive and involved in the conversation.

Tips and Tricks for Interviewing a Potential Roommate

When it comes to renting with roommates, finding the right person to share your space with is as crucial as selecting the perfect apartment. That’s…

A wide-angle view of the upper facades of three Victorian homes in San Francisco, featuring intricate trim, bright colors, and ornate decorative elements under a clear sky.

Adaptive Reuse Apartments in San Francisco: 3 Cool Retrofitting Projects

Are you on the lookout for a one-of-a-kind place to live? Or perhaps you’re a Gen Z renter keen on making sustainable choices when it…

A stylish, modern bedroom in a rental apartment featuring an orange hammock, a wooden bed with rust-colored bedding, and minimalist decor.

7 Quirky Bedroom Essentials for Your Next Rental Place

Moving into your first rental apartment is super exciting, especially when you get to decorate your own space. For many Gen Z renters, the bedroom…

Aerial view of a sprawling build-to-rent residential community in Florida, showcasing numerous rows of identical houses with terracotta roofs, arranged around several man-made lakes and lush green spaces.

Here’s Where to Find Brand-New Houses for Rent in Florida

The real estate landscape is evolving, with build-to-rent homes becoming an attractive housing option, especially in hot rental markets like Florida. These homes are made…

Tall vintage buildings reaching up towards a clear blue sky on a sunny day in New York City, showcasing the contrast of architectural styles and the warmth of sunlight on their facades.

Adaptive Reuse Surges Again With 151K Upcoming Units; Hotel Conversions Overtake Offices in 2023

Adaptive reuse projects are on the rise again with 17.6% more apartments converted from outdated buildings in 2023 compared to the year prior. While office…

Retro cross processed photo of the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Renting in Las Vegas: Top 10 Must-Have Apartment Amenities Tailored for This Desert Oasis

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect apartment, what’s inside matters just as much as the location — especially in a place like Las…

A diverse group of Gen Z friends leaning against a yellow wall, laughing and enjoying each other's company

Here’s How Much Gen Z Will Drop on Rent in Connecticut’s Top Metros Before Turning 30

The rental landscape is constantly changing, so it’s important to see how younger renters — particularly Generation Z — are managing their finances. Facing unique…

Multiracial group of young people standing in a circle and smiling at the camera.

Here’s How Much Gen Z Will Spend on Rent in Colorado Before Hitting 30

As Generation Z marches deeper into adulthood, their financial outlook is significantly molded by the rising costs of living and housing, including in Colorado’s key…

Illustration representing a group of Gen Z friends brainstorming ideas for eco-friendly living tips when living in rental apartments.

6 Eco-Friendly Tips for Gen Z Renters

In today’s eco-aware world, many Gen Z renters are keen to live in a way that reflects their commitment to sustainability. With the challenges of…

Gen Z roommates watching viral content on social media while enjoying a sunny afternoon in a city in Florida.

Here’s How Much Gen Z Will Shell Out on Rent Before Turning 30: Top 5 Metros in Florida

As they cruise through their 20s, Gen Zers are quickly figuring out the ropes of renting in some of the most popular cities in Florida….

The door of a rental apartment that's move-in ready, with many boxes in the living room and a tiny house as a keychain.

10 Tips for Gen Z Renters Seeking Affordable Apartments

As Gen Z steps confidently into adulthood, they’re really shaking things up in the rental market. This cohort, known for being tech-savvy and valuing independence,…

Best Parks in San Francisco: A Guide for Renters

Whether you’re a visitor or one of the many renters scouring for the perfect apartments for rent in San Francisco, there’s an array of parks…