Articles by

Alexandra Both

Alexandra Both is a senior creative writer with RentCafe. She has more than six years of real estate writing experience as a senior editor with Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News. She is a seasoned journalist, who has previously worked in print, online and broadcast media. Alexandra has a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Community Development.

Don't Miss Out On The Latest Renting Tips And Tricks!

Straight in your inbox, twice a month.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
a living room with wood flooring and white walls, including a glass coffee table on the right hand side

How Much Apartment Space Does $1,500 Get You in 200 U.S. Cities?

Renters looking for a spacious apartment on a budget in a big city should immediately head to the South. That’s because more than half of…

Miami downtown skyline and futuristic mover train above Miami river panoramic view, Florida state, USA.

10 Ways to Be More Sustainable as a Renter in Miami

As climate change poses increasing challenges to coastal cities, Miami has taken significant steps to mitigate its impact and create a more environmentally friendly urban…

Subway running on Longfellow Bridge in Boston.

Public Transport in Boston: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re renting an apartment in Boston or if you’re thinking about moving to Beantown, you might be trying to figure out how to navigate…

the skyline of los angeles during sunset

Apartment Size in California: Where to Find the Most Spacious New Rentals

With its stunning coastlines, iconic cities, and diverse landscapes, California has long been a magnet for renters seeking an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle. From the…

Young woman with fan ready for a summer staycation.

10 Staycation Ideas: How to Create the Perfect Summer Getaway in Your Rental

Summer is here, and the allure of a relaxing vacation is getting stronger. However, you don’t need to pack your bags and travel far to…

Minneapolis skyline at sunset with tall buildings, lights, and the waterfront.

Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Makes Swift Return to Top Spot, South Prevails in Top 30

Minneapolis returns as the most in-demand city for renters — its fourth time taking the lead in 2024. The South is renters’ preferred region this…

interior of an apartment with a sofa, armchairs and a coffee table

National Apartment Size Rebounds as More 2- & 3-Bedroom Rentals Are Built

The average U.S. apartment size increased by 27 square feet from the previous year, reaching 916 square feet. More two- and three-bedroom apartments opened their…

Apartment Size in New York City: Manhattan Rentals Are Getting Roomier

If you’re looking for an apartment for rent in the Big Apple, you might be wondering about the typical apartment size in New York City….

A small child opens a chest of drawers wardrobe with child protection. Dangerous situation at home. Child trapped finger in the door.

How to Babyproof Your Apartment: 8 Essential Ideas

As a renter with a baby, ensuring your little one’s safety is a top priority. While some start the babyproofing process way before the toddler…

Aerial view of Manhattan's Financial District skyline from New York Harbor.

Top 3 Fresh Adaptive Reuse Projects in New York City

With its iconic skyline and bustling streets, New York City is home to many architectural gems — but even the most celebrated buildings can outlive…

close-up of a man's hands holding a cardboard box with the words 'moving day' written on it

Your Go-To Guide for Moving to a New City During Peak Rental Season

Moving to a new city during peak rental season is almost like hopping on a rollercoaster — it’s exhilarating, heart-pounding, and maybe even a little…

aerial view of houses for rent in South Carolina

Top 3 Metros for New Houses for Rent in South Carolina

Are you searching for a fresh start and more living space? Then you might already be browsing houses for rent and dreaming of that backyard…

Young woman appearing worried about renting mistakes while she is looking through documents sitting on the floor among moving boxes.

8 Essential Renting Mistakes Every Gen Zer Should Avoid

Navigating the rental market can feel like a minefield, especially for Gen Zers stepping out on their own for the first time. Whether you’re moving…

a group of Gen Zers

Gen Z by Age 30: Renting Becomes the Go-To Housing Option With a Total Cost of $145,000

Generation Z is emerging as the most diverse and potentially the best-educated group in American history, setting them up to possibly become the highest earners…

two gen z renters, a young man and young woman are sitting on a wall, smiling

How Much Gen Z Renters Pay on Rent in Illinois Metros by Age 30

Apartment hunting as a 20-something can feel like being a kid in a candy store but instead of sweets, you’re eyeing amenities, location, and, of…

interior of an apartment with a sofa, armchairs and a coffee table

National Apartment Size Rebounds as More 2- & 3-Bedroom Rentals Are Built

The average U.S. apartment size increased by 27 square feet from the previous year, reaching 916 square feet. More two- and three-bedroom apartments opened their…

suburban housing neighborhood homes in suburbia - aerial drone view - above Austin, Texas, USA perfect cubed square houses living area in real estate suburban community at sunset summer

The Build-to-Rent Housing Boom: New Single-Family Rentals Reach All-Time High, With Another 45,000 on the Way

Build-to-rent homes are having their most successful year on record: A total of 27,500 houses for rent were completed last year — 75% more than…

upscale apartment living room with large windows, wooden floors a large sofa with pillows and good quality furniture

Luxury Living on a Budget: How to Maximize Your Upscale Apartment Experience

Living in an upscale apartment doesn’t have to break the bank. The effort of paying for a better location, superior building quality, and upscale finishes…

view of an eco-friendly apartment building for renters committed to green living

Green Living: How to Choose & Support Eco-Friendly Apartment Buildings

In today’s world, the health of our planet is more important than ever, making the choice of an eco-friendly apartment building a significant step towards…

Group of young mixed race people with mobile phones. Excited students using their technological devices. Concept of young enterprising, friendly, selfie, app, hipster, millennial.

How Much Gen Z Is Poised to Pay on Rent in New York Metros by Age 30

As Generation Z, or “Zoomers,” come of age in a world vastly different from their predecessors, their approach to housing and lifestyle choices is equally…

group of Gen Z renters laughing and having fun together

How Much Gen Z Pays on Rent by Age 30: Top 5 Metros in Texas

Have you ever wondered how much money you spend on rent in your 20s? Well, we did dome snooping into the spending habits and income…

hands holding a pen and signing a standard lease agreement

Understanding Common Terms in Standard Lease Agreements: From Security Deposits to Subletting

So, you’re diving into the world of renting for the first-time. This is a big step and it’s best to come prepared. In addition to…

aerial view of skyscrapers in new york city

How Many Apartments Are Underway From Former Office Buildings in New York?

In the heart of New York’s bustling metros, a transformative trend is reshaping the urban landscape. Adaptive reuse, the process of repurposing old buildings for…

view of Philadelphia's skyline

Discover the Top 10 Apartment Amenities for Renters in Philadelphia

Searching for the perfect apartment in Philadelphia can be an exciting journey filled with numerous possibilities. As you embark on this adventure, one of the…

Downtown Minneapolis, MN over Lake Harriet

Top 10 Apartment Amenities in Minneapolis to Elevate Your Rental Experience

Minneapolis, the “City of Lakes,” isn’t just known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic Prince legacy. Beyond the scenic Chain of Lakes and the…

The skyline of Alexandria, Virginia, including Old Town Alexandria and the Potomac River, as seen from the George Washington Masonic Temple.

10 Unique Apartment Amenities for Renters in Alexandria

Welcome to Alexandria, a charming city in Northern Virginia known for its rich history, modern culture, and thriving community. Did we mention it’s a stone’s…

New York City midtown Manhattan sunset skyline panorama view over Hudson River

How Far a Renter’s Income Stretches in New York

Finding a place to live in New York can feel like a high-stakes balancing act: You want a booming city with enough energy to keep…

Top view of small vegetable garden on balcony of town apartment with varieties of green plants growing on a ceramic pots over wood shelf. Urban sustainable organic garden concept.

Grow Your Own Apartment Garden: 8 Edible Plants for Urban Green Thumbs

Are you an apartment dweller craving fresh, homegrown produce? Fear not, for even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a thriving indoor garden….

view of silicon valley buildings and landscape from atop mission peak hill

Top Renting Sweet Spots in the U.S.: Where Your Income Goes the Furthest

Renters can get the most out of their income in Silicon Valley’s Sunnyvale, where the highest median wages in the nation make it easier to…

colorful skyline at golden hour blue and pink clouds over Austin Texas USA

Top 5 Cities in Texas for Financial Balance and Wellbeing

Are you a renter looking to move in a city where your income can stretch further, allowing you to achieve financial balance? Texas awaits, boasting…