Articles by

Mihaela Buzec

Mihaela Buzec is a senior writer and online content developer for RentCafe. She covers topics about everything related to the renting lifestyle, from decorating and interior design to finding the right apartment, frugal living, money saving advice, and more. She dives deep into topics of interest, writing well-researched comprehensive guides on subjects such as renting with pets, saving on utilities, or avoiding rental scams to help renters stay informed and live smart.

Mihaela holds a BA in English and German Language and Literature, an MA in Current Linguistics, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in neurolinguistics.

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view of salt lake city skyline

13 Fun Things to Do in Salt Lake City, as Recommended by the Locals 

As Utah’s capital and largest city, Salt Lake City (SLC) has a fascinating history rooted in Native traditions (the Shoshone, Ute, and Paiute tribes inhabited…

view of los angeles

The LA Arts Scene: 15 Must-See Recommendations from Those Who Live and Work There 

LA is one of the most incredibly diverse cities in the world, and its art reflects that. Whether you’re interested in classical painting or sculpture,…

prospective renters checking an apartment before moving in

Red Flags to Keep in Mind when Moving to Another Apartment in a Rush

Renters know that finding the right apartment building can be tricky. From loud neighbors to smelly roommates, a lot can go wrong. And if you’ve…

average utilities costs by state

What Are Apartment Utilities & How Much Will They Cost Me?

This article was updated in May 2025. What Is the Average Electric Bill? Tips for Saving Money on Your Electricity Bill What Is the Average…

sunset over columbus ohio

14 Fun Things to Do in Columbus, According to the Locals

Located in central Ohio, Columbus’s easy accessibility and prime location along the Scioto and Olentangy rivers brought plenty of bustling commerce and trade in the…

Renting With Pets: The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment and Living With Pets

Article updated in April 2025 Having a pet is both a heartwarming experience and a responsibility. That’s because when you take a pet into your…

change of address form

Moving Soon? Here’s What You Need to Know About Changing Your Address

Are you heading to a new apartment? If so, we know that moving out of one apartment and into a new one can be stressful….

best college towns 2025

New Chapter Unlocked: These Are the Best College Towns for 2025

Bozeman, MT, takes the crown of the best college town in the U.S. for second year in a row.   East Lansing, Provo, Ann Arbor, and…

view of downtown pittsburgh

16 Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh, As Recommended by Locals

Located in western Pennsylvania at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, Pittsburgh‘s personality is shaped by its geography, history, food, culture, and…

Understanding Pets in Apartments: Beyond Breed Stereotypes

We all love a happy pet. These tiny bundles of joy fill our lives with warmth and love. However, if you’re just starting your journey…

things to do in fort lauderdale

10 Great Things to Do in Ft. Lauderdale, Recommended by the Locals 

Located about 28 miles north of Miami on Florida’s southeastern coast, you’ll find the beautiful, vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale. While the area’s history began…

Packing and Moving Hacks for a Cold-Weather Move

Moving to a new rental apartment can be a taxing and time-consuming process in itself, but a move during the colder season presents additional challenges…

winter holiday decor for apartments

Holiday Decor Burn Out? Avoid Decision Fatigue With These Tips From Interior Designers

If you find yourself struggling to find last-minute decor ideas, you might be burnt out from all the noise surrounding holiday decorations. As everyone chimes…

main things to do in washington dc

14 Locals-Recommended Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) is the nation’s capital and, some say, the heartbeat of the US. There’s plenty of history to back up that…

view of downtown houston

11 Locals-Endorsed Fun Things to Do in Houston 

When Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen founded the area that we now know as Houston in August 1836, they probably couldn’t have imagined…

illustration showing people moving to big city

Top Tips for a Smooth Moving Experience in Urban Areas

Moving to a busy urban area can be both an exciting adventure and a stress-inducing task. To navigate the fast pace and unique challenges of…

things to do in nyc during winter holidays

20 Exciting Things to Do in NYC During the Holidays, As Recommended by Locals 

Everyone knows New York City is a bustling hub for global commerce and influence. It’s a cultural powerhouse with some of the world’s most iconic…

ultimate guide for renting

Everything You Need to Know About Renting: Timelines, Terms & Documents Explained

This article was updated in December 2024. Searching for and finding a rental apartment is a journey that can be filled with excitement, but also…

view of austin over water and bridge

11 Locals-Recommended Things to Do in Austin, TX 

Austin‘s location in the middle of Texas makes it a bustling crossroads for commerce. This ideal location, paired with majestic Hill Country and Colorado River…

Hidden Storage Spots You Haven’t Thought of for Your Apartment

As apartment size is generally trending down, space in rental apartments comes at a premium, particularly when it comes to storage. That’s why, even for…

Renting for Veterans: Housing Assistance Information & Useful Resources

Finding the right home and feeling safe in your space is quintessential for everyone, and for the veterans who have served our country, a home…

things to do in tampa

12 Fun Things to Do in Tampa as Suggested by the Locals! 

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa has a rich history dating back to the 19th century with the establishment of Fort Brooke. Settlers cleared out…

overview of detroit things to do in metro detroit

15 Locals-Recommended Things to Do in Metro Detroit 

Metro Detroit refers to the metropolitan area centered around Detroit that includes Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, but most locals claim counties like Washtenaw (where…

things to do in fort worth

8 Interesting, Locals-Approved Things to Do in Fort Worth, Texas 

Fort Worth‘s heritage is deeply influenced by its fascinating role in shaping Wild West history. It began before 1849 when Native American communities such as…

things to do in milwaukee

9 Fun Things to Do in Milwaukee, WI, as Recommended by Locals 

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is the largest city in the state. Multiple Native American tribes called the territory home well…

things to do in knoxville

12 Fun Things to Do in Knoxville, Suggested by the Locals 

Knoxville is arguably one of the few places left in the South with the perks of a dynamic metropolis at half the price tag. Bonus:…

things to do in miami

13 Things to Do in Miami, Recommended by Locals

Miami (nicknamed by some as Magic City) is famous for its white sandy beaches, tropical climate, and spicy nightlife, but this glamorous city is much…

things to do in long beach

9 Things to Do in Long Beach, as Recommended by the Locals 

Located about 25 miles south of downtown LA, Long Beach is one of the busiest seaports in the world, with a longstanding history of shipbuilding…

things to do in jersey city

10 Locals-Endorsed Things to Do in Jersey City 

Full of history and culture, Jersey City is part of the New York metro area, but it’s got a unique personality of its own. Diverse…

things to do in baton rouge

11 Things to Do in Baton Rouge, as Recommended by the Locals 

Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital and the state’s second-largest city. It has a rich history dating back to Native American tribes (specifically the Houma, Bayougoula,…