The Key

3 Furniture Flips to Try in Your Apartment This Spring

Claire Nicholas

Apr 16, 2024

You may not be looking to re-furnish your space with a table or couch, but taking on a budget-friendly DIY project can bring your space to a new level. Here are some DIY furniture makeover projects to carry you and your apartment from spring clean to summer fresh.

Best Cities for College Grads 2024

Lilly Milman

Apr 08, 2024

Trying to decide where to live after graduation? In our 2024 Best Cities for College Grads list, we've identified the cities across the U.S. that offer the best balance of opportunity, affordability, and fun for recent college graduates.

What are the Biggest Trends in Interior Design Right Now?

Lilly Milman

Apr 04, 2024

It can be hard to keep up with the times. What’s in now may be out next year — so designing your living space by trend can be dangerous. But if you have your heart set on a recent trend you saw online, you don’t need to deny yourself a design choice just because you’re in search of timeless décor. We spoke to interior designers at three firms to learn more about the hottest home decor trends right now — and about how you can seamlessly incorporate them at home.

The Dos and Don’ts of Roommate Conflict, According to a Psychotherapist

Claire Nicholas

Apr 02, 2024

Emotions like frustration and anger can run hot and cloud our judgment, so examining roommate problems through a psychological lens can be helpful. When your buttons are pushed, here’s what to do, and what not to do, according to Becca Jacobs, LCSW, psychotherapist at The NYC Therapy Center. 

3 Common Apartment Insects and How to Get Rid of Them

Claire Nicholas

Mar 29, 2024

Although some insect-related incidents can require the help of professional pest control services, there are measures you can take even before you spot one and before they become a real problem. In this guide, we go through three common pest problems, how to keep bugs out of your apartment, and how to get rid of them if they’re already there. 

What is Mixed-Use Development? The Definition, Pros, and Cons for Renters

Lilly Milman

Mar 27, 2024

If a walkable neighborhood, where everything and everyone is within reach, is your dream living situation, then read on — because you may be a good candidate for living in a mixed-use building. In this guide, we explain what exactly they are, what the benefits are, and what the drawbacks are.

6 Cities Where Monthly Housing and Transportation Costs Are $2,000 or Less

Rabekah Henderson

Mar 25, 2024

The American cities of the Sunbelt and Southeast, often touted as “affordable,” come with a hidden cost: transportation. With this in mind, we looked for US cities with combined housing and transit costs of around $2,000 or less.

An Expert’s Guide to Urban Gardening

Claire Nicholas

Mar 21, 2024

Whatever your garden space looks like, we’re here to tell you that you can get outside and garden this year, whether it’s directly in the ground or not. And Andrew Johnson, owner of The Good Food Farm in Ashby, MA, is here to help you make it happen with his gardening tips and DIY projects. 

Where to Get the Most Space for Your Rent Money in New York

Lilly Milman

Mar 19, 2024

We get it: Most New Yorkers didn’t choose to live in the city because of all the extra space it affords them. But what if you could move one neighborhood over and get more space for the same (or even less!) rent money? Using our neighborhood rent data, we calculated where in New York you could get the most space for your rent money.

Midcentury Modern Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

Mar 15, 2024

Midcentury modern design has an impressively long (and ongoing) history. What started as a trend in the 1940s remains one of the most popular interior design trends even now. We dive into the origins and aesthetics of midcentury design, and provide tips for getting a midcentury look in your apartment.

Is This a Scam? How to Spot a Fake Apartment Listing

Lilly Milman

Mar 13, 2024

Spotting the perfect apartment listing after hours of scrolling other units that are out of price range or don’t meet your standards is exhilarating — but what if it’s too good to be true? In this guide, we outline how to spot a potentially fake apartment listing.

Don’t Forget to Spring Clean These 5 Spots in Your Apartment

Lilly Milman

Mar 11, 2024

You may already have decluttering your closet or cleaning out your pantry on your spring cleaning checklist, but don’t forget to also clean these easy-to-miss spots in your apartment. Read on for our lesser known spring cleaning tips.

Apartment Tour: This Renter Completely Transformed Her 450-Square Foot Back Bay Studio

Claire Nicholas

Mar 07, 2024

When 28-year-old Claire O'Brien moved into her Back Bay studio, it needed a little love. The 450 square foot apartment had old finishes and was filled with the previous tenant's left behind belongings. However, she saw potential. In this apartment tour, she talks us through how she transformed her space.

Every Kind of Apartment Layout, Explained

Lilly Milman

Mar 05, 2024

Need help deciphering an apartment unit listing? Check out this guide of every type of apartment layout.

Why Am I Not Hearing Back from Apartment Inquiries?

Lilly Milman

Mar 01, 2024

We’ve all been there: You’re scrolling through a ton of apartment listings, submitting your information on dozens of apartments, and hearing… crickets. It’s frustrating to be left wondering why your apartment inquiries aren’t getting answered — especially in cases where it’s totally out of your control. However, there are a few best practices you can follow to try to increase your success rate. (Template included!)

What Dog Should You Get Based on Your Apartment?

Claire Nicholas

Feb 28, 2024

Did you know that a Great Dane may be a better choice for your small apartment than a Jack Russell Terrier? In this article, we talked to an expert to find out how to pick the right dog breed for any living space.

What is the Best Way to Pack Plants for a Move?

Lilly Milman

Feb 26, 2024

Plants are perhaps the most delicate cargo that you’ll pack into a car or a moving truck when it’s time to move to another apartment — so how do you ensure that they don’t get damaged along the way? We spoke with John Selletto, owner of the gift and plant store Petali Flowers in Cambridge, MA, to get his expert moving tips for taking indoor plants to their new home.

Making Your Apartment More Eco-Friendly: A Room-by-Room Guide

Claire Nicholas

Feb 22, 2024

A few small changes you make in your apartment can have big environmental impacts. Read on for our room-by-room guide to sustainable living at home.

What is Pre-War Architecture? The Definition, Pros, and Cons

Lilly Milman

Feb 19, 2024

In this article, we’ll go over what pre-war architecture is and its history, how it differs from post-war architecture, what the pros and cons are of living in a pre-war apartment, and tips for how you can find or identify a pre-war apartment.

Tips for Moving In with Your Significant Other

Claire Nicholas

Feb 16, 2024

As much as it’s an exciting step forward in a relationship, moving in with your significant other for the first time is a milestone that comes with some uncharted territory. That’s why we spoke to relationship expert Ricki Romm, LCSW, who specializes in both individual and couples therapy, to get her advice on moving in together.

From Random Roommates to Romantic Partners: 4 Couples

Cassandra Cloutier

Feb 14, 2024

Romance probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of random roommates. At best, it might be friendship, and, at worst, dirty dishes. But for these four couples, finding a roommate also meant finding love — even if the romantic relationship didn’t last forever.

How Clean Is Your Apartment Bathtub?

Claire Nicholas

Feb 12, 2024

We spoke to two renters and an epidemiologist to get to the bottom of the controversial question: How clean is your apartment bathtub, really?

The Most Competitive Rental Markets

Lilly Milman

Feb 08, 2024

We calculated the most competitive rental markets in the U.S. right now, using our rental data as well as the Q4 2023 vacancy rates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Syracuse, NY metro area came out on top.

Apartment Tour: How This Lifelong Renter Transformed Her Queens Apartment

Kaitlin Stevens

Feb 06, 2024

Stacy M. is an art director and lifelong renter in Queens, New York with a unique home situation: She lives in the same NYC apartment she grew up in, except now she’s the sole renter. Find out how she renovated her parents' old apartment to turn it into her new home.

How to Create the Perfect Home Gym in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Feb 02, 2024

The premium on fitness centers in the U.S. is often not so friendly, so why not consider making use of the space that you already have? Read on for our guide on how to set up a home gym in your apartment — whether you are repurposing one corner in your living room or a full extra bedroom.

Be My Valentine… And My Roommate? Here’s How Much You Can Save By Moving In Together.

Lilly Milman

Jan 31, 2024

Whoever said distance makes the heart grow fonder clearly never heard of rent splitting. And while cost savings alone may not be the best reason to move in with your significant other, it’s certainly an added bonus when you can save upwards of $15,000 each per year in cities like New York or San Francisco.

What is a Railroad Apartment? The Definition, Pros, and Cons

Lilly Milman

Jan 29, 2024

All aboard! In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about railroad apartments, from how to define them, to their history, to their pros and cons.

The Do's and Don'ts of Storing Wine in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Jan 25, 2024

We asked a sommelier to guide us through the common mistakes people make when storing wine in their apartments — and how to avoid them.

My Neighbor’s Dog Keeps Barking. What Should I Do?

Lilly Milman

Jan 23, 2024

While many of us can agree that we love dogs, it can be frustrating when a neighbor’s pet barks all night when you’re trying to sleep or throughout the day when you are trying to work or study. In this guide, we walk you through a few steps you can take to get your peace and quiet back.

What is the Best Way to Pack Books for a Move?

Lilly Milman

Jan 19, 2024

Any big reader knows that one of the worst parts of moving is packing and transporting a book collection to a new home — so we asked Peter Win, owner of Brookline Booksmith, for his moving tips for book lovers.

What is Hygge?: Tips on How to Hygge Your Apartment for the Winter

Claire Nicholas

Jan 17, 2024

Hygge is many things: a lifestyle, the way you interact and connect with your space, a coziness that meets the eye, and a comfort that meets the soul. And although it’s employable year-round, hygge can be especially comforting during the winter months. We offer tips on how to hygge your apartment from an expert.

Where to Find the Cheapest Rent in America (2024)

Amy Mueller

Jan 15, 2024

Looking to spend less on rent? Here are the 13 cities where renters can find a one-bedroom apartment for $1,000 or less per month.

What is Maximalism? A History and Renter-Friendly Design Tips

Claire Nicholas

Jan 11, 2024

Maximalist decor is that larger-than-life interior design style that makes aesthetic sense despite toeing the line of chaos. And after centuries of ebb and flow in American households — plus a cultural shift brought on by the pandemic — it’s back in style. We explore why, and give you tips for achieving a maximalist look in your apartment.

REPORT: 2023 Rent Trends — A Year in Review

Lena Han

Jan 09, 2024

We analyzed our rental data from the last year to identify key national and regional rent trends across 100 major cities in the US.

5 Mess- and Smell-Free Recipes for Apartment Kitchens

Erin Tarectecan

Jan 05, 2024

I spent years working in restaurants, where I learned that there are plenty of ways to combat unwanted cooking smells. So, I'm here to share my hacks for preventing cooking odors and five of my favorite smell-free, mess-free recipes.

This Is the Most Expensive City for Renters in Each State

Lilly Milman

Jan 03, 2024

We analyzed our rental data to find out the most expensive city for renters in every state — and the results may surprise you. Do you see your city on the list?

Is Winter the Best Time to Negotiate Rent?

Lilly Milman

Dec 23, 2023

Winter may not be the most convenient time to start an apartment hunt — between the poor weather, early sunsets, and busy holiday schedules — but it may be the most cost effective. To aid you in your winter apartment search, we outline signs that a landlord is likely to come down on rent price during a negotiation and give tips on how to negotiate successfully.

How to Moth-Proof Your Apartment Closet & Save Your Sweaters

Lilly Milman

Dec 20, 2023

If you pulled out your favorite sweaters this winter and found they were covered in holes, then you may unfortunately have a moth infestation on your hands. In this guide, we cover how to identify a moth problem, what to do if you discover a moth problem, how to moth-proof your closet, and how to treat and protect your clothes from moths.

Boston Rent Report: What Are the Hottest Neighborhoods in Boston?

Lilly Milman

Dec 18, 2023

This ApartmentAdvisor report provides an overview of where costs have increased the most across the city of Boston and where renters are most likely to get more space for their money.

How to Protect Your Apartment’s Floors in the Winter

Lilly Milman

Dec 14, 2023

When it’s cold, wet, and snowy outside, the last thing you want to do is bring any of the mess inside. Unfortunately, tracking in some of the salt that keeps your sidewalk clear of ice and snow is inevitable — and salt can wreak havoc on your apartment’s floors. In this guide, we walk you through how to clean and protect your apartment floors as a renter in the winter.

REPORT: November 2023 Rent Trends

ApartmentAdvisor Editorial Team

Dec 12, 2023

On Thursday, Dec. 7, we published our November National Rent Report, highlighting national rent trend data as well as rent price data by state and by city.

Our Favorite Holiday Apartment Transformations

Claire Nicholas

Dec 08, 2023

Decorating is the best way to get into the holiday spirit, whether you're looking to create a cozy and classic Christmas scene in your apartment or a maximalist "Pinkmas" display. We spoke with two content creators who go all out on their holiday decor to learn more about how they accomplish their apartment transformations.

From Random Roommates to Best Friends: 4 Stories

Cassandra Cloutier

Dec 06, 2023

Seeking inspiration as you begin your roommate search? Here's four stories of New York City roommates who went from strangers to best friends in just a few weeks.

How To Find a Family-Friendly Apartment

Rabekah Henderson

Dec 04, 2023

Finding the perfect apartment for a family can be challenging, especially when many units seem to be geared towards young professionals or empty nesters. But you can find a place that works for the whole family as a renter — you’ll just need to keep an eye out for these three key features when apartment hunting.

Do I Need to Shovel Snow as a Renter?

Lilly Milman

Nov 30, 2023

The thought of even a few snowflakes falling may leave you feeling dread. After all, traffic gets backed up, cars parked on the street need to be dug out of snow piles, and shoveling is no easy task — which begs the question: As a renter, do you need to shovel snow? In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about your responsibilities as a renter when it snows.

The Best Way to Store Bulky Clothes in a Small Closet

Lilly Milman

Nov 28, 2023

Closet clutter can build up quickly — so what do you do if you have a small closet but a sizable sweater collection? We spoke with professional organizers to learn their closet organization hacks for storing bulky clothes in small apartments.

The Art of Bonsai for Apartment Dwellers

Rachel Craft

Nov 22, 2023

While bonsai are trickier to grow and maintain than many houseplants, with a few tips, even apartment dwellers can get in on this ancient art form. We spoke with two bonsai artists who share their tips for making bonsai gardens in their apartments.

Can I Run a Business from My Apartment?

Lilly Milman

Nov 20, 2023

There are two main steps to finding out the legality of running a business from a rented apartment. We outline them in this guide, as well as other factors to keep in mind before you start your business, with expert insight from a lawyer.