Things To Consider When Looking For An Austin Apartment
There are many factors to consider when renting an apartment — number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, neighborhood, prices whether or not there are washer/dryer or washer/dryer connections provided, whether there are garages or carports available, what utilities are paid, lease terms, etc. To help you navigate the fast-paced Austin rental market, we’ve created this guide so you can get a better understanding of what to expect when searching for apartments for rent in Austin.
Determine The Apartment Rent You Can Afford
Take a careful look at your budget; determining what you can realistically afford for an apartment in Austin is an important first step. It’s often recommended that you spend no more than 30 percent of your annual income on rent.
In addition to being known as a culturally vibrant, economically thriving capital city, Austin is also considered one of the most expensive cities in Texas for renters. Depending on the neighborhood, one-bedroom units average $1,114 a month and two-bedrooms come in at $1,410 a month on average. While this sounds discouraging for those on a tighter budget, there are rentals available if you’re willing to move a bit further away from the city center and the immediate surrounding area.
What Austin TX Neighborhood Fits Your Lifestyle Best?
One of Austin’s appeals is its offering of varied and eclectic neighborhoods. From quirky and bohemian to fast-paced and luxurious, there’s a neighborhood in Austin for every personality and lifestyle. Remember, you’re not just moving into an apartment, you’re moving into a neighborhood. The following are a sampling of neighborhoods to consider:
Downtown Austin: This is the heartbeat of the city. It’s the place to be if you want to be a part of a vibrant lifestyle. It’s the epicenter of a vibrant entertainment district. Downtown Austin offers the best in music, art and theater, along with highly-rated restaurants, great bars, and plenty of outdoor activities. Apartment rents in downtown Austin carry a price tag of about $2-3 per square foot, but for many, the price is well worth living in this hotspot.
Central Austin: You’ll find Central Austin to be heavily populated by University of Texas and Austin Community College students, faculty and young professionals, among others. There are many large apartment rental communities, small complexes and condominiums to choose from, and its close proximity to downtown keeps the rents in the mid-range to high-end.
South Austin (Zilker): South Austin is a tad bit cheaper when it comes to renting apartments than the downtown area. With larger-scale apartment rental communities (and more coming) to choose from, the area caters to active types who can take advantage of Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool and to those who like lounging by the community pools a short distance from their apartment.
South Austin (Travis Heights): Dotted with funky shops and live music bars, this area is perfect for those who enjoy a laidback neighborhood with lots of character.
When it comes to choosing the right location for your apartment rental, you’ll want to also consider proximity to work, availability of public transportation, and parking availability.
Take a closer look at our neighborhood guide on the best places to live in Austin for more information on which area is right for you.
Consider Your Must-Have Amenities
Once you’ve made a budget and selected the neighborhoods you like, it’s time to narrow down your search for apartments for rent in Austin TX, by determining which amenities you might need. Is not having an in-unit washer and dryer or a dishwasher a deal breaker? Are you willing to forego having high-end kitchen appliances for a unit that allows pets? Make a list of your must-have amenities, along with a list of those you’d like to have but can live without.
Work With An Austin Apartment Locator To Help You Find The Perfect Place
Working with an Austin real estate agent that specializes in apartment locating can be extremely beneficial for your apartment rental search. An apartment locator will have the latest information on what units are available, any specials, and will be able to find a listing in a neighborhood that meets your budget and needs. This is especially important if you’re in the process of relocating to Austin.
Important to note, in Austin, agents are compensated by the landlords and apartment complexes, so utilizing an apartment locator is a free service to you.
Be sure to check out our article on finding the perfect Austin apartment to get more great tips on what to look for and what to look out for, when it comes to apartments for rent in Austin TX.
Review Your Apartment Lease With The Finest Tooth Comb
A rental agreement or lease is a legally binding contract filled with vital information such as who pays for repairs, penalties for late payment, and what happens when one party or the other tries to terminate the lease early, and more. Be sure to read it completely; don’t just skim over it. If you don’t understand a clause, then feel free to ask for clarification.
If you’re interested in learning more about apartments for rent in Austin, TX, contact Habitat Hunters today. We were named Best Apartment Locator by the Austin Chronicle Readers, and we’ve been finding tenants the perfect apartments since 1972.
