A Complete Guide to Renting Apartments in Round Rock Texas

Looking for an affordable place to rent near Austin? Round Rock, Texas might be your best bet. Here’s what you need to know:

• Ranked 6th best city for renters in the U.S.
• Only 20 minutes from Austin
• Average rent: $1,283/month (18% below national average)
• Rent prices dropped 6.7% in the last year
• 44% of households are renters

Key benefits of living in Round Rock:

• Major employers: Dell, IBM, Samsung
• Low 2.4% unemployment rate
• 2,270 acres of trails for outdoor lovers
• One of the safest big cities in Texas
• Great schools and shopping

Average monthly rents:

• Studios: $1,171
• 1 bedroom: $1,283
• 2 bedroom: $1,633
• 3 bedroom: $2,133+

To rent, you’ll need:

• Government ID
• Proof of income (2.5x monthly rent)
• Employment verification
• Rental history
• Application fee: $60
• Security deposit: $250-$350

Round Rock offers modern apartments with amenities like pools, gyms, and smart home features. The cost of living is 8.3% below the national average.

With its mix of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life, Round Rock is an attractive option for renters looking to get more bang for their buck near Austin.

Round Rock Rental Market Today

Current Market Status

Round Rock’s rental scene is buzzing. As of November 2024, there are 616 rental properties up for grabs. Here’s the kicker: 44% of Round Rock households (that’s 20,050) are renters. Talk about high demand!

But here’s where it gets interesting. Rents have actually dropped by 6.4% in the past year. Good news for renters, right?

Rent Prices

So, what’s the damage? The median rent in Round Rock is $2,100. That’s just $55 more than the national median. Let’s break it down:

• Studios: $1,171
• One-bedrooms: $1,283
• Two-bedrooms: $1,633
• Three-bedrooms: $2,133

Most rentals (53%) won’t break the bank at $1,001-$1,500. Another 36% fall between $1,501-$2,000. Only 8% of properties are over $2,000. Not too shabby for most budgets.

“The rental market in Round Rock has become more renter-friendly, with average monthly rents decreasing by $81 compared to last year”, reports RentCafe’s latest market analysis.

Cost Comparison with Nearby Areas

Think Round Rock is expensive? Think again. Check out how it compares to the neighbors:

The numbers don’t lie. Living in Round Rock saves you almost $200 a month compared to Austin. Plus, the cost of living is 0.3% lower than Austin. You get great amenities without breaking the bank.

Want options? Brushy Creek and Downtown Round Rock are where it’s at. These popular neighborhoods have plenty of rentals to choose from.

With jobs on the rise and new developments popping up, Round Rock is holding strong as one of the hottest rental markets in the Austin area. It’s a win-win for renters looking for value and quality of life.

Best Areas to Rent

Round Rock’s got a bunch of great neighborhoods for renters. Let’s check out the hottest spots:

La Frontera District

This place is rental central. You’ll find fancy complexes like:

• Bellrock La Frontera ($1,255-$3,116)
• District at La Frontera ($1,004-$2,894)

These spots have all the modern perks and they’re close to big employers.

Brushy Creek

Want nature AND convenience? Brushy Creek’s your answer. It’s got five major parks, including Olson Meadows and Cat Hollow Park.

Check out the Marquis at Brushy Creek apartments ($1,179-$2,807). They’ve got that resort feel going on.

Teravista

This is where luxury living happens. The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin named it the Best Master-Planned Community six times. Here’s what you get:

• Three community centers
• 18-hole golf club
• Resort-style pool
• Hiking trails
• Hillside amphitheater
• Year-round community events

“Teravista residents can relish the community pool, the Teravista Golf Club, and scenic hiking trails, making it one of Round Rock’s most complete living experiences”, notes a recent community assessment.

Forest Creek

Located 7.6 miles from downtown Round Rock, Forest Creek mixes recreation and residential comfort. You’ll find:

• Junior Olympic swimming pool
• Tennis courts
• Forest Creek Golf Club

Mayfield Ranch

30 miles northeast of downtown Austin, Mayfield Ranch offers good value. Apartments range from $358K to $723K. You’ll get:

• Multiple swimming pools
• Playgrounds
• Great for families and young professionals

Arbor Place

This is Round Rock’s gated community for the luxury crowd. It’s mostly big homes, but there are some high-end apartments too. You’ll have access to:

• Central park
• Premium amenities

Each neighborhood has its own vibe. From La Frontera’s urban feel to Brushy Creek’s natural charm. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle and budget.

How to Rent an Apartment

Looking to rent in Round Rock? Here’s what you need to know about the process, paperwork, and your rights as a tenant.

Required Papers

To rent in Round Rock, you’ll need:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of income (recent paycheck stubs or Social Security documents)
• Employment verification (at least 6 months at current job)
• Rental history documentation

Your income must be 2.5 times the monthly rent. For a $1,500 apartment, you need to show monthly earnings of $3,750.

Upfront costs include:

• $60 application fee (non-refundable)
• $50 administrative fee (non-refundable)
• Security deposit: $250 for one-bedroom, $350 for two-bedroom units

Understanding Your Lease

Texas recognizes written and oral lease agreements, but written ones are better. Your lease should cover:

• Rent amount and payment terms
• Lease duration
• Security deposit terms
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Pet policies
• Utility arrangements

“The most important source of information about your relationship with your landlord is your rental agreement, whether it is written or oral.” – Office of the Attorney General

See something off in the lease? Talk to your landlord BEFORE signing. Get changes in writing.

Renter Rights in Texas

As a Round Rock renter, Texas law protects you:

• Repairs: Landlords must fix health and safety issues within 7 days of written notice
• Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days after move-out
• Quiet Enjoyment: You have the right to use your rental peacefully
• Safety: Landlords must install basic security devices
• Utilities: Landlords can’t cut services except for repairs or emergencies

“Understanding your renter rights in Texas can help you determine if your rights are being violated and if you can take appropriate action.” – Texas Legal

Texas doesn’t have buyer’s remorse laws for leases, so read carefully before signing. Need help? The Texas State Law Library offers free resources and legal research guides.

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Cost Planning

Let’s break down what you’ll pay for a Round Rock apartment.

Monthly Costs

Living in Round Rock costs about $3,747 per month. That’s 17% cheaper than the U.S. average. Rent alone? Around $1,517 monthly, but it depends on where you live and how big your place is.

Here’s a quick look at rent prices:

For utilities, set aside about $410 a month. This covers:

• Electricity: $84 (1-bedroom) to $192 (4-bedroom)
• Water: $21 (1-bedroom) to $57 (4-bedroom)
• Natural gas: $19-70 (depends on size)
• Internet: $60
• Cable TV: $85

“The cost of living in Round Rock is competitive, ranking 144th out of 333 most populated U.S. cities for affordability”, reports the Texas Cost of Living Index.

Extra Costs

Don’t forget these additional expenses:

Pet Fees

• First pet: $300 non-refundable fee
• Extra pets: $200 non-refundable fee each
• Pet deposit: $200 per pet
• Monthly pet rent: $15 per pet

Move-In Costs

• Security deposit (varies)
• Application fee: $60
• Administrative fee: $50

Here’s a tip: Round Rock is 0.3% cheaper than Austin. Plus, Texas has no state income tax. But remember the 6.25% state sales tax and up to 2% local tax.

Want to live comfortably? Make sure your monthly income is at least 2.5 times your rent. So, for a $1,408 apartment in the city center, aim for $3,520 or more in monthly income.

What Apartments Offer

Basic and Extra Features

Round Rock apartments pack a punch with their amenities. Most units come with the essentials: washer/dryer hookups, walk-in closets, and high ceilings. But that’s just the start. Many properties kick it up a notch with stainless steel appliances, flat-top stoves, and wood-burning fireplaces.

Take The Falls Round Rock Apartments, for example. They’ve got balconies or patios that look out over pools and parks. Inside, you’ll find pantries, extra storage, and hardwood floors. Some lucky residents even get updated lighting and fancy shower heads.

“We love your pets almost as much as you do at Springs at Round Rock.” – Springs at Round Rock Management

This quote shows how pet-friendly these places can be. Springs at Round Rock goes all out with fenced pet playgrounds and even a Doggie DNA program to keep things clean.

Building Services and Safety

Round Rock apartments don’t mess around when it comes to security and convenience. Here’s what you can expect in most communities:

The Landing at Round Rock takes it to another level with FIVE swimming pools and a gym that never closes. If you’re into the outdoors, places like Falls Round Rock let you step right onto Bushy Creek trails. They’ve also got some sweet BBQ areas.

Smart security is a big deal these days. We’re talking HD cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks. Renters love SimpliSafe systems (starting at $280) because they don’t need to be permanently installed.

But it’s not all about high-tech stuff. These communities also offer practical perks like covered parking, guest spots, and easy access to public transport. If you’re a business pro, you’ll dig the on-site business centers. And for families, there are nearby parks and playgrounds to keep the kids happy.

Help and Support Services

Looking for an apartment in Round Rock? Don’t sweat it. There are free services to make your search a breeze and protect your rights as a renter.

Taco Street Locating

Taco Street Locating is your free apartment hunting buddy, available all week. They handle everything:

• Initial search
• Final paperwork
• Section 8 housing
• Credit challenges

They’ll create detailed spreadsheets and set up tours based on what you want.

“Ross absolutely saved my life by finding me the perfect apartment in less than a week.” – Anonymous Client

Want another option? Check out Apartment Pros, part of Ingle Realty. Their North Austin office (12407 N Mopac Expy #100) offers one-on-one help. Meet agents at their office or at apartment communities.

Renter Support Groups

Facing rental issues? Round Rock has your back:

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
• Volunteer Legal Services

Both offer free legal advice for renters in tough spots.

Need help NOW? Call Texas 211. It’s a free social service hotline that never sleeps. ConnectATX also keeps a list of local housing resources.

The Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program has been a game-changer:

There’s also the “I Belong in Austin” program, run by El Buen Samaritano. It helps vulnerable folks with rent, moving costs, and relocation. It’s all about keeping families in stable homes, even when times are tough.

Conclusion

Round Rock is a top pick for renters, ranking 6th best in the US for 2024. Here’s why:

It’s affordable. The average rent is $1,283 per month – that’s 18% less than the national average of $1,558.

It’s modern. 26% of apartments are less than five years old. They come with up-to-date features and plenty of space. In fact, the average apartment size is 908 square feet, beating Austin’s 864 square feet.

It’s budget-friendly. The cost of living is 8.3% below the national average. Housing costs? 11% lower. To live comfortably, aim for a monthly income of $4,276 (based on the 30% rent-to-income rule).

Here’s what CultureMap Austin had to say:

“Round Rock ranks third in cost of living and housing nationwide for its lower-than-average cost of living, spacious apartments and high share of newly built units – making it perfect for renters looking to stay within budget.”

Want to know what you’ll pay? Here’s a breakdown:

FAQs

Is Round Rock, Texas a good place to live?

Round Rock is a top-notch place to call home in Texas. Here’s why:

It’s super safe. In 2022, Smart Asset ranked Round Rock as the 14th safest city in America. That’s a big deal – only eight Texas cities made the cut.

The city’s got a great mix of suburban chill and city perks. Job-wise, you’ve got big names like Dell Technologies and healthcare giants Baylor Scott & White and St. David’s HealthCare. For fun, there’s Round Rock Premium Outlets for shopping and Kalahari Resorts for splashing around (it’s one of the biggest waterparks in the country).

“Safe neighborhoods, ample career opportunities and a great health score contributed to Round Rock’s recognition as one of the best places to live.” – Livability.com

Money-wise, it’s pretty sweet too. The cost of living is about 3% lower than the national average. Housing prices run the gamut from $20,000 to $1.5M, with the median home price at $355,000. So there’s something for every budget.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Round Rock great for renters: