Looking for East Austin apartments near UT Austin with free rent offers? Here’s a quick guide to 6 top properties offering 1-2 months of free rent, along with their pricing, features, and what makes each unique:
- The Blockyard: Starting at $1,529, with a 24-hour fitness center, resort-style pool, and easy access to MLK station.
- Elan East: From $1,262, featuring a rooftop pool, business center, and modern interiors.
- Starlight: Starting at $1,359, with a music lounge, sky lounge, and proximity to UT (1.3 miles).
- The Rail: Budget-friendly at $707+, offering a resort-style pool and mixed-income housing.
- Platform: From $1,277, boasting three pools, pet-friendly amenities, and transit access.
- Emma Browning: New luxury units starting at $1,662, with high-end finishes and extensive amenities.
Quick Comparison Table
| Apartment | Free Rent Offer | Starting Price | Key Features | Distance to UT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Blockyard | 1-2 months free | $1,529 | Fitness center, pool, near MLK station | ~1.5 miles |
| Elan East | 1-2 months free | $1,262 | Rooftop pool, modern interiors | ~2 miles |
| Starlight | 6 weeks free | $1,359 | Music lounge, sky lounge | 1.3 miles |
| The Rail | 6 weeks free | $707 | Affordable, mixed-income housing | 1.8 miles |
| Platform | 6-8 weeks free | $1,277 | Pet-friendly, transit access | 1.4 miles |
| Emma Browning | 6-8 weeks free | $1,662 | High-end finishes, luxury amenities | ~2 miles |
These deals provide a chance to save on rent while enjoying premium amenities and convenient locations near UT Austin. Compare the options to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
1. Overview of The Blockyard
Free Rent Offer & Pricing
The Blockyard stands out in East Austin’s luxury apartment market with attractive pricing: one-bedroom units start at $1,529, two-bedrooms at $1,576, and three-bedrooms at $2,078.
Premium Amenities
The Blockyard is packed with features designed to fit modern living needs:
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Workspace Amenities | • Private conference rooms • Coworking lounge • Work-from-home spaces |
| Fitness & Wellness | • 24-hour fitness center • Yoga studio • Resort-style pool |
| Outdoor Living | • Half-acre park with hammock areas and grilling stations |
| Pet Amenities | • Fenced pet park and spa facilities |
Interior Features
Each unit offers thoughtfully designed interiors, including chef-inspired kitchens with custom two-toned cabinetry, wood-style flooring, walk-in closets, private patios, and stainless steel appliances.
Location & Transit
The Blockyard’s location near the MLK light rail station and Eastlink Trail System makes getting to UT, downtown Austin, or nearby recreational spots a breeze. Situated in the Upper Boggy Creek area, residents enjoy a lively neighborhood filled with East Austin’s best dining and entertainment options.
Professional Services
Residents can rely on 24/7 maintenance, online service options, and a referral program to enhance their living experience.
With competitive pricing, a free rent offer, and a host of modern amenities, The Blockyard is an appealing choice for renters looking for both comfort and convenience. Next, let’s dive into what Elan East brings to the table.
2. Overview of Elan East
Free Rent Offer & Pricing
Elan East stands out in East Austin’s luxury apartment scene with studio apartments starting at $1,262, while larger units go up to $3,918. The property also participates in 1-2 months free rent promotions, making it an attractive option for renters.
Amenities and Features
Elan East offers a mix of community-focused amenities and modern apartment features, designed to enhance your living experience:
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Wellness & Recreation | • Rooftop pool • Fitness center with advanced equipment • Yoga spaces |
| Community Spaces | • Business center • Clubhouse for socializing • BBQ/grill areas |
| Convenience Services | • 24-hour maintenance • Concierge service • Package receiving |
| Storage & Parking | • Bike storage • Garage parking • Extra storage options |
Inside the apartments, you’ll find hardwood floors, in-unit laundry, private patios or balconies, and updated kitchens equipped with essential appliances like dishwashers.
Location & Accessibility
Situated at 2900 Manor Rd, Elan East provides convenient access to Airport Boulevard and major employers like Dell, Oracle, and Amazon [1].
Additional Information
This pet-friendly property welcomes your furry companions, though fees and breed restrictions apply. Keep in mind that the free rent offer comes with standard lease requirements, including income verification and security deposits [2].
Elan East pairs luxury with convenience, but up next, Starlight brings its own personality to East Austin living.
3. Overview of Starlight
Free Rent Offer & Pricing
Starlight is currently offering 6 weeks of free rent for new tenants [5]. Studio units start at $1,359, and there’s a range of floor plans available, from studios to two-bedroom options [4][5].
Amenities and Features
Starlight is packed with modern amenities designed for comfort and convenience:
| Category | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Leisure & Entertainment | • Resort-style swimming pool • Music & karaoke lounge • Resident sky lounge with downtown views |
| Wellness | • Fitness center • Dog spa |
| Interior Features | • Contemporary finishes like smart locks and custom hardware • In-unit laundry |
| Convenience | • Garage parking and live-work unit options • Private patio or balcony options |
Location and UT Accessibility
Starlight is just 1.3 miles from the University of Texas at Austin, making it a quick 4-minute commute to campus [3]. Its combination of location, pricing, and amenities makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between affordability and lifestyle.
Additional Services
Onsite maintenance is available to handle issues efficiently through an easy-to-use resident portal [4].
While Starlight focuses on proximity and entertainment, The Rail offers a distinct experience in East Austin living.
4. Overview of The Rail
Free Rent Offer & Pricing
The Rail is currently offering 6 weeks of free rent on selected floor plans, paired with competitive pricing:
| Unit Type | Size Range (sq ft) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 357+ | $707 |
| 1 Bedroom | Various | $1,139 |
| 2 Bedroom | Up to 1,082 | $1,782 |
When compared to Starlight’s similar 6-week rent concession, The Rail stands out with lower starting prices, especially for studio units [6].
Amenities and Features
The Rail is designed with modern urban living in mind, offering a variety of appealing amenities:
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Leisure | • Resort-style pool with water curtain • Spacious, sunlit courtyard • Clubhouse with social spaces |
| Wellness & Convenience | • Advanced fitness center • 24/7 package retrieval lockers • EV charging stations |
| Security & Access | • Gated entry • Business center • Tech center |
| Outdoor Living | • Covered outdoor patio • Grill areas |
Location and Accessibility
Located in Chestnut, The Rail is just 1.8 miles (a 4-minute drive) from UT Austin [6][7]. Its location offers easy access to major routes like IH35, 183, and the 130 corridor, as well as public transit options.
Mixed-Income Community
As a mixed-income community, The Rail sets income limits between $65,450 for single occupants and $100,950 for larger households [8]. This approach keeps housing more accessible while still delivering premium features.
While The Rail focuses on affordability and convenience, Platform takes a different approach to showcasing East Austin’s lifestyle.
5. Overview of Platform
Free Rent Offer & Pricing
Platform is currently offering up to 8 weeks of free rent for leases signed by January 31, 2025. If you secure a lease within 48 hours of a tour, you can still enjoy 6 weeks of free rent [9].
Monthly rent at Platform varies based on unit type and size:
| Unit Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Studios | Starting at $1,277 |
| 1 Bedroom | Mid-range pricing |
| 2 Bedroom | Up to $2,507 |
| 2 Bedroom Townhomes | Higher-end pricing |
Premium Amenities
Platform offers a wide range of amenities designed to elevate your living experience. These include features that cater to recreation, fitness, convenience, and even your pets:
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Recreation | • Three pools with aquatic wall feature • Retro game lounge • Outdoor grilling stations |
| Fitness | • Modern fitness center • Dedicated yoga studio |
| Convenience | • On-site coffee bar • Lash lounge • Business center |
| Pet-Friendly | • Dog park with grooming stations • Monthly pet social events |
Location and Transit Access
Platform is located at 2823 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, just 1.4 miles from UT Austin. Its proximity to the Cap Metro Red-Line Station makes it a convenient choice for students and professionals alike [9].
"Well-designed apartments with competitive rent for the location. Fantastic pool. Nearby great restaurants." – Nathan Colin, Verified Resident
With a 4.3-star rating from 608 reviews, Platform has garnered praise for its amenities and location. However, some residents have mentioned parking issues due to ongoing construction.
For those seeking a blend of luxury and easy transit access, Platform is a strong option. While it stands out for its offerings, Emma Browning provides a different take on East Austin living.
6. Overview of Emma Browning
Free Rent Offer & Current Pricing
Emma Browning is offering an enticing deal: 6 weeks of free rent at move-in, plus a $250 gift card for leases signed by January 31, 2025 [11]. If you’re considering an 18-month lease, the perks get even better with 8 weeks free rent.
Here’s a look at the current rental rates for this newly built East Austin property:
| Unit Type | Size (sq ft) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (E1/E2) | 543-563 | $1,662-$1,779 |
| One Bedroom | 745-1,198 | $1,980-$3,349 |
| Two Bedroom | 1,004+ | $2,682-$3,066 |
Premium Amenities & Features
Finished in 2024, Emma Browning blends modern comforts with high-end apartment details. Each unit includes luxury vinyl plank flooring, Silestone quartz countertops, in-unit laundry, and energy-saving LED lighting [10].
| Category | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Wellness | • 24-hour fitness center • Resort-style pool |
| Work | • Co-working spaces • Business lounge |
| Convenience | • Controlled access package room • Meal kit storage • Valet trash service |
| Pet-Friendly | • Bark park with specialized features • Premium pet washing facilities |
Location & Accessibility
Situated at 3219 Manor Road, Emma Browning offers a convenient location with the following scores:
- Walk Score: 67
- Transit Score: 49
- Bike Score: 84
The property is well-connected to downtown Austin, nearby parks, and a variety of dining spots. It’s also a practical choice for University of Texas students and faculty, balancing campus access with East Austin’s vibrant lifestyle.
Pet owners should note the $400 deposit and $30 monthly pet rent [11].
With its sleek design, top-notch amenities, and attractive move-in incentives, Emma Browning is a strong contender in East Austin’s growing apartment market, especially for those looking for new construction and upscale finishes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Apartment
Here’s a quick comparison of each property to help you weigh the pros and cons based on your needs:
| Complex | Free Rent Offer | Starting Price | Key Highlights | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Blockyard | 1-2 months free | $1,102 | • Onsite half-acre park • Access to Eastlink Trail • Close to MLK station |
• Higher rents up to $4,125 • Limited larger units |
| Elan East | 1-2 months free | $1,262 | • Rooftop pool • Prime location • Full range of amenities |
• Higher-end pricing • Parking limitations |
| Starlight | 6 weeks free | $1,359 | • Music and karaoke lounge • Stunning sky lounge views • Proximity to UT |
• Premium pricing • Fewer floor plan options |
| The Rail | 6 weeks free | $707 | • Mixed-income community • Affordable starting price • Resort-style pool |
• Income restrictions • Limited unit availability |
| Platform | 6-8 weeks free | $1,277 | • Three pools • Pet-friendly features • Easy transit access |
• Parking challenges • Ongoing construction |
| Emma Browning | 6-8 weeks free | $1,662 | • Brand-new construction (2024) • High-end finishes • Extensive amenities |
• Higher starting rents • Less convenient transit access |
The Blockyard
The Blockyard offers a mix of outdoor and urban living with features like a half-acre park and nearby trail access. Starting at $1,102, it appeals to renters seeking a balance of nature and convenience near MLK station. However, its higher-end units and limited larger apartments might not suit everyone.
Emma Browning
Set to open in 2024, Emma Browning features modern finishes, a wide range of amenities, and 6-8 weeks of free rent. Starting at $1,662, it’s geared toward those looking for a luxurious living experience. The trade-off? Higher rents and less transit convenience.
The Rail
The Rail stands out for its affordability and mixed-income approach, starting at just $707. This makes it a great option for those on a budget while still offering resort-style amenities. Keep in mind, though, that income restrictions and limited availability could be hurdles.
Value Analysis
Every property on this list caters to a specific lifestyle or budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each excels at:
- The Blockyard: Perfect for those who value outdoor spaces and a prime location.
- Emma Browning: Ideal for renters seeking luxury and modern design.
- Platform: A great choice for pet owners and transit users.
- The Rail: Best for affordable housing with quality amenities.
- Starlight: Appeals to entertainment lovers with its music and sky lounge features.
- Elan East: Combines high-end amenities with a central location.
Choosing the right apartment depends on what matters most to you – whether it’s price, amenities, or location. Each property has something unique to offer.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Looking at these East Austin apartments with free rent concessions, some clear trends emerge to help guide your decision based on what matters most to you:
The Rail is the most budget-friendly option, starting at $707 with 6 weeks of free rent. If you’re looking for an affordable place near UT that still offers resort-style amenities, this could be a great fit for you.
The Blockyard strikes a balance between urban living and outdoor access. With rents starting at $1,102 and up to 2 months of free rent, it’s perfect for active renters. Its half-acre park, access to the Eastlink Trail, and proximity to the MLK station make it stand out. Plus, pet owners will love its unmatched pet-friendly features.
When considering free rent deals, remember the math: two months free on a $1,500 lease saves you $3,000 upfront. However, don’t overlook the costs after the concession period ends. Working with a local apartment locating service can help you stay informed about current deals and find the best option for your needs.
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