The Ultimate Downtown Austin Apartment & Neighborhood Guide 2025
Hey everyone, it’s Alexander with TacoStreetLocating.com!
In this guide, I’ll take you through the different neighborhoods of downtown Austin and highlight apartment options in each area. If you’re considering a move to downtown Austin, this guide will help you find the perfect spot.
1. The Main Downtown Area
Starting with the western side of downtown Austin, often known as the “Trader Joe’s part of downtown,” this area offers a classic downtown Austin experience. Here are some notable buildings:
- Gables Park Tower: A high-rise featuring beautiful water views.
- Gables Park Plaza: A mid-rise, more affordable than Park Tower but still centrally located.
Note: A freight train passes through this area several times daily, which can be loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, these buildings may not be ideal.
- The Bowie: This high-rise has a rock star vibe, with top-floor amenities offering stunning views. However, management ratings here hover around 3.6 out of 5.
- Monarch by Windsor: Known for its large floor plans and spacious balconies. However, amenities are on the ground floor, which feels dated compared to newer options.
- Elle West Avenue & 404 Rio Grande: Both offer good locations if you’re prioritizing accessibility over high-end features.
2. The West 6th Street Area
West 6th Street is downtown’s main bar and party district, which can be a bit noisy but lively. Apartments in this area include:
- The Seven: Provides great views, though bar and club noise might be noticeable, especially for south-facing units.
- The Residences at 6G: This hybrid office/residential tower is one of Austin’s finest, featuring high-end amenities but at a premium price.
3. The Hanover Buildings
The Hanover Public Square and Hanover Brazos are both top-tier buildings with stunning rooftop amenity decks and co-working spaces. Known for great management, Hanover’s properties are reliable choices.
- Hanover Public Square: Closer to 6th Street, giving it a more bustling vibe.
- Hanover Brazos: Located in a quieter, commercial area, offering a more relaxed experience.
4. The Rainey Street District
Rainey Street is Austin’s hub for nightlife. If you enjoy a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, this could be a great fit. But it might be too lively for those seeking tranquility.
- The Quincy: A newer building with impressive west-facing views.
- Camden Rainey: Known as a “party building” for its lively atmosphere.
- 700 River (upcoming): An exciting development set to add more housing to this dynamic area.
5. The East 11th Corridor
East 11th offers a unique blend of downtown accessibility with an East Austin vibe. Top options here include:
- The Waller: Boasts a cool art deco design, a large gym, and a lap pool.
- Alexan Waterloo: Features well-designed floor plans, especially one-bedroom units with a den.
- Avenir: My personal favorite, this building has an indoor basketball court, multiple pools, and a relaxed vibe.
6. Outside of Downtown
If you want the downtown feel without the intensity, consider:
- The Catherine: Known for its stunning west-facing views, although neighborhood amenities are limited.
- 1155 Barton Springs: A high-end mid-rise with large floor plans in a quieter South Austin setting.
Reach Out for Personalized Recommendations
That covers the main apartment options in and around downtown Austin. If you found this guide helpful and want more tailored advice, reach out at TacoStreetLocating.com. I’d be happy to help you find the perfect downtown Austin apartment!