One of the most common requests from my clients is to find a modern 1 bedroom apartment reasonably close to downtown Austin for under $1500. I went ahead and ranked my favorite ones. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to apartments in Austin, so please reach out if you need some more help! We’re 100% free to work with.
Southeast Austin
Edison
Edison opened in 2019 and has quickly become a hit. It’s one of the best designed properties in Southeast Austin. The pool overlooks downtown, the gym is beautiful, and the floor plans are as modern as they come. From great floor plans to great flooring – this is one of the only apartments on the list offering hardwood floors. Wood-style flooring is certainly a great option, but hardwood floors really do add that little bit of luxury.
The courtyard area at the Edison is great for getting together and grilling or having a picnic, plus there’s a giant chessboard. There is also a shaded rooftop lounge featuring some lovely views and perfect for relaxing. The community amenities are excellent and so are the apartment amenities. The units have high ceilings, patios or balconies, walk-in closets, and plenty of storage. Overall a great place to call home.
Aura Riverside
Like Edison, Aura Riverside opened up in mid 2019. This brand new property is further along Southeast Austin than most people are familiar with, but I think it’s going to be one of the best valued properties in Austin given how close it is to Downtown. Living off Riverside Dr. puts you in great proximity to a variety of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
But that aside, the amenities offered by the apartments themselves make this a great place to call home. Inside you’ll find open floor plans with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and spacious walk-in closets. Aura Riverside also boasts an amazing fitness center with virtual fitness classes available – they even have a spin/yoga room! The pool area really has that resort-feel making it perfect for lounging and relaxing.
South Austin (78704)
Tree
While Tree is on the southern tip of South Austin, it’s one of my favorites. It has a unique style flanked by trees and nature (hence the name). It’s location places it very close to my favorite eating street in Austin, South First. And it has easy access to Congress Ave. It’s often overlooked by people looking to be closer to Downtown, but it’s easily one of my favorite places to bring clients.
Tree offers a variety of luxury amenities, both in your apartment home and within the community. The swimming pool is huge and the pool deck features cabanas and lounge beds. Not to mention there is an outdoor ping-pong and bocce ball court and ample dog walking space. Tree also has a multi-level fitness center complete with a boxing studio and a cardio studio.
If you’re looking to expand your fitness horizons, Crux Climbing Center is only a 4 minute drive away – come give one of Austin’s most popular sports a try!
Post South Lamar
Post South Lamar is the best valued apartment in this South Lamar corridor. It’s flanked by some very luxury (and more expensive) apartments that ensure Post isn’t the nicest one in the area.
But it’s a good modern building only 5-10 minutes away from Downtown, so you’ll never have to worry about a lengthy commute, and even closer to the wonderful South Austin goodies like Zilker and Barton Springs. Being on Lamar blvd, you’ll also be surrounded by a host of cafés, bars, and restaurants, including a location of Austin’s most popular Ramen place – Ramen Tatsu-Ya.
While there’s plenty to do outside your apartment, Post South Lamar also offers plenty to do at home. With three swimming pools, a poolside kitchen, a rooftop deck perfect for those evening Downtown views, and a picnic area great for grilling. One of the coolest features for renters here is the peace of mind you’ll have about your home security. MAA smart homes is offered as an amenity so you can manage your home right from your phone!
East Austin
Platform
Most people looking in East Austin overlook Platform since due to it’s off-center location. However, I think it’s one of the best options in town. Their pools are some of the best in the city – and yes, there are three of them, and it’s a quick drive to Downtown via MLK. Platform is another building adjacent to the metro line, though not quite as close as Eastside station, you’ll still have easy access to the heart of Downtown.
Nearby Manor road is flooded with amazing food too. And you’ll be right by a variety of running, biking, and dog walking trails. When you’re not out and about or enjoying the pools, you’ll be able to enjoy the lovely amenities within your home. Units here feature stainless steel appliances, glass walk-in showers, walk-in closets, and beautiful chef kitchens.
Eastside Station
I’ll cheat a tad bit here. While the average rent for 1 bedrooms is usually higher than $1500, their studio apartments are more like mini 1 bedrooms, and often fall near $1500. It’s central East Austin location makes it an amazing place to call home, particularly if you’re a fan of nightlife. Being on e 5th st. puts you right in the middle of tons of great bars, restaurants, and the food truck scene here is fantastic – not to mention you’re only a block away from the metro.
The amenities here are great, especially the rooftop lounge which has some lovely views of Downtown. Eastside Station’s fitness center also offers free fitness classes, which is great when you’re interested in going to the gym, but don’t quite know how to get started. The units themselves also have great finishings, complete with balconies, and a solid layout – even in the studio. Some of my happiest clients live here.
North Central Austin
Elan Parkside
Elan Parkside is the farthest property from Downtown on this list, but it’s one of my favorites in the entire city. They have amazing amenities, great prices, great floor plans, and the area is booming with awesome food and restaurants. I find this particular area also puts you in a sweet spot between Downtown and the Domain, with both being only a 12-15 minute drive away. And if you don’t feel like driving, Elan Parkside is located across the street from Austin’s metro line making it easy to go Downtown without the Downtown parking.
One of my favorite features of this place is the massive swimming pool – there’s even a mini pool within the pool. There’s ample seating throughout the pool deck and an outdoor kitchen nearby, perfect for entertaining. If you want to take your entertaining back home, look no further than your L-shaped balcony which can easily fit a table for four.
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