I hate seeing dogs subjected to the indignity of leashed “business-doing”. Not for any ethical reason of course. I fully acknowledge the necessity of leashes and order and all of that good stuff. I am a civilized gentleman in a civilized world. However, I gleam with joy when I see a pack of adorable puppers and doggos prancing and playing around unbound by some flattened rope. I love seeing dogs socialize, mingle, and gossip with other dogs within the confines of a mercifully leash-free park.
Of course, apartment life can make that difficult for your furry friends. In most cases, your dog will be “business doing” on sad tiny patches of road-side grass, mulch, or some tree sticking out of a sidewalk. Doggo will not experience the pleasures of finding out what Molly down the hallway ate for lunch, or what Daisy said about Officer Puppers during the party last week. Doggo will not get to run around maniacally for that squirrel shaped toy and or tennis ball you keep throwing. Instead, Doggo will be a furry ball of unreleased energy.
Sad.
But! I’m here for you and Doggo. I’ve compiled a list of modern pet-friendly apartments that have been blessed with fantastic dog parks. These are the kind of leash-free dog parks where Doggo can blissfully engage in all of the aforementioned butt-sniffy type social activities. These parks are large, full of other dogs, and totally leash-free.
Windsor South Lamar
Windsor South Lamar’s dog park is absolutely massive. At 1.5 acres, I’m fairly certain it’s the largest apartment dog park you can find in Austin. The apartment community as a whole is incredibly pet friendly, anyone living here has definitely done so with their beloved dog in mind – but there are plenty of incredible amenities for people too!
The pool space is lovely and the apartment finishings are high end – granite countertops, walk-in closets, and oversized bathtubs – Yes! You’ll also be in walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and other entertainment. Not to mention it’s a quick drive to Downtown Austin, Barton Creek, and Zilker Park.
Eleven by Windsor
My building! Located in East Austin, Eleven has a wonderful dog park on the side of the building. It’s got a cool terrain too. It’s a multi-leveled park with trees, human benches, and even a water station so your furry friend stays hydrated, especially in the hot summer sun.
You’ll both feel like you’re on vacation here with the gorgeous resort-style swimming pool for you to enjoy, and the pet spa for your pupper to enjoy. Living here you’ll also have easy access to Downtown Austin and, if you’re a student, the University of Texas.
7 East
7 East is located in the heart of the Eastside’s nightlife, being on E 7th Street you’ll always have something to do just a few minute’s walk away! But let’s talk about the dog park, it’s a long stretch of grass that extends further than what you see here.
Lot’s of space! 7 East is also a great place to live with your dogs because there is no weight limit like many apartments have, though there are still some restrictions on breeds.
The community amenities are excellent as well – with a resort-style pool and a rooftop lounge featuring some amazing views. Living here you’re also going to get those high-end finishings, walk-in closets, and an easy commute to Downtown.
Groves South Lamar
Yes, this is the swimming pool, but beyond the pool (where the pretty green Live Oak tree is, is a large closed off dog park filled with adorable fuzzy wuzzies.
This apartment is another that boasts a very pet-friendly atmosphere, including the all-important – paw spa. You’ll also get to enjoy gorgeous views of Downtown Austin, great floor plans, and a wide variety of restaurant options right nearby.
Tree
Not pictured here, Tree’s dog park is in front of the building. Yes, there are many trees your dog can conduct dog-business with. This is definitely one of the best South Austin apartments. While not quite within walking distance of SoCo, Downtown, and Zilker Park, you’ll have easy access to a ton of restaurants and local boutiques.
Along with their pet-friendly attitude, this is a great place for those of us who love our fitness. The fitness center here goes beyond – there’s free weights of course, but also a boxing studio and a cardio studio! The units themselves are also filled with various perks. You’ll find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, soaker tubs, and again – those massive walk-in closets.
South Shore District
South Shore District has a large open park in front of the building all the dogs gather to conduct shady business deals. Also! You’ve got the entirety of the Riverside trails where you can go for a very long lake-side run with Dr. Fluffenstein.
Being right on Lady Bird Lake is a treat, the boardwalk area is beautiful and incredibly relaxing. And you can go kayaking or paddleboarding at a moment’s notice! Not to mention if you hop on your bike, the boardwalk trail will take you right into Downtown Austin.
Post South Lamar
Post has a collection of closed-off yards where Chewy can compliment Señor Barks-a-lot on his balanced diet of salmon and liver via butt-sniffing. This apartment in particular is high on my list in terms of pet friendliness, as their pet policy is one of the only ones that have zero breed restrictions. They also don’t just have a pet park, they also have a dog run, an agility course, and a station to wash your puppers.
Living here you’re also going to be close to Barton Springs and Zilker Park, and several restaurants including every Austinite’s favorite – Ramen Tatsu-Ya.
Marq on Burnet & Yardbar
Marq on Burnet’s dog park itself isn’t much to go crazy about, though they do make a point to keep it pet friendly here. But nearby is something even better than a regular dog park – just across the street is YardBar, a dog-themed bar (complete with an off-leash dog park) where Floofyface can watch her owner awkwardly flirt with Commander Stinky’s owner. YardBar offers a variety of cocktails, sandwiches, and pet treats so there’s something for everyone.
While we’re really focusing on our doggos here, I have to also mention this place has an awesome club room with a full kitchen, arcade games, and shuffleboard. And in your homes, you’ll have either a balcony or patio, open floor plans, and excellent finishings.
Windsor Oak Hill
Windsor Oak Hill’s park is where Ghost (which I assume must be this dog’s name) can train for the Doggie Olympics in Tokyo 2020. The park is 13,000 square feet and also includes a heated dog wash station, give your furry friend the spa experience they deserve!
You’ll also be quite close to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which is a perfect place to take your dog on a hike or for a swim. If you’re wanting to spend time at home enjoying the luxury amenities Windsor Oak Hill has to offer, there’s a beautiful infinity-edge pool to relax in or you could take to your gourmet kitchen to try out a new recipe.
Ethos
Ethos is an amazing place to live with your furry friend. Not only are there two dog parks here, but there’s also a private 5-acre park, and private walking trails attached to the community. So much room for activities!
You are going to be a little bit farther out living here – it’s well into South Austin – though there is a collection of shops and places to eat. And it is right off I35 so your commute to Downtown won’t be too bad as long as you time it to avoid traffic.
Gallery Domain & IMT Domain
Right outside the Gallery & IMT Domain is the Domain Central park, which is like Downtown for those without opposable thumbs. Not to mention the Domain is incredibly pet friendly!
You can take your doggo anywhere around here and they’ll be more than welcome. The majority of restaurants have patios for you and your pupper to sit and enjoy a meal, and you can bring them with you while shopping – both of you will be incredibly stylish.
Walnut Park Apartments
Ok, Walnut Park is actually just a gigantic park. But seriously, who needs a dog park at your apartment when you have this? This 293-acre park is directly across from your home and it has everything. Hiking and biking trails, basketball courts, picnic areas, swimming pools, and most important – off-leash dog areas.
This apartment feels very much like a vacation home, complete with amenities like an indoor spa with a steam room and sauna, a massive swimming pool, a volleyball pool, and tons of outdoor lounging space. Your home will have massive patios or balconies, luxurious gourmet kitchens, walk-in closets, and massive bathrooms.
Coldwater & Zilker Park
Technically Coldwater doesn’t have much of a dog park. However, it’s neighbor Zilker Park more than makes up for that. Not to mention it’s in a great area overall. You can walk with your pupper to Barton Springs and Zilker, and afterwards give your furry friend a bath at the pet washing station before relaxing yourself on the rooftop deck.
This is a great location to be in and your pupper will have all the space and amenities they could dream of. But it is important to note that they do have some harder restrictions on pets than some of the other places on this list.
AMLI at Mueller, Sync Mueller, Mosaic Mueller
The farmer’s market is rad here too.
These three Mueller apartments share the Mueller Lake Park, which is basically paradise for humans and dogs alike. It’s a perfect place for picnics, going for a run, and there’s an outdoor amphitheater so you can catch some local performances.
The Mueller area is a rapidly growing community with lots of shops, restaurants, some bars, and even an Alamo Drafthouse. You’ll still have easy access to the rest of Austin living here, but Mueller is definitely a self-sustaining community.
Well, there you have it! If you found this guide helpful, please reach out to us when you and Doctor Floofystein are looking for a new place to live in Austin!
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