Downtown Austin Apartment Breakdown: The Shoal

Here’s what you need to know upfront:

• Opened: 2022
• Location: Duncan Park, with a Walk and Bike Score of 90
• Units: 143 apartments across 8 stories
• Price Range: Studios start at $1,434, 1-bedroom from $1,604, and 2-bedroom options from $1,834
• Amenities: Includes a dipping pool, 24-hour fitness center, sky lounge, in-unit washers/dryers, and pet-friendly policies

Why consider The Shoal? A boutique-sized building with modern features, professional management, and a strong community vibe, all while being close to downtown attractions like Pease Park and West 6th Street.

Want to compare? Check out nearby options like The Ashton (36 stories, $3,157 for 1BR) or The Travis (50 stories, $2,895 for 1BR).

Quick Comparison:

The Shoal balances affordability, downtown convenience, and standout amenities. Dive into the full details to see if it’s the right fit for you!

Building Facts

Property Details

The Shoal is a high-end apartment complex in downtown Austin, completed in 2022. With just 143 units spread across 8 stories, it stands out as one of the smaller luxury options in the area .

The building’s design focuses on simplicity and elegance, featuring clean lines, plenty of natural light, and built-in features that enhance its overall aesthetic – without the imposing size of taller high-rises.

Here’s how The Shoal stacks up against other downtown properties:

Area and Access

The Shoal’s location offers a balance of urban convenience and a quieter atmosphere. Nestled in Duncan Park, it combines access to city amenities with a more relaxed setting. With both a Walk Score and Bike Score of 90, residents can easily get to nearby spots without needing a car .

Here’s what’s nearby:

• Parks and Recreation: Within 2.7 miles of five parks, including Shoal Creek Greenbelt Park, Texas Memorial Museum, and Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.
• Education: Just 0.2 miles (a 3-minute walk) from Austin Community College’s Rio Grande Campus.
• Shopping: Three shopping centers located within 0.5 miles.
• Entertainment: Close to West 6th Street and Town Lake.

A Transit Score of 66 reflects solid public transportation options, making it easy to get around without relying solely on walking or biking .

Amenities

Main Features

The Shoal offers a range of amenities designed to enhance downtown living. At the heart of it all is a refreshing dipping pool, perfect for cooling off during the Texas summer. Nearby, the courtyard provides a relaxing space for outdoor lounging and casual gatherings.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the 24-hour fitness center, while cyclists benefit from dedicated bicycle storage. Security and convenience are key, with features such as:

• Controlled access garage parking
• On-site storage units
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Package acceptance service
• 24-hour lockout assistance

For those who love a good view, the sky lounge stands out. It offers breathtaking downtown scenery, making it a great spot for unwinding or hosting friends.

Special Offerings

Each apartment at The Shoal comes with standout in-unit amenities that make daily living more enjoyable:

The Shoal is also pet-friendly, allowing up to two pets per apartment (with breed restrictions). Managed by Willow Bridge, residents benefit from professional service and easy access to a resident portal for seamless communication.

To meet changing needs, The Shoal offers a resident transfer program and referral incentives, emphasizing their dedication to creating a connected and flexible community.

Units and Prices

Unit Types

The Shoal offers a variety of apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units.

• Studios: Starting at 343 sq ft, options include the E2 layout (363 sq ft) and the AO layout (410 sq ft).
• One-bedrooms: Designed for efficiency, these range from the compact A1 layout (417 sq ft) to the more spacious A3 layout (535 sq ft).
• Two-bedrooms: Perfect for roommates or small families, these start at 763 sq ft (B2 layout) and go up to 832 sq ft (A5 layout).

Price List

Here’s the current pricing and availability for each unit type. The Shoal is offering up to one month free on select units as of February 2025.

Price per square foot: Studios average $4.17–$4.34/ft², one-bedrooms $3.69–$4.69/ft², and two-bedrooms $2.20–$2.41/ft². Compared to downtown Austin’s average of $3.92 per square foot , two-bedroom units offer particularly strong value.

Resident Reviews

What Residents Like

The Shoal holds an impressive 4.2/5 rating on Apartments.com, based on 20 reviews. Residents frequently highlight the excellent management team – particularly property managers Chris and Kyle – and the well-maintained facilities. The sense of community also gets a lot of love.

One resident says:

"Love living at The Shoal! Apartments are all new, very spacious, and conveniently located to downtown. Chris and Kyle are the best apartment managers ever!"

The community vibe shines through in Bridget’s review:

"I LOVE THE SHOAL. Sweetest neighbors, best neighborhood, best trails. All around awesome. The staff is phenomenal, shoutout Kyle, the little community parties are so cute, pet of the month is cool. Need I say more? Everything about the shoal is gorgeous."

Residents appreciate the regular events and the attention to upkeep. These features make The Shoal a standout choice, though some urban living challenges are noted.

Common Concerns

While The Shoal scores high in overall satisfaction, a few things to keep in mind include:

• Occasional noise and traffic due to the downtown location
• Higher costs associated with the prime location
• Limited parking options for guests

Quick Facts

Here’s a snapshot of what residents have to say:

Resident James sums it up perfectly:

"It’s a great place to live. By far the best apartment living experience I’ve ever had. My neighbors are nice, it’s a great community with awesome amenities."

Other Downtown Options

Nearby Apartments

Downtown Austin has plenty of apartment options beyond The Shoal, each catering to different lifestyles and preferences. While The Shoal offers a cozy community vibe, these properties stand out with their unique amenities and features.

The Ashton is a 36-story high-rise with 259 units, built in 2009. This pet-friendly building includes a rooftop infinity pool with stunning downtown views. One-bedroom apartments start at $3,157.

The Travis is a sleek, 50-story tower completed in 2023. With 390 units, it offers modern perks like a demonstration kitchen and a dedicated pet spa. One-bedroom units start at $2,895.

AMLI Downtown is an 8-story boutique-style building, built in 2009 and certified LEED Gold. It features EV charging stations and 231 units. One-bedroom apartments are available starting at $2,361.

Residences at 6G, the tallest residential tower downtown at 66 stories, was completed in 2023. With 331 units, it offers direct access to Whole Foods and eco-conscious amenities. One-bedroom units start at $3,240.

Here’s a quick comparison of these options:

Each of these properties brings something distinct to the table, showcasing the diversity of downtown Austin’s apartment scene. Whether you’re seeking luxury, sustainability, or convenience, there’s something for everyone.

Next Steps

Ready to move forward with your apartment search? Let’s recap what makes The Shoal an appealing choice.

Key Highlights

• Boutique luxury living with a close-knit community vibe
• Studio apartments starting at $1,434
• Prime downtown location with great walkability
• High resident satisfaction and professional management
• Modern amenities and well-designed floor plans

Now, let’s explore how Taco Street Locating can make the process even easier.

Get Expert Help with Your Apartment Search

Taco Street Locating provides free, personalized assistance to streamline your apartment hunt. Their local experts can help you:

• Explore floor plans and pricing options
• Arrange property tours, either in-person or virtual
• Compare The Shoal to other downtown properties
• Simplify the application process

When you’re ready to apply, keep in mind the $90 application fee and $150 administrative fee. The Shoal’s leasing office, located at 827 W 12th St, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.

Reach out to Taco Street Locating today for tailored support in finding your ideal downtown Austin apartment. Their team offers detailed research, neighborhood insights, and guidance every step of the way.

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