Downtown Austin Condo Review: Milago

• Location: 54 Rainey Street, Austin, TX, right by Lady Bird Lake and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
• Building: 13-story high-rise with 240 units, completed in 2006.
• Unit Prices: $300,000–$1.5M, with HOA fees averaging $0.32/sq. ft.
• Amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, private canoe dock, concierge service, and more.
• Neighborhood: Vibrant Rainey Street District with bars, restaurants, food trucks, and easy access to green spaces like Zilker Park.

Who Is It For?

Milago is perfect for urban professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a mix of city life and lakefront serenity. Whether you want a one-bedroom or a spacious three-bedroom unit, Milago offers options for various lifestyles and budgets.

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
1-Bedroom Units	826–950 sq. ft., $375K–$460K
2-Bedroom Units	1,157–1,650 sq. ft., $569K–$799.9K
3-Bedroom Units	Up to 2,554 sq. ft., priced around $1.05M
Amenities	Rooftop pool, gym, canoe dock, concierge, bike storage, and more
Nearby Attractions	Lady Bird Lake, Hike-and-Bike Trail, Zilker Park, Rainey Street nightlife

Milago combines convenience, outdoor access, and vibrant city living. Read on for a detailed breakdown of units, amenities, and neighborhood insights.

Building Features

Building Design

Milago, designed by WDG Architecture, PLLC, showcases a post-modern style that earned an IMPACT award. Units range in size from 750 to 2,421 square feet, offering plenty of natural light thanks to the building’s thoughtful design. This attention to detail extends to the variety of amenities available to residents.

Resident Amenities

Milago provides amenities that cater to both relaxation and an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy a rooftop pool with a jacuzzi and terrace, a fully equipped fitness center, and comfortable community spaces, including a ground-level Wi-Fi café/lounge and a clubroom. Additional features include bike and canoe/kayak storage and a private canoe dock with direct access to Lady Bird Lake.

Safety

Resident security is a priority at Milago, with 24-hour concierge service ensuring peace of mind.

Units and Prices

Milago offers a selection of one- to three-bedroom units spread across its 13 floors. Here’s a breakdown of the current pricing and layouts.

1-Bedroom Units

Milago’s one-bedroom units come in two types: standard layouts and one-bedroom designs with a den. Standard one-bedroom floor plans range from 826 to 950 square feet, with details below:

Floor Plan	Square Feet	Bath	Current Price Range
748 Series	845–950	1	$375,000 – $429,000
756 Series	826	1	$389,000 – $424,000
781 Series	846	1	$418,000 – $460,000

For those seeking extra functionality, the one-bedroom-with-den units range from 865 to 1,438 square feet. The standout 1,097 floor plan includes 1.5 bathrooms, offering a layout similar to smaller two-bedroom units.

If you’re looking for even more space, Milago provides expanded two- and three-bedroom options.

2+ Bedroom Units

Larger units at Milago feature upgraded layouts and finishes:

• Two-bedroom units range from 1,157 to 1,650 square feet, with prices starting at $569,000 and going up to $799,900. The 1164 Series, at 1,234 square feet, is especially popular. Units with western-facing views often come at a premium.
• Two-bedroom + den and three-bedroom units range from 1,332 to 2,554 square feet. Premium two-bedroom, three-bath layouts are listed as high as $1,150,000. Three-bedroom units, between 1,577 and 2,120 square feet, are typically priced around $1,050,000.

For example, Unit 1212, a two-bedroom, two-bath condo on the 12th floor, is listed at $799,900, while a similar-sized unit on the 4th floor (Unit 409) is priced at $569,000.

All units feature granite countertops, stainless steel Energy Star appliances, and private balconies or terraces. Higher floors offer stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin.

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Neighborhood Access

Green Spaces

Milago puts you right next to some of Austin’s most beloved outdoor spots. It’s located along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail, giving you direct access to the Lady Bird Lake trail – perfect for running, cycling, or taking a leisurely walk.

Zilker Metropolitan Park, a 350-acre gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, is also within easy reach. The park offers plenty to explore, including:

• Barton Springs Pool
• Zilker Botanical Garden, featuring the Taniguchi Oriental Garden
• Austin Nature and Science Center
• A disc golf course
• Volleyball courts
• Zilker Playscape
• Numerous picnic areas

And it’s not just about outdoor fun – the area is brimming with great food and entertainment options, too.

Food and Entertainment

Milago is situated in one of Austin’s most exciting entertainment hubs. With a Walk Score of 98 out of 100 (way above Austin’s average of 42), it’s a walker’s dream.

"You’re on Rainey Street, just steps from the river trail, a short walk to the bars, and right next to a Royal Blue Grocery. Even though you’re close to the bars and the nightlife, you’re still far enough to where the noise won’t bother you." – UT Austin McCombs Student

Daily Necessities

Life at Milago is all about convenience. With a grocery store right next door, running errands like grabbing coffee or picking up snacks is a breeze. A student from UT Austin’s McCombs School highlights how easy it is to enjoy these perks with just a short walk.

Public transit is also a strong point. The #30 Capital Metro bus connects you effortlessly to downtown and beyond, making Milago a top choice for urban living.

Living at Milago: Good and Bad

What’s Good

Milago residents enjoy more than just a great location and impressive amenities. One of the standout perks is the direct access to Lady Bird Lake and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The building’s facilities also earn high marks. The gym is well-equipped, often surpassing what you’d find in typical apartment complexes. The pool and patio areas are ideal for unwinding or socializing, and the party room is a popular spot for gatherings.

Another big plus? Convenience. With Royal Blue Grocery just steps away and the lively Rainey Street district nearby, residents can easily grab essentials or enjoy a night out – all without needing a car.

What to Consider

While Milago has plenty of upsides, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Building Design: Some residents feel the narrow hallways and basic finishes don’t quite match the premium condo experience they expected. The overall design leans more toward an upscale apartment vibe than a true condominium.
• Neighborhood Challenges: Rainey Street’s popularity comes with its own set of issues. Limited sidewalks create safety risks, parking congestion can make it hard for emergency vehicles to navigate, and noise from nearby bars occasionally disrupts the peace.

What Residents Say

Hearing directly from residents sheds light on daily life at Milago. Long-term resident Gene Sanchez reflects on the neighborhood’s changes:

"We knew the neighborhood would change when it was rezoned, but we thought condos and apartments. We never anticipated this. Now, I have to put up with loud music from the bars, people slamming their car doors at 2 a.m., drunks hollering and sometimes beer bottles in the yard."

Even the building’s management has raised concerns. Deb Elder, General Manager of Milago condominiums, has voiced frustration with the city’s handling of infrastructure issues:

"It’s not a matter of if but when someone gets run over. Right now, I feel the city doesn’t care."

Other Downtown Condos

Rainey Street Options

Rainey Street presents luxury condo options worth considering alongside Milago. The Shore Condos, established in 2008, is a prominent residential building with 192 units. Prices range from the $300,000s to $1 million. Located at 603 Davis Street, it boasts stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and easy access to I-35, making it a great choice for commuters.

Another option is Vesper Residences, a new 41-story building at 84 East Avenue. It features 284 units with modern interiors and high-end amenities. Pricing begins at $685,000 for a 1-bedroom (including a $35,000 discount) and $919,000 for a 2-bedroom (with a $50,000 incentive).

For those looking beyond Rainey Street, downtown Austin offers additional luxury options.

Downtown Alternatives

Downtown Austin provides a variety of upscale condo choices:

Property	Location	Units	Price Range
Plaza Lofts	Sixth Street District	2	$750K – $1.5M
Austin City Lofts	Market District	4	$749K – $1.6M
The 5 Fifty Five	Downtown	6	$499K – $3.3M

The 5 Fifty Five is notable for its location atop the Hilton Hotel, giving residents access to hotel amenities. Similarly, Towers of Town Lake offers a convenient location near the 17-mile hike-and-bike trail around Lady Bird Lake.

For a truly premium experience, Four Seasons Residences combines the prestige of the Four Seasons brand with a prime lakefront location. Residents enjoy direct access to Lady Bird Lake and its Hike and Bike Trail.

These downtown options cater to a variety of preferences, offering prime locations, luxury amenities, and diverse lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

Main Points

Milago stands out in the heart of Austin’s Rainey Street Historic District. Its location on Lady Bird Lake, paired with top-tier amenities like a rooftop pool, full-time concierge, and canoe dock, offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match. Units range from entry-level studios to high-end condos, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. With a Walk Score of 83 and a Bike Score of 91, Milago’s location is perfect for those who want easy access to everything Austin’s urban core has to offer.

Best For

Milago is ideal for those who want a mix of city life and outdoor adventure. It’s especially appealing to:

• Urban professionals who want the convenience of downtown living with outdoor activities close by
• Active individuals who enjoy direct access to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
• Social butterflies who love being steps away from Rainey Street’s bars and restaurants
• Anyone seeking luxury amenities with stunning lake views and downtown accessibility

Highrises.com sums it up perfectly:

"Milago offers a rare opportunity to appease your inner lake-side and never leave the city!"

Get Help Finding a Unit

Ready to find your perfect unit? Taco Street Locating makes it easy. We provide personalized consultations, detailed research spreadsheets with available options and pricing, and coordinate tours – whether in-person or virtual. Plus, we’ll guide you through the application process.

Reach out to Taco Street Locating today for expert help and a free consultation!

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