East Austin Apartment Breakdown: Starlight

Here’s a quick overview of what Starlight offers:

• Location: 2901 Manor Road, in the Blackland neighborhood. Just 1.3 miles (4-minute drive) from UT Austin.
• Accessibility: Walk Score 79 (very walkable), Bike Score 84 (very bikeable), Transit Score 52 (good transit).
• Units & Pricing: Studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom options starting at $1,426.
• Amenities: Resort-style pool, rooftop terrace, fitness center, dog park, and onsite Santa Catarina restaurant.
• Safety & Services: Gated access, smart home features, 24/7 security, and onsite maintenance.
• Resident Feedback: 4.3/5 rating. Highlights include modern design, cleanliness, and responsive management.

Quick Comparison Table of Units

Unit Type	Size (sq ft)	Starting Price ($)
Studios	457–484	$1,426–$1,486
1-Bedroom	583–848	$1,667–$2,299
2-Bedroom	989–1,252	$2,906–$3,097

Starlight combines style, convenience, and community, making it a standout choice in East Austin.

Location and Access

Walking Distance Amenities

Starlight is located in Blackland, East Austin, offering easy access to dining, shopping, and parks – all within walking distance. With a Walk Score of 79, it’s perfect for those who enjoy running errands on foot.

Here are some nearby highlights:

Type	Notable Locations	Distance
Dining	Kumar’s, Sangam	Walking distance
Shopping Centers	3 major complexes	Within 1.5 miles
Parks	Mueller Lake Park, Boggy Creek Greenbelt, Thinkery	Within 3.6 miles

In addition to its walkability, the area offers various transit options for added convenience.

Getting Around

Positioned at 2901 Manor Road, Starlight ensures excellent connectivity whether you’re using public transit, biking, or driving:

• Public Transit: With a Transit Score of 52, CapMetro services are easily accessible.
• Biking: A Bike Score of 84 highlights the availability of bike paths.
• Driving: The University of Texas at Austin is just 1.3 miles away, making it a quick 4-minute drive.

Central East Austin boasts a Walk Score of 84, significantly higher than the citywide average of 42, placing it among the most walkable neighborhoods in the country outside of downtown.

Building Features

Shared Spaces

Starlight offers thoughtfully designed community spaces packed with amenities. The highlight is a resort-style pool area, complete with private cabanas and grilling stations. Residents also enjoy the rooftop terrace, which provides stunning views of East Austin and has become a favorite gathering spot.

Here’s what Starlight has to offer:

• Indoor Amenities: Fitness center, resident sky lounge, business center, and clubhouse.
• Outdoor Features: Resort-style pool, rooftop terrace, dog park, and grilling stations.
• Special Extras: Onsite Santa Catarina Mexican Restaurant, music and karaoke lounge, and a dog spa.

Interestingly, surveys show the fitness center sees 85% weekly usage, leading to improved equipment maintenance schedules.

Apartment Features

Each apartment is designed with high-quality finishes, and select units come with added perks like kitchen islands and private balconies. Standard features include:

• Stainless steel appliances paired with marble or artisan tile backsplashes.
• Premium vinyl wood flooring throughout the unit.
• Spacious closets with built-in organization systems.
• In-unit washer and dryer for added convenience.
• Sleek black fixtures and hardware for a modern look.

Safety and Services

Starlight prioritizes both security and convenience with the following:

• Security Features: Private gated entrance, key fob access, controlled entry points, and a secured parking garage.
• Resident Services: On-site maintenance, on-site property manager, package delivery through Fetch, and door-to-door trash pickup.
• Smart Technology: Features like smart locks, Stratus app access, remote garage entry, and 24-hour availability.

A $25 monthly technology fee covers smart home features, including the Stratus app and Fetch delivery service. Residents can also submit maintenance requests online, while the community ensures 24/7 security for peace of mind.

These features create a welcoming and secure environment, setting the stage for a closer look at Starlight’s unit options and pricing.

Units and Prices

Starlight offers a variety of floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Below is a breakdown of the available layouts and starting prices.

Studios

Choose from three studio layouts:

• S1: 466 sq ft, starting at $1,426
• S2: 484 sq ft, starting at $1,446
• S1H: 457 sq ft, starting at $1,486

1-Bedroom Units

The one-bedroom units come in eleven different layouts:

Floor Plan	Size (sq ft)	Starting Price
A1	583	$1,667 – $1,818
A2	604	$1,838 – $1,845
A15	689	$1,845
LW5	667	$1,906
A5	720	$1,961
A3	624	$1,958
A14	848	$1,992 – $2,084
A11	789	$2,113
A12	711	$2,133
A4P	655	$2,199
AAP	754	$2,299

2-Bedroom Units

For two-bedroom options, Starlight offers three layouts:

• B4: 1,204 sq ft, starting at $3,097
• B6P: 989 sq ft, starting at $2,906
• B5: 1,252 sq ft, starting at $3,047

Note: Prices listed are base rents and may change depending on floor level, view, and lease terms (typically 12–15 months).

Resident Feedback

Starlight has earned a 4.3/5 rating from 39 verified renters, based on their reviews.

What Residents Like

Renters often highlight Starlight’s modern design, cleanliness, and responsive management. Many appreciate the apartments’ move-in readiness and the high-quality amenities provided.

I have a beautiful, spacious apartment with lots of natural lighting. Starlight is a great, modern, clean building with wonderful amenities. Maintenance and the leasing office are both super responsive.

Here’s what stands out most to residents:

• A fitness center that’s never overcrowded
• A well-maintained pool
• Multiple social spaces for gatherings
• Ground-level courtyards equipped with grills

The community also stays connected through regular social events and support from a professional management team.

Common Concerns

While residents generally have positive experiences, a few challenges have been noted:

• Visitor parking is limited, with strict towing policies
• Non-emergency maintenance can sometimes be delayed
• Rent increases during lease renewals are a common complaint

Quick Compare

Aspect	Positives	Areas for Improvement
Management	Responsive and professional staff	Clearer communication on parking policies
Amenities	Modern and well-maintained	Limited visitor parking
Living	Clean, spacious, and modern units	Rent increases
Location	Great walkability	–
Community	Friendly vibe and regular events	–

Love it so far! Place is so clean and safe. I feel right at home and I’m so glad I chose this place. The pool area is amazing and I overall love the look and feel!

For most residents, the sense of community and top-notch amenities outweigh concerns about parking and rent increases.

Other East Austin Options

East Austin has a variety of apartment communities offering different amenities, pricing, and lifestyle perks.

Similar Properties

If you’re exploring alternatives to Starlight, here are some other apartment communities in East Austin worth considering:

The Blockyard
Situated near the MLK station, The Blockyard provides modern apartments starting at $1,529. Features include a fitness center and a resort-style pool. They’re currently offering 1–2 months of free rent and are located just 1.5 miles from UT.

Elan East
With prices starting at $1,262, Elan East combines urban convenience with comfort. Highlights include a rooftop pool and sleek interiors. It’s 2 miles from UT and offers 1–2 months of free rent.

Platform
Ideal for pet owners and commuters, Platform apartments start at $1,277. Located 1.4 miles from UT, it emphasizes transit access and is currently offering 6–8 weeks of free rent.

Emma Browning
Emma Browning apartments start at $1,662 and boast high-end finishes and premium amenities. They’re offering 6–8 weeks of free rent and are designed for those seeking a more sophisticated living experience.

The Rail
Starting at $707, The Rail is a mixed-income community offering 6 weeks of free rent. It provides essential amenities at an affordable price point.

Property	Distance to UT	Starting Price	Current Special	Standout Feature
The Blockyard	1.5 miles	$1,529	1–2 months free	Near MLK station
Elan East	2.0 miles	$1,262	1–2 months free	Rooftop pool
Platform	1.4 miles	$1,277	6–8 weeks free	Transit access
Emma Browning	2.0 miles	$1,662	6–8 weeks free	Luxury finishes
The Rail	1.8 miles	$707	6 weeks free	Affordable living

More Options

Here are a few additional East Austin communities:

• Trailhead East: Offers direct trail access and outdoor amenities, with prices starting at $1,498.
• Atlas Eastside: Features a community biergarten and eco-friendly design, starting at $1,744.
• Eastpointe: Includes live/work studios, with prices beginning at $1,524.

Whether you’re looking for affordable housing or a more upscale experience, East Austin has plenty of options to suit your lifestyle, budget, and location preferences.

Next Steps

Key Points

Starlight is a 5-story residential community in East Austin with 325 units and standout features, making it a popular choice for renters. Here’s what makes it special:

• Smart Living: Units come with smart locks and Nest thermostats for modern convenience.
• Amenities That Shine: Enjoy perks like Santa Catarina Mexican Restaurant, a music and karaoke lounge, and the Resident Sky Lounge with stunning views.
• Prime Location: Starlight scores high for walkability, biking, and transit access.

Residents on Apartments.com praise the building for its smooth move-in process, friendly management, and clean facilities. These features make Starlight a strong contender in your apartment search.

Get Help Finding an Apartment

Looking to make Starlight – or another East Austin spot – your home? Taco Street Locating offers free, hassle-free apartment search services. Here’s how they can assist:

• Tailored Research: They’ll craft a personalized list of apartments that fit your budget and lifestyle.
• Neighborhood Insights: Benefit from their local knowledge of East Austin communities.
• Tour Setup: Arrange in-person or virtual tours with ease.
• Leasing Support: Get help with applications and the leasing process.

Taco Street Locating has already helped more than 500 people find their perfect place. Reach out to their team for detailed information on Starlight and other East Austin options.

"Apartment buildings pay us to bring people there. Working with us has absolutely no effect on your lease or the specials you get." – Taco Street Locating

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