Welcome to the Ultimate East Austin Apartment Guide!
Why should you trust our guides?
We’ve toured hundreds of apartments and we’ve helped tons of people find places to live. We’ve seen a lot, and our clients tell us a lot. We have a totally different perspective then what you’ll get from Google or Yelp.
But we do have our limitations. We haven’t lived at every apartment complex (because that would take hundreds of years). We’ve been to most apartments, but not all. Our guides aren’t objective. Our tastes & opinions may vary from yours. But we hope that we can give you the best insight possible before choosing a place to live.
Why do this?
Our business is to help people find apartments to live in. The goal is to provide so much f(#*$ing value as possible that you’ll reach out to us to help you find your next apartment. We’re 100% free to work with. Soooo……squid pro row?
What to expect when renting in East Austin
Biased Opinion Alert: I live in East Austin. I love East Austin. This is the part of town where I have the most experience working in, and where most of my clients wind up leasing. If you’re looking for objectivity, you won’t find it here.
East Austin was the part of town people didn’t want to live. It was poor, run down, dangerous, under-invested, etc. Bad stuff.
Now it’s the opposite. People are moving here like crazy.
East Austin’s proximity to Downtown made it an obvious choice to invest in once Austin’s boom began. Since 2007, over a dozen apartment complexes & condos have sprung up; adding thousands of people to the neighborhood. A barrage of new businesses have opened up too. Bars, restaurants, shops, food trucks, music venues. I’ve been living here for two years and it’s hard for me to keep track of.
I know what you’re thinking: Gentrification. Oooooo I said the naughty word. Let’s talk about it.
There’s no other way around it. East Austin has gentrified. It isn’t even up and coming. It’s here. Yes, there are people who used to live here that don’t anymore. Crummy gas stations have converted into breweries. Old barbershops into overpriced cocktail bars. Warehouses into hip coffee shops. New hotels. New corporate offices. All of it.
People fear losing East Austin’s unique character. To go from a neighborhood with unique style, charm & personality to a generic hellhole of bland overpriced modernity (ie: The Domain). I get it. But I think East Austin has proved you can have both. Instead of said bland national chain flavored modernity; you’ll find a thriving and mixed community.
Rather than forsaking that unique eastside charm, the community here has embraced it. The reality is that bland shit just won’t fly. Even the new hotels are cool. Like worth-hanging-out-on-the-weekday-with-your-friends cool.
Scratch the surface even a little and you’ll discover the charm of the eastside hiding in plain sight. You’ll find beautiful murals, old blues music joints, locally owned food trucks, boutique art studios, etc.
My favorite part of East Austin is it’s walkability. You can get anywhere in the area by walking or biking. More than any other part of the city, it feels like an actual neighborhood. You can leave your home to go for a nice stroll, say hi to your neighbor, become a regular at the local bar or coffee shop. It’s a place that is more than a scattered group of buildings, but an actual community.
Types of Apartments in East Austin
You’re getting two types of apartments here. Modern Mid-rises, and older student housing. I hope you like modern midrises apartments! That’s what I’ll be focusing on.
City ordinances prevent construction tall buildings here, so you won’t find any Downtown style swanky highrises here. They are straightforward. Once you’ve seen one, the rest aren’t substantially different. Expect standardized floor plans. Modern appliances like in-unit washer & dryers. Community pools, gyms, onsite leasing offices, elevators and private garage parking.
Cost
Sorry, but this place ain’t cheap anymore!
3 Bedrooms
Nope! Gotta look for houses instead.
This list will go through each building in East Austin and what to expect from each one. By the end, you’re going to be a *#&$damn expert. Hopefully you’ll still want to hire us to find you your next place to live! We’re super free!
The Ultimate East Austin Apartment List!
Pros
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Well designed interiors
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Super awesome location in the heart of East 6th
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A million things to walk to
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Cute micro units made for minimalist living.
Cons
Overall thoughts
Not worth it. I think they missed the mark here, but not by too much. The units are too small. The amenities are barely existent. Parking costs wipe out savings of lower rents. I almost never bring clients here. But if you don’t mind super small units, you don’t have a car, and don’t mind community laundry, it may be worth a shot, assuming you can find a reasonable price.
Candela
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
Like Indie, I think Candela misses the mark. While it’s East 6th location is great, It’s priced and styled like a Downtown building, yet has inferior amenities compared to the competition. If you want to be in a swanky Downtown building, go Downtown. If you want to feel like you’re living in East Austin, go somewhere else nearby.
7East
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
7East is a middle-of-the-pack building in East Austin. Unless you have a dog, It has no defining trait that puts it above any other building in the area. Conversely, it doesn’t have any major flaws. I wouldn’t put this place very high on the list unless they have really good prices.
Corazon
Pros
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Awesome location at the beginning of East Austin, and across the street from Downtown. A million places to walk t
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Big pool area!
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Great amenities like Gym, work space, rooftop deck
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Attached grocery store!
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When Whole Foods opens up, you’ll be able to get groceries across the street.
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Cons
Overall thoughts
You can’t skip the Corazon. It’s an awesome location with great amenities, but the competition in this area is fierce! With all the new buildings in the area, the design and feel of this building may very well feel outdated. Also, the presence of the Guild has caused problems for some of my clients who don’t like the constant influx of visitors that can be rowdy.
Residences at Saltillo
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
Ever since the building opened up, I’ve had a frick-load of clients move here. The location is perfect, the prices are reasonable (at least so far), and pretty much everything about the building is on point. I’m super impressed by the building and even their leasing staff. I see it as one of the top apartments buildings in all of Austin. If you’re looking in East Austin or Downtown, this is a must-visit.
Pros
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Some excellent Chris Rogers murals around the parking garage.
Cons
Overall thoughts
Eastside station is often overlooked since it’s not on East 6th, but it’s a very popular building with my clients. The prices are comparatively good, the location is great, and with the train you can feasibly work in North Austin and live here like some of my clients. Eastside Station is always a contender with my clients.
Arnold
Pros
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One of the best designed buildings in the city.
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Awesome gym, fun pool, great community space.
Cons
Overall thoughts
I’ve had a ton of clients lease here at the Arnold. It’s an excellent location, great amenities, and a perfect place to have a socially active lifestyle. It can be a bit too socially active if you catch my drift! But overall If you can afford it, it will be one of your top options in East Austin.
E6
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
Since is further down East 6th, it may not be your first choice, but it can be a sneaky good pick. It’s a smaller community which means it’s less likely to have units available. Some of it’s floor plans are extremely well designed and well equipped with technology. Compared to others on East 6th like The Arnold, it’s less festive and quieter. Sinces prices have gone up after the building opened, it’s fallen down my radar, but for the right price it’s worth taking a look at.
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Ridiculously cool sky lounge with Downtown views.
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Awesome location between Downtown and East Austin.
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East 11th if a really cool street and less busy than East 6th.
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Great big pool area that get lots of sunlight
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Great community
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Huge dog park!
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Very convenient community work space.
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Since it’s so close to I35, getting around anywhere in Austin is super easy. Almost everything I’d want to drive is under 20 minutes away.
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High ceiling floor plans.
Cons
Overall thoughts
I’ve lived at the Eleven for almost 2 years, and can easily see myself living here for much longer. It’s a super cool location, great people, great amenities that actually get used, and a ton of cool stuff to walk in the neighborhood. If you can afford East Austin, this will easily be one of your top choices.
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
AMLI Eastside is one of the best practical apartments in East Austin. It’s near the bottom on overall style and visual appeal, but it’s big floorplans, competitive prices, and great East 11th location make it a really good option.
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
I really like the Guthrie, and so have many of my clients. They’ve done a great job with this building. The floorplans are solid. The amenities like the gym, pool, community areas are actually worth using. While it’s further away from the rest of East Austin, it’s a great area in it’s own respect. Can’t skip this place!
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
Platform is one of the most overlooked apartments in East Austin due to its location. But you can’t overlook it! It’s got great amenities (especially the pool) and large floor plans, and is still a quick drive to the core of East Austin and Downtown. The train station right at the property gives you super easy access to North and East Austin. Sometimes prices are really good too.
Elan East
Pros
Cons
Overall thoughts
I do like Elan East alot, but given the high quality of competition in the area, it’s main advantage is price. There is nothing glaringly bad about it, but it’s not as compelling as the other options in East Austin. If you can afford to lease at one of the other buildings in East Austin, do so. If you can get a good deal on a unit here, don’t count it out.
Pros
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One of the best pool areas in East Austin
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Right outside an awesome neighborhood park/trail (hence the name Trailhead)
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Big floorplans and living areas
- Quiet location (at least compared to most other East Austin options)
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Moderate pricing
Cons
Overall thoughts
Trailhead is one of the best new properties in East Austin. It has one of the best pool areas, gyms, and trail access than anywhere else in the city. However if you’re looking for something more central and walkable, this might not be the right option.
Lenox 7th
Pros
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Cool residential neighborhood to hang out in nearby.
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All the expected amenities a modern building should have
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Quick drive to Downtown Austin & the Airport
Cons
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Along a busy road
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Not super walkable
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No amazing features
Overall thoughts
Lenox 7th fits in with every other modern mid-rise apartment complex in East Austin. It’s nice, modern, and has all the amenities you’d expect. It’s not as walkable as some of the other ones like Arnold or Saltillo, but it’s a quick enough drive to get to all the action so it won’t feel like you’re too far.
Nexus East
Pros
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Super nice complex & with great pool, hang out space and rooftop deck.
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Quick drive to Downtown Austin & the Airport
Cons
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Along a busy road
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Not walkable
Overall thoughts
Nexus East is a super nice midrise complex that came on the market in 2021. It’s a bit nicer than it’s neighbor Lenox 7th, but also further from Downtown. You won’t be able to walk much anywhere, but you will enjoy the time you spend there.
Avenir East Austin
Pros
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Giant Rooftop pool/amenity area. + Movie screening area
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Great walkability along East 11th and the local neighborhood
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Options of Downtown or Residential views
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The only building I know of with a basketball court
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Podcast Studio
Cons
Overall thoughts
I remember when this location was a run down CVS. Now it’s grown up! It’s a little early to tell how it’s going to shake out, but it will definitely be the fanciest building in East Austin given the amenities it’s bringing to the table.
Bonus! Alexan Waterloo
Pros
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Stunning rooftop area with pool and amazing views of Downtown
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Great walkability along East 11th and the local neighborhood
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Options of Downtown or Residential views
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Very walkable to East Austin & the brand new Waterloo Park
Cons
Overall thoughts
This is technically a Downtown Austin building, but it’s location along I35 means it might as well be an East Austin location which is great if you like East Austin, but not as great if you want to be in the core of Downtown. It’s easily one of Austin’s most stunning new buildings given how tall it is. It’s going to be a strong competitor in the top price range for Downtown and East Austin.
Conclusion
Alas! We’ve arrived at our conclusion! East Austin is the most popular neighborhood with my clients who want to be near downtown, not pay downtown prices, and have a high quality walkable lifestyle. And so they can live near me, which is a pretty great perk.
So yeah, East Austin is pretty great right? Aren’t you super pumped to live here? I hope now you’re all like, “Damn! This guide was badass!” “I’m definitely going to hire them to help me find my next spot”