Far South Austin Complete Apartment Review: 44 South
44 South offers modern living with studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments starting at $1,199. Its location on South Congress provides easy access to downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake. While it boasts amenities like a pool and fitness center, it has mixed reviews, with concerns about safety and management.
Quick Comparison of Nearby Apartments:
| Property | Starting Price | Key Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 South | $1,199 | Modern design, South Congress location | 2.2/5 |
| Mission James Place | $884 | Affordable, near South Lamar attractions | 3.3/5 |
| Cala Apartments | $1,175 | Resort-style pools, pet-friendly amenities | 4.0/5 |
| Cole Apartments | $2,006 | Prime Zilker location, excellent walkability | 4.8/5 |
Choose based on your budget, location needs, and desired amenities. For affordability, Mission James Place shines, while Cole Apartments offers a premium experience near Zilker Park.
Mission James Place Apartments, located at 4009 Victory Dr in the vibrant South Lamar area, combines affordability with convenience. Just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, this community offers a dynamic living experience in a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of dining and entertainment options.
The apartments feature competitive rental rates:
These prices make Mission James Place an appealing choice for those seeking quality housing with an array of amenities in a prime location.
Residents at Mission James Place enjoy a host of modern amenities designed to enhance their lifestyle. Key features include:
Each apartment boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, vaulted ceilings, full-size washers and dryers, generous closet space, and private patios or balconies. The community is smoke-free and offers convenient services like door-to-door trash pickup, recycling, and composting.
Living at Mission James Place means being at the heart of South Lamar, one of Austin’s most exciting neighborhoods. Residents can explore a variety of renowned dining spots, including Uchi, Odd Duck, and East Side King. For entertainment, options like Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar and The Long Center for the Performing Arts are just minutes away.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate proximity to Barton Springs, Zilker Park, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and the Statesman Bat Observation Center. Lady Bird Lake offers additional recreational opportunities, while Austin Community College‘s South Austin campus is only 1.8 miles away. These nearby attractions and conveniences make Mission James Place an excellent choice for those seeking both affordability and a vibrant lifestyle.
Cala Apartments brings modern living to South Austin, offering a blend of convenience, entertainment, and relaxation. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities, live music venues, and everyday essentials, all within a laid-back suburban environment. Let’s dive into the pricing and features that make this community stand out.
Cala Apartments provides a range of rental options:
The community focuses on smaller layouts, ideal for singles, couples, and small families, as three-bedroom units are not offered.
Cala Apartments boasts a variety of amenities designed to enhance daily living. The property features two resort-style pools: one with lounge chairs, barbecue grills, outdoor games, and a fireplace, and another with in-pool loungers, dining areas, a ping pong table, and a fire lounge.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art gym, complete with free weights and spaces for yoga, spin, and aerobics. Social spaces include a lounge with a fireplace and kitchen, a game room with billiards and shuffleboard, and a co-working lounge equipped with communal workstations and a kegerator.
Inside the apartments, residents will find modern touches like quartz countertops, wood-style plank flooring, and ENERGY STAR appliances. Each unit includes a full-sized washer and dryer, as well as programmable thermostats. For pet owners, the community offers a dog spa, a dog park with artificial turf, and pet-friendly policies (with some breed restrictions). Additional conveniences include a rideshare waiting lounge and a virtual moving concierge service.
The location of Cala Apartments adds even more to its appeal. With Highway 35 nearby, commuting around Austin is simple, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is only a 20-minute drive away. Right at the entrance, residents can enjoy the 2-acre Park Ridge Neighborhood Park.
For grocery shopping, H-E-B is just 0.39 miles away, with Sam’s Club, Target, and Filipino Asian Mart also close by. The Southpark Meadows area offers even more shopping and dining options.
Outdoor lovers will find plenty of nearby green spaces, including Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, South Boggy Creek Greenbelt (0.4 miles), and Wildcat Button Park (0.6 miles). For a longer escape into nature, McKinney Falls State Park is just 7.6 miles away, along with Onion Creek Greenbelt Park and Slaughter Creek at Bauerle Ranch.
The neighborhood also features diverse dining options such as Ramen Tatsu-Ya, True Texas BBQ, Nasha, and Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse, as well as essential services like Walgreens and Home Goods.
Cole Apartments delivers a blend of modern living and natural charm in the Zilker neighborhood. Nestled near Downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and the South Congress District, this community offers residents the perfect balance of urban convenience and access to Austin’s most cherished outdoor spaces.
Cole Apartments provides a variety of floor plans to suit different needs:
Monthly rent across all unit types ranges from $2,006 to $4,898. Additional fees include a $300 administrative fee, a $100 application fee, optional package and valet trash services, and pet-related charges.
This community boasts a rooftop pool, a favorite spot for relaxation and socializing, alongside a fitness center, multiple resident lounges, and a community garden where neighbors can connect and grow their own plants. Residents often praise the reliable maintenance team and the welcoming atmosphere. Monthly community events add to the vibrant lifestyle, although some have noted the gym’s small size and occasional construction noise. These amenities complement the dynamic energy of the surrounding neighborhood.
Cole Apartments’ location in Zilker offers outstanding walkability and outdoor access. It scores an impressive Walk Score of 85 (Very Walkable), a Transit Score of 60 (Good Transit), and a Bike Score of 91 (Biker’s Paradise).
Nature lovers will appreciate the close proximity to Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which provide options for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors. Lady Bird Lake is also nearby, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic trails. For dining and shopping, South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road feature a variety of local eateries and shops, with a Whole Foods Market just around the corner.
Resident feedback highlights Cole Apartments’ focus on convenience and community. The property holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Apartments.com and a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Modern Message, with 87% of renters recommending the community.
Many residents commend the responsive management team. In February 2025, Tina_M385, who lived at Cole Apartments from 2022 to 2024, praised the location, friendly neighbors, and excellent amenities. She specifically mentioned Carly and the maintenance team for their exceptional service. KaitlinE, a resident from 2023 to 2024, echoed similar sentiments in her November 2024 review, highlighting the unbeatable walkability to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, along with the helpful office staff, particularly Carly and Carolyn.
"The Cole community is awesome! The staff is great and the maintenance is the best! We love it here! Our neighbors are soo nice and helpful!" – Arturo Jr
Another verified renter in November 2023 described the location as ideal, particularly during the Austin City Limits festival, with easy access to Zilker Park, local trails, and popular restaurants like Chuy’s, Juiceland, and Juliet’s.
Each property in Far South Austin has its own set of perks and challenges, making it important to weigh the options carefully.
44 South has received mixed reviews, with residents raising concerns about safety, management, and construction quality, leading to a low rating of 2.2 out of 5. Some residents reported issues like stolen packages and dissatisfaction with the building’s upkeep.
Mission James Place Apartments stands out for its budget-friendly pricing, making it one of the most affordable choices in the area. However, tenants have mentioned disruptions from construction noise, delays in repairs, and occasional safety issues. On the positive side, some residents appreciate the clean living spaces and responsive management when things are running smoothly.
Cala Apartments offers a well-rounded living experience, boasting modern amenities such as resort-style pools and access to a 2-acre park. Its location and staff performance are highly rated, with RentCafe giving it an overall score of 4.0. However, the higher pricing may be a drawback for budget-conscious renters.
Cole Apartments shines with exceptional resident satisfaction, earning a 4.8 out of 5 on Apartments.com and 4.6 out of 5 on Modern Message. With 87% of residents recommending the community, its appeal is further boosted by its prime Zilker location. The area offers excellent walkability (Walk Score of 85 and Bike Score of 91), with close proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. That said, the premium location comes with a higher price tag.
Here’s a quick comparison of the properties:
| Property | Starting Price Range | Key Strengths | Major Drawbacks | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 South | Data not available | Far South Austin location | Safety issues, management concerns, poor construction | 2.2/5 |
| Mission James Place | $1,179 – $1,429 | Affordable pricing, South Lamar location | Construction noise, maintenance delays | 3.3/5 |
| Cala Apartments | $1,175 – $2,125 | Modern amenities, great staff, 2-acre park | Higher pricing | 4.0/5 |
| Cole Apartments | Premium pricing | Prime Zilker location, high resident satisfaction, outdoor access | Expensive pricing | 4.8/5 |
44 South presents a mixed bag for renters in Far South Austin. Located in the lively South Congress district, it offers convenient access to Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin at competitive prices – studios starting at $1,199 and one-bedrooms at $1,449. These perks make it an attractive option for budget-conscious renters looking to live near the action.
The property’s modern design and resort-style amenities add to its appeal. It’s also pet-friendly, with no weight limits (though breed restrictions apply), and has moderate walkability and bikeability, earning a Walk Score of 63 and a Bike Score of 61.
That said, renters should weigh these benefits against some notable drawbacks. The property has a 2.2 out of 5 rating on ApartmentRatings.com, with frequent complaints about package theft due to the absence of security cameras. Additionally, the management team has consistently low ratings, scoring just 1.5 out of 5, which could be a dealbreaker for those who value responsive service and a sense of community.
For renters prioritizing affordability and location over top-notch management, 44 South might be a reasonable choice. It’s particularly appealing for income-restricted residents seeking affordable housing in a desirable area. Young professionals who spend most of their time out and about may find the trade-offs worth it, given the proximity to South Congress attractions. However, those who place a premium on security and attentive management may want to explore other options.
In the landscape of Far South Austin rentals, 44 South stands out as one of the most affordable choices. Just keep in mind that the lower rent may come with some compromises.
Residents of 44 South apartments in Austin have voiced concerns about safety and property management. A recurring issue is lax security, with reports of unauthorized individuals gaining access to the property. This has left some tenants feeling uneasy about their safety.
On top of that, the management team has faced criticism for being slow to address maintenance issues and tenant complaints, often leaving problems unresolved for extended periods. These issues have fueled frustration among residents and led to a growing sense of dissatisfaction with how the property is being managed.
44 South’s Prime Location on South Congress Avenue
Living at 44 South means being perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of Austin. Located right on South Congress Avenue, this spot offers unbeatable convenience for exploring the city’s most exciting attractions. Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
Some nearby highlights include the bustling South Congress shopping district, where you can browse unique boutiques and enjoy local eats. For outdoor enthusiasts, Zilker Park is just around the corner, offering plenty of space for activities, festivals, and soaking up the Austin vibe. And for those interested in history and architecture, the Texas State Capitol is within easy reach.
The neighborhood’s walkability and strong public transportation options make getting around the city a breeze. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a night on the town, 44 South’s location blends accessibility with the vibrant energy of Austin living.
When weighing affordability against management quality at 44 South, there are a few important factors renters should consider.
Let’s start with affordability. With the cost of living climbing higher, rent prices can make or break your decision. At 44 South, studio apartments start at about $1,279, while two-bedroom units can go up to $2,240. It’s worth comparing these numbers against your budget and other rental options in the area to see if they align with your financial comfort zone.
Now, let’s talk about management quality. This can seriously shape your living experience. A property with solid management often means quicker maintenance responses, clear communication, and an overall smoother experience as a tenant. On the flip side, poorly managed properties can bring headaches that might make even lower rent feel like a bad deal. Think about what matters most to you – saving a little on rent or enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a well-run apartment community.
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