Looking for affordable housing with modern amenities in Austin? Goodnight Commons Apartments, located in Southeast Austin’s Goodnight Ranch neighborhood, offers a mix of affordability and convenience. Situated on Slaughter Lane, just east of I-35, it’s ideal for professionals and families alike. Here’s why it stands out:
- Prime Location: Minutes from Southpark Meadows shopping district and a manageable commute to major employers like Apple and St. David’s South Austin Medical Center.
- Affordable Options: As a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property, units are reserved for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Modern Features: Hardwood floors, walk-in closets, energy-efficient appliances, and programmable thermostats.
- Amenities: Fitness center, swimming pool, community room, and optional garages for covered parking.
- Special Deals: Current offers include a $299 prorated move-in special and up to two months free rent on select units.
Goodnight Commons blends affordability with upscale features, making it a strong choice for renters seeking apartments in Far South Austin. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of its features, pricing, and location benefits.
Goodnight Commons Apartments Austin: Key Features, Pricing, and Amenities Overview
Community Overview
Property Description
Goodnight Commons stands out with its modern, three-story buildings equipped with elevators – something not often found in affordable housing communities. These buildings also include practical conveniences like optional garage rentals for covered parking and on-site laundry facilities, making daily life a little easier.
The community is pet-friendly and offers shared spaces designed for comfort and connection. Residents can enjoy a community room with patio access, a pool perfect for socializing, and energy-efficient features that help reduce utility bills.
Neighborhood Fit
Goodnight Commons takes full advantage of its location. Nestled within the Goodnight Ranch master-planned community on Slaughter Lane, just east of Interstate 35, it’s part of Southeast Austin’s expanding residential area. The neighborhood strikes a balance between suburban calm and convenient city access. Residents are only minutes away from the Southpark Meadows shopping district, which offers groceries and retail options, while major employers like Apple, Inc. and St. David’s South Austin Medical Center are within a manageable commute.
This location appeals to renters seeking a mix of convenience and serenity. The master-planned setup creates a self-contained, peaceful environment, yet Downtown Austin remains easily reachable. This combination of accessibility and tranquility makes Goodnight Commons an appealing choice for a wide range of renters.
Overall Positioning
Goodnight Commons promotes itself as offering "affordable, luxury living", combining budget-friendly pricing with upscale features. Dave Layfield, Founder of Affordable Housing Online, highlights the advantages of properties like this:
"Because they [LIHTC properties] tend to be newer, these properties are more likely to have larger units, more amenities, and greater tenant service offerings than other affordable housing programs."
As a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property, Goodnight Commons reserves at least 40% of its units for households earning 60% of the Area Median Income. That translates to $70,080 annually for a four-person household or $49,080 for a single person. Additionally, through a partnership with the Stake renter network, residents can earn cash back on their rent and build credit, adding even more value to the community. By blending affordability, modern design, and extra perks, Goodnight Commons positions itself as a top choice for budget-conscious renters in Southeast Austin.
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Building and Unit Features
Interior Features
Step into Goodnight Commons apartments, where modern touches meet everyday practicality. Inside, you’ll find hardwood floors for a sleek, polished look, while carpeted bedrooms add a cozy vibe. Large walk-in closets provide plenty of storage, and ceiling fans and pre-installed window coverings ensure comfort and privacy from day one.
The kitchens are thoughtfully equipped with dishwashers, garbage disposals, and built-in microwaves, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze. These layouts are designed to make the most of your space while keeping everything functional and easy to use.
Every detail reflects an effort to blend style, convenience, and sustainable design into each unit.
Energy Efficiency
Goodnight Commons takes energy efficiency seriously. Programmable thermostats give residents the power to customize heating and cooling schedules, helping to lower utility bills. The overall design focuses on creating spaces that support eco-friendly living without compromising comfort.
Amenities and Shared Spaces
Recreational Amenities
Goodnight Commons provides several inviting spaces for relaxation and recreation. The fitness center is equipped with modern machines, making it easy to stick to your workout routine. When the Texas heat kicks in, the swimming pool offers a perfect spot to cool off. For socializing or unwinding, the community room with a patio area is ideal – whether you’re hosting friends or attending one of the property’s monthly activities.
"As a resident, you will be able to enjoy our community room with a patio area, our sparkling swimming pool, and our state-of-the-art fitness center." – Goodnight Commons
These amenities cater to both individual and group activities, creating opportunities to connect with neighbors or simply enjoy some downtime.
Practical Amenities
Goodnight Commons also focuses on making daily life easier. On-site laundry facilities ensure you don’t have to leave the property for chores, while extra storage options help keep your apartment clutter-free. If you’re looking for secure parking, garage rentals are available for an additional fee. For specific pricing, you’ll need to reach out to the management team.
The community room doubles as a flexible workspace, offering a quiet and comfortable spot for remote work.
Safety and Accessibility
Safety and accessibility are key priorities here. A controlled access system helps manage entry points, adding peace of mind. Elevators make it easy to navigate the building, whether you’re carrying groceries or moving furniture. Plus, as the property uses an FHA-insured private mortgage, it must meet Federal physical condition requirements and undergo regular REAC inspections to maintain safety and quality standards.
Floor Plans and Layout Options
Goodnight Commons provides a variety of floor plans designed to accommodate different lifestyles and needs. Each apartment includes modern kitchens with dishwashers, garbage disposals, and built-in microwaves. Residents also enjoy spacious walk-in closets and a mix of hardwood and carpet flooring for a comfortable and stylish living experience.
One-Bedroom Layouts
Perfect for singles or couples, the one-bedroom apartments offer a well-designed and affordable living space. These units are especially appealing to young professionals working at nearby companies like Apple, Inc., providing a budget-friendly alternative to the higher costs of living in the city.
Two-Bedroom Layouts
The two-bedroom options strike a great balance between shared and private spaces, making them an excellent choice for roommates or small families. With the added benefit of garage rentals, residents have the convenience of secure parking or extra storage.
Three-Bedroom Layouts
For those who need more room, whether for a growing family, guests, or a home office, the three-bedroom apartments deliver extra space without compromising on quality. These units feature energy-efficient appliances and are particularly appealing to families, thanks to their proximity to schools within the Austin Independent School District.
Pricing and Value Positioning
Goodnight Commons stands out as a LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) property, offering a pricing structure that differs from standard Austin apartments. The property follows a 40/60 election, which reserves at least 40% of its units for households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Affordability Analysis
Goodnight Commons combines its income-restricted pricing with high-quality amenities, creating a compelling option for renters. While residents are required to pay full rent unless they hold a Section 8 voucher, these rents are capped by AMI guidelines rather than fluctuating market rates. This means residents enjoy access to features often associated with luxury properties – like a modern fitness center, swimming pool, elevators, and hardwood-style flooring – at rates designed for income-qualified households.
To make moving in even more attractive, the property offers incentives such as a $299 prorated move-in special and up to two months of free rent on select units. These benefits, paired with upscale amenities, make Goodnight Commons an appealing choice for those renting apartments in Austin who seek affordability without sacrificing quality.
Comparison to Local Averages
When compared to Austin’s rental market, Goodnight Commons’ value becomes even clearer. As of February 2026, the city’s average rent had dropped to $1,360 per month – a $100 decrease from the previous year and nearly $300 less than in 2022. Despite this market cooling, Goodnight Commons often offers rents below these averages, thanks to its LIHTC caps.
What sets it apart further is the combination of newer construction and superior amenities, which outshine many market-rate alternatives. Competing properties like William Cannon Apartments and Urban Oaks highlight the competitive edge of Goodnight Commons. Additionally, the property avoids the long waiting lists often associated with project-based subsidy programs, providing quicker access to quality housing for qualified renters.
Location and Lifestyle
Goodnight Commons sits at 2022 E Slaughter Ln in Southeast Austin, a neighborhood that’s quickly gaining attention for its mix of affordability and modern amenities. This area offers the best of both worlds: the comfort of suburban living combined with easy access to urban conveniences. Located south of Downtown Austin, it’s near major employers like Apple, Inc., the Austin Independent School District, and St. David’s South Austin Medical Center.
Neighborhood Perks
Residents enjoy easy access to Southpark Meadows, a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether it’s grabbing groceries, enjoying a meal out, or catching a movie, everything is nearby, cutting down on travel time for daily errands. Within the master-planned Goodnight Ranch neighborhood, the community vibe is enhanced by modern residential spaces and growing amenities designed for a connected lifestyle. Plus, key commuter routes are just around the corner, making it easy to get where you need to go.
Commuting Convenience
Living on Slaughter Lane, just east of Interstate 35, means residents are well-positioned for commuting to Downtown Austin and other employment hubs. While Austin’s traffic can get heavy during peak hours, the location offers alternatives. CapMetro buses run at $1.25 per ride or $2.50 for a day pass, making public transit an affordable and hassle-free option. The 32-mile light rail system connects downtown to Leander, with increased frequency during rush hours. For regional travel, Highway 130 is nearby, boasting the fastest speed limit in the U.S. at 85 mph, providing a quick bypass around the city.
Social and Cultural Opportunities
Goodnight Commons also places residents close to Downtown Austin’s vibrant dining, nightlife, and entertainment scene. For shorter trips around the city, the Austin B-Cycle program offers 24-hour passes for $12.00, with the first 30 minutes free. Ride-hailing options like Uber, Lyft, and the non-profit Ride Austin are also available for convenient trips downtown, where parking can be pricey and hard to find. Whether it’s a night out or a quick bike ride, the area provides plenty of ways to explore the city.
Pros and Cons
Goodnight Commons offers a mix of benefits and challenges. Here’s a closer look at what potential renters should keep in mind, based on the features discussed earlier.
This property stands out with its upscale details – like hardwood floors, walk-in closets, and programmable thermostats – paired with luxury amenities such as a fully equipped fitness center, a pool, and monthly community events. These perks are available at below-market rates through the LIHTC program. Unlike many affordable housing options with years-long waitlists, Goodnight Commons boasts either short or no wait times. Additionally, the lack of project-based rental assistance means units turn over faster, making them available more quickly. The inclusion of elevators and acceptance of Section 8 vouchers also makes the community accessible to a wider range of renters.
That said, there are some trade-offs. Income restrictions apply, limiting eligibility to households below specific Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds. For instance, a four-person household must earn no more than $70,080 annually for 60% AMI units. Without a voucher, tenants are responsible for paying the full rent, as no direct subsidies are provided. Additional fees for garage parking and storage can add to monthly expenses. While the location on Slaughter Lane offers proximity to a growing area, it also brings increasing traffic congestion during peak commute times to Downtown Austin. Lastly, the mixed flooring design may not appeal to those who prefer a consistent hard-surface aesthetic.
Comparison Table
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| High-end finishes at below-market prices via the LIHTC program | Income restrictions based on AMI thresholds |
| Amenities include a pool, fitness center, elevators, and community events | No direct rent assistance – tenants must pay full rent or use vouchers |
| Short or no waitlist compared to other affordable housing options | Additional fees for garage parking and storage |
| Pet-friendly and accepts Section 8 vouchers | Traffic congestion in the rapidly growing Slaughter Lane area |
| Energy-efficient appliances and programmable thermostats | Mixed flooring may not suit everyone’s preferences |
Conclusion: Is Goodnight Commons Right for You?
Goodnight Commons brings together modern design and affordability, making it an appealing choice for income-qualified renters. Located on Slaughter Lane in Southeast Austin, it offers convenient access to Southpark Meadows, major employers like Apple, Inc., and a reasonable commute to Downtown Austin. With thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, it caters to a range of lifestyles, including singles, families, and roommates. The acceptance of Section 8 vouchers and short waitlists make it even more accessible. However, income restrictions apply – for instance, a four-person household must earn no more than $70,080 annually for 60% AMI units.
Current leasing specials include a $299 prorated move-in deal and up to two months free on select units, though additional costs like garage parking and storage could add to your monthly budget.
If you’re interested in exploring your options further, Taco Street Locating offers free, personalized services to help you navigate the market as a dedicated apartment finder in Austin. With Austin’s vacancy rates below 5% and over 215 affordable housing properties to choose from, their expertise can make the search process smoother and more efficient.
Could this combination of modern amenities and a prime location be the right fit for your Austin lifestyle?
FAQs
How do I know if I qualify under the 60% AMI limit?
To determine if you meet the 60% AMI (Area Median Income) requirement for Goodnight Commons Apartments, start by reviewing their income eligibility guidelines. Generally, your household income needs to be at or below 60% of Austin’s median income. You’ll likely need to provide proof, such as pay stubs or tax returns, to verify your eligibility. For exact details and a list of required documents, reach out to the leasing office directly.
What documents are needed for LIHTC income verification?
To verify income for LIHTC, gather the following documents:
- Pay stubs: Ensure they are recent and cover the required time period.
- Federal Income Tax Form 1040: Include the most recent filing along with all schedules.
- Wage/income tax statements: Examples include W-2s or 1099s.
- Employer statements: These must be on company letterhead, signed, and dated within 45 days. They should detail your employment status and certify your income.
Make sure all documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays in the verification process.
What additional fees should I expect beyond monthly rent?
In addition to your monthly rent, there might be extra costs to consider, such as prorated move-in fees or deposits. On the flip side, some apartments may sweeten the deal with perks like up to two months of free rent on certain units. It’s always a good idea to check with the leasing office to get a clear picture of all the costs involved.