If you’ve got your sights set on living in the vibrant heart of Austin, you’re in for a real treat. Downtown is undergoing an incredible transformation, with luxury high-rises, boutique mid-rises, and everything in between popping up to cater to the influx of residents flocking to this bustling urban center.
But with so many amazing apartment communities to choose from, the search for your perfect new home can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in – I’ve done the research to give you the inside scoop on some of the top downtown Austin apartment complexes, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and the types of residents they attract.
Whether you’re seeking sleek modern living, historic charm, or that perfect blend of urban energy and convenience, you’re sure to find your match among these standout downtown communities. So let’s dive in!
Located right on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, The Northshore is one of the top luxury buildings in Downtown. While it does have a bit of a corporate vibe to it, it is one of the nicest overall buildings in Downtown Austin. It’s pool and amenity deck is not on the top floor like the Bowie’s, but it does overlook the river. Northshore has great access to both the river and everything in Downtown. The main downside to the Northshore is that many of the units will directly face nearby buildings.
I’ve been in this business for 8 year. No building has stunned me more than the Residences at 6G. It’s residential floors start on the 35th floor. Every unit will have stunning views of the City of Austin. They have a spa area, cold plunge, huge gym, and amazing units with corner facing views. If you have the budget for this place, then definitely check it out.
Anything Hanover is excellent. They have an amazing staff, crazy nice amenities. Very pricey as well. There is a lot of traffic directly outside the building which may be it’s only drawback.
This is a very similar building to Hanover Republic Square, but this is in a more commercial part of Downtown Austin. Everything is spectacular here. If you’re going to see Republic Square, you will have to see this one too.
Rainey Street’s newest building, 700 River is located on top of what used to be a cozy local craft beer bar. But this is the change rainey street has been going through over the last decade. It’s a thin building, and the amenities are only on the 12th floor. The Southwest corner views will be the best, while the North facing units will give you a very nice Rainey and Downtown view. This building will also have a pet lounge, spa (for humans) sauna and cold plunge.
The Waller is 11th Street’s newest building. It has a cool little coffee shop on the bottom floor, very cool chic design aesthetics. The floorplans are a bit small, but the west facing apartments will be spectacular. This, along with the other 11th street buildings are good options if you don’t want to be in the core of everything. The Waller is also Austin’s only building with a lap swimming pool.
Right next to The Waller is the Alexan Waterloo. Waterloo has amazing large 1 bedroom floorplans that are much bigger than nearby Waller. Waterloo has an epic top floor pool deck and views of the entire city. While I like Waller’s style more, Waterloo does have better amenities.
This is technically an East Austin building, but it’s been my best building in Austin ever since it opened up. They have a great leasing staff, most of whom live on sight, a really cool location in a charming residential part of Austin. Their amenities are great. Two pools. Indoor basketball court. Honey bees! (yes, really). Rooftop deck, & Co-working space. I personally like the quieter East Austin views, but the downtown facing ones give you lots of epic drama. However road noise from I35 might be too much to handle.
The Seven often gets lost in the mix in the Downtown high rise scene these days given the competition. Seven doesn’t win or lose in any categories. It is a big close to East 6th which is a major college party zone which can be annoying. Seven does have a lot of options for high quality views, especially facing west. Seven will only win if it has the right balance of price for views. Otherwise you’ll probably go elsewhere.
Ashton is a classic Austin highrise near the core of Congress Avenir. Some units have great south facing river views and big floorplans. However this building feels dated compared to others. Not many of my clients lease here.
Technically South Austin, The Catherine is South Austin’s most luxurious high rise building. The North/Downtown views are some of the best views in any apartment in Austin. They have a rooftop bar which is pretty cool. The only apartment bar in the city. However despite being right near Downtown, the Catherine does lack for immediate walkability to ordinary commercial things. Having access to the river and nearby park are great perks.
One of Rainey Street’s best apartments. Quincy is tucked in the middle of a lot of action from construction projects nearby to bars and restaurants and the Hotel Van Zandt. Quincy has awesome rooftop amenities, a great pool, and overall night amenities.
Also in South Austin just below the river. The 1155 is the best mid-rise building in South Austin. 1155 is a smaller community with access to Auditorium Shores Park, Terry Blacks, a cool residential area to walk around, Barton Springs and Zilker. Making this one of the best buildings in Austin.
The Sienna Thompson is one of Downtown Austin’s Hotel/Apartment hybrid buildings. I’ve heard some people complain about how dark the interiors are which makes sense. The amenities are great, but you don’t have to interact with hotel guests. So it does preserve the residential feel. Lot’s of famous comedians can be spotted here.
AMLI on 2nd will be one of the older high rises on this list. What it lacks in super luxury feel, it makes up for in value. AMLI has some of the best high rise pricing for the SQFT you get. The south facing apartments face the river, which the north facing ones face a near by building.
Another hotel/apartment hybrid, the Gables is a super cool red brick building with amazing interiors. I really like the rock star feeling inside here. The north facing units will face another building which isn’t great. What you lack in overall height here you will make up for in the rooftop amenity deck. Big fan of this one.
Rising high above the hike-and-bike trails along Lady Bird Lake, Gables Park Tower is one of the best high rises just outside the river. The main drawback of this building is the train that comes by frequently here.
That wraps up my 2025 guide on Downtown Austin Apartments! Please reach out to me on this website if you need help finding a place for yourself!
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