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Old 04-27-2011, 11:17 AM
 
11 posts, read 17,817 times
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I'm moving there soon for an internship, and after the internship, I plan to stay anyway. It is an unpaid position, but I've been saving up quite a bit to cover rent/living costs. I'm trying to find a 1/1 for no more than $700, but of course, I want to stay in a fairly safe place/area. According to some, it'll be impossible to find a place for that price in a non-shady area. Any suggestions?

I'm also curious as to what the average utility costs are for a 1/1 apartment in Austin. No matter what, I'm trying to keep total costs under $850-$900/month. Thanks!
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Old 04-27-2011, 11:35 AM
 
Location: Austin, TX
16,787 posts, read 49,073,910 times
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Someone is pulling your leg, it should be no problem, most of Austin has a very low crime rate. Avoid the Rundberg Lane, E. Manor Road, Springdale Road, E. Riverside Drive, Dove Springs areas and you should be find.

Try this Map of Austin apartments Search.

//www.city-data.com/forum/austi...l#post18219735
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Old 04-27-2011, 11:59 AM
 
205 posts, read 739,230 times
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"less crime rates" is a subjective term, but you should be fine in any areas of Austin other than East of I-35 and the ones CptnRn mentioned. And you should be able to find a decent apt for $700.

Utility cost depends on your usage and can vary significantly. When we (me and my wife) used to live in 1-bed apt, our water+sewer bill was around $25-30/month.
Electricity was around $35-40/month. Keep in mind though, summer is approaching and temperatures have already started hitting 90s. So you might have more elec bills for next 4-5 months. Also if you have washer/dryer in unit that will increase both bills. On the whole, if you a moderate and considerate user, I would expect electricity, water, sewer total to be around $80-100/month.

I think above all that the first and foremost thing you have to make sure is you rent near your work. Austin commute is one of the worst in country. During rush hours, on average consider that you won't be driving more than average 15-20mph. So if you live 20miles from your work you will be looking at 2hrs/day in car.
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Old 04-27-2011, 01:21 PM
 
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Thanks guys! I'll definitely check out the link you posted.
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Old 04-27-2011, 01:38 PM
 
Location: Austin, TX
16,787 posts, read 49,073,910 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by infoseeker2010 View Post
"less crime rates" is a subjective term
How do you figure that? Crime rates are far from subjective, they are based on the number of documented crimes committed in an area relative to the population.

http://malford.ci.austin.tx.us/police/zipcode/zipcode/indx_nindx_zip_1210.pdf (broken link)
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Old 04-27-2011, 01:48 PM
 
205 posts, read 739,230 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CptnRn View Post
How do you figure that? Crime rates are far from subjective, they are based on the number of documented crimes committed in an area relative to the population.

http://malford.ci.austin.tx.us/police/zipcode/zipcode/indx_nindx_zip_1210.pdf (broken link)
by subjective, I mean it based of person's opinion. If you say "less crime compared to New York" then it is not subjective. But if you just say "less crime" then its subjective. 1 murder, 5 thefts in a zipcode might be OK for someone but for other it would be a high crime area.
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Old 04-28-2011, 06:10 PM
 
11 posts, read 17,817 times
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Anyone know anything about these two apartments:

- The Arts Apartments at South Austin (St. Elmo/South 1st st)

- Club at Summer Valley (William Cannon/South 1st st)

I need to make a decision quick. Pricing/sqft is better at the Summer Valley, but looked at some reviews that was discouraging. Although, those reviews were from 2009.

They both have gates, but I just want to make sure I'll be staying in a fairly safe area (safe not just for me, but for my car). Anyone who has any opinion of these places, I'll be grateful!
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Old 04-28-2011, 06:32 PM
 
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
1,299 posts, read 2,774,295 times
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I wouldn't put too much stock in online apartment reviews. Those who like their apartment usually aren't the ones writing reviews -- it generally is angry tenants who had a bad experience (probably at least partially their fault) who want to tell the world to stay away

Good luck
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Old 04-28-2011, 06:39 PM
 
11 posts, read 17,817 times
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Hahah. Thanks! I've thought about that too, but one reviewer said a murder happened in the parking lot of her apartment. I'm like, uh...... But yeah, there weren't a whole lot of reviews. So hard to tell, which is why I like the forums some times. Everyone sees it, so everyone gets to comment. Not just those disgruntled tenants.
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Old 04-28-2011, 06:44 PM
 
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
1,299 posts, read 2,774,295 times
Reputation: 1216
Indeed. They definitely do have some credence. Just don't put all your eggs in that basket. My apartment had overall pretty average reviews and a couple awful ones, sprinkled with some good ones of course...but I like it! There are disgruntled tenants at EVERY complex, and I think that for most apartments, the majority are happy. Just my two cents.
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