Unprepared & moving to Austin January 1st! (West, Anna: apartments, to rent)

[ElisaSue]

I'm moving to Austin in less than two months. GULP!!!
I'm heading down South to work for the AmeriCorps Program AKA, the American Peacecorps. I've worked at the Omaha World-Herald Newspaper in Advertising for close to five years. I'm burnt out on sales. I know, too young to be burnt out!!! Well, I don't have any children, husband or mortgage. I have always thrived in volunteer work. Plus, this will be a life changing event in my life. I enjoy live music, books, movies and partying. From what I've heard about Austin, I will love it. Great! BUT- where do I start? I have $3K in savings and will get a little less than $1K back in taxes in February. I'll be doing volunteer work and making less than $1K a month. This will be my biggest obstacle as I have to pay for my own housing. I've lived in Omaha Nebraska my whole life. I have some questions... does any one know a decent place to rent for around $350-$400/mo? I'll have to be downtown (78741 & 78701) at 8 AM M-F. I'm looking for a studio apartment in a decent neighborhood. I'm 27 and am not looking to be a "college" student again. Meaning, I'd rather not have a room mate! Is this too much to ask?

OKAY, any tips on the cost of living, apt areas to check out or anything else are greatly appreciated. ***I'm heading to Austin 11/7 PM - 11/10 AM***
The guy I'll be staying with will be at work and I'll be taking the bus.

Thanks,
Clueless in Omaha!!!

[TexasGirl@Heart]

I will leave the locals determine the cold, hard facts for you...but I think you are going to be hard pressed to find anything near downtown for that amount of money I have been looking at apt's near Seton Main (hospital) and the rent is going for $1000-1200 for a 1 bdrm!

[car957]

You need to be looking either very far South or very far North. You may find something East but the nicer, high end apartments are all filled with UT students so I would think sleeping could be problematic 8 months/year.

[Trainwreck20]

You are looking at a loooong commute or a roomate. I really doubt there is an apt. in the city limits of Austin in a safe area that goes for $400/month or less. Back in 1987 your could get a 2/2 apt. off of Far West for $360, but by 1989 I was paying $560. No telling what it is today. 1 bdrms are only marginally cheaper.

[achtungpv]

If you find a studio apartment west of I-35 for less than $500, I'd be shocked...maybe if there was a murder in the apartment previously. I would think decent 1/1's would go for $600-800.

[justanothercalifornian]

would you be willing to rent a room in someone's house? try craigslist.com...you may find what you are looking for there. best wishes!

[twange]

Originally Posted by justanothercalifornian

would you be willing to rent a room in someone's house? try craigslist.com...you may find what you are looking for there. best wishes!

This is good advice. Try to rent a room or find a roomate(but I'm with you...last resort only....)

For a little perspective, my wife and I are renting an 835 sqft one bedroom/one bath for $775 on S1st just south of Oltorf. A great location. Granted, it has a pool(most apartments here do) and a little covered porch(most do), but it's not extravagant by any means, with pedestrian interiors/appliances and lame carpet, but it's 2 miles from downtown and the river, it seems safe and well cared for, on a bus line(there's a stop in front of our apartment building, there are a lot of cool places within walking/biking distance etc...This was about as cheap as we could find without getting too far out.

Here's the thing though, if you find an apartment on or near a bus line, you could still get downtown in a reasonable amount of time, so you don't need to be right downtown. Just remember, buses get stuck in traffic just like cars, so depending on the route it might not make any difference.

There is also a hostel on the south east side right on Lady Bird Lake. I wonder if you could stay there temporarily while you save money and figure out other options. You seem like the kind of person who could make a lot out of a limited situation? It's also a great way to meet people.

HI - Austin :: Hostels to Reserve in Texas, United States

[twange]

I just checked the hostel's website and they don't book more than fourteen nights...oh well. I would still check into some short-term housing until you get yourself adjusted.

[ElisaSue]

I'm such a Polly Anna- Thanks for the insight EVERYONE! I have checked craigslist and have some prospects. So, that is promising.

[ElisaSue]

you seem to know a lot about austin. do you have any clue on how to get public transportation from cedar creek to austin?