Downtown Living (Austin, West, Barton Creek: apartments, rentals, condos)

[granda84]

I am moving to Austin in two months. I want to live downtown or very close to it, but I will be working out by 2222/620. Does anyone have suggestions for places to live downtown? Is the commute reasonable in the morning from the downtown area? Thoughts on some of the high rise rentals? Thanks for any help.

[atxcio]

The Monarch building should be opening soon, that's apartments (29 floor building on 5th st)... I think they start at $1300-$1400 per month for a 1BR. There is also AMLI II, and the 360 building which have both opened. The 360 building is the tallest downtown, and although it is condos, something like 18% of them are investors who will not be living there. Some of those will probably be up for rent when you are looking.... however, that building is very popular, I'd imagine the rentals will fill up quick.

Regarding commute, 2222/620 is somewhat of a trek, but with you going the opposite direction of everyone else the traffic won't be bad. Maybe 25 mins or so.

[farrahlena]

If living downtown, your commute from DT to 2222/620 would be about 25 mins since you'll be going against the incoming traffic to DT - it shouldn't be as bad.

There are plenty of areas DT and near Mopac (Loop 1) which could get you quick easy access headed in your direction to 2222 then on to 620. Our highways Mopac (Loop 1) and I-35 pretty much run North/South and Hwy 183 and 2222 will get you East to West.

As for the Monarch, pretty steep - starting at $1333 (681 sq ft) going up to $2978/mo (1105 sq ft) depending on which floor you go with as well. There are many other DT and Central apts/condo locations to consider that aren't as pricey and can get you closer to Mopac as well.

[dporgie]

Check out the apartments on Spyglass. They're right off Mopac and next to the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Zilker Park. There are 3 different complexes and the one bedrooms start under $1000. Two to three miles to DT by car, 45 minutes walking on the trail and 10-15 minutes by bike.