Looking for an Apartment (Austin, West: real estate, apartments, rentals)

[jeffdutton10]

Hello, I am moving to Austin in January, and I have been searching for a 2 bedroom apartment. I am feeling pretty overwhelmed since I can't see all these places in person, so I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a reputable realter or maybe point me in the right direction for some apartments. Thanks in advance.

[compSciGuy]

What's your budget? Any special requirements, like being near a certain workplace, transportation issues, acceptable age range, amenities, etc.?

[CarnivalGal]

What area will you be working in? How much are you wanting to pay?

[jeffdutton10]

I work from home, but would like to be within a 10 minute (not rush hour) drive to downtown, and I can probably go as high as $1000. I'm also not too picky on the people surrounding me as long as the area is safe. I don't want my girlfriend to be nervous. Also, do you guys think I would be better off searching for a house to rent VS the apartment? A couple of my buddies down there seem to think that is the way to go, but I'm not sure if they're trustworthy in this respect.

[twange]

Originally Posted by jeffdutton10

I work from home, but would like to be within a 10 minute (not rush hour) drive to downtown, and I can probably go as high as $1000. I'm also not too picky on the people surrounding me as long as the area is safe. I don't want my girlfriend to be nervous. Also, do you guys think I would be better off searching for a house to rent VS the apartment? A couple of my buddies down there seem to think that is the way to go, but I'm not sure if they're trustworthy in this respect.

An apartment might have other perks like workout facilities, a pool(very excellent when it's hot as f*ck in the summer), maintenance etc...But houses are...houses. Depends what you want.

$1000 will easily get you a 2 bedroom provided you're not looking for something really swank and modern.

[Jennibc]

You're not likely to find a house that close to downtown for $1000/month (at least that's been my experience looking.) I suppose I should qualify that to say that we have been looking for a three bedroom so maybe there are some two bed houses that would work.

[Jennibc]

So moments ago, I wrote that I didn't think you could find a house within 10 minutes from downtown for 1000/month. I just did a search on a real estate site and was able to find several.

The thing to consider is how much space you need and what utilities will run. Also, a lot of the complexes charge for parking on top of the rent quoted. Make sure you know the true cost of the apartment before you decide on it.

[NC_newcomer]

Apartments charge for parking? Wow. I've never heard of that before.

I'm used to paying utilities that aren't included, and a "pet rent" for my dog. There's a management company (Camden) here in NC (and also in Austin) that charges a compulsory $30/month for "valet trash service" and $45/month for standard cable, on top of the rent, so I avoid them.

What other charges --hidden or otherwise -- should I be asking about?

I'm flying to Austin on Thursday to look for apartments in the Balcones/Far West/Highland Hills/Northwest Hills/Cat Mountain area.

Thanks!

[WillysB]

Originally Posted by jeffdutton10

Hello, I am moving to Austin in January, and I have been searching for a 2 bedroom apartment. I am feeling pretty overwhelmed since I can't see all these places in person, so I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a reputable realter or maybe point me in the right direction for some apartments. Thanks in advance.

You might try the Small Planet Guide, with neighborhood descriptions and separated by area.

[twange]

I don't pay for parking at my apartment...I think the higher end places might do that, but I think it's the exception...I guess it would be wise to ask.