College grad moving to Austin (Spring, Center: real estate, apartment complexes, renter)

[marcellina]

Hi all! I am graduating with a bachelor's degree and want to move to a new state. I've heard so much about Austin and what a happening place it is for young people. I've also heard a great deal about the music scene. I am 29 and just beginning my career "for serious." I was wanting some advice about good places to search for a rental. I want a one bedroom close to central Austin. Cheap rent is definitely a factor, but also an area where I can walk/bike/bus to nightlife, shopping, etc. Is there any particular part known for it's artistic community or where young people hang out? I abhor the apartment complexes where everyone is stacked on top of each other and would prefer a more "city-ish" feel to the place. Anyone have any ideas, or know of a great place they've lived before?

Thank you!!!

[nomore07]

The most walkable areas will be downtown, which is not cheap, although there are some areas that are on bus lines. A bigger issue will be competition with local students for jobs and housing.

[AustinAaron]

Depends on your definition of "cheap". If cheap is $1000/mo, then plenty of options. If it's more along the lines of $600/mo, then you'll be up against a wall . . . and with ppl stacked on top of you.

[arpee]

There are places sub $600 although quality will not be tops. You will have a better selection of better quality rentals from $750-850. Be prepared to pay higher upfront costs like 1 month deposit for the rentals too vs lesser for the stacked apartments.

PM me if you want more details!

[austinite45]

Originally Posted by marcellina

Hi all! I am graduating with a bachelor's degree and want to move to a new state. I've heard so much about Austin and what a happening place it is for young people. I've also heard a great deal about the music scene. I am 29 and just beginning my career "for serious." I was wanting some advice about good places to search for a rental. I want a one bedroom close to central Austin. Cheap rent is definitely a factor, but also an area where I can walk/bike/bus to nightlife, shopping, etc. Is there any particular part known for it's artistic community or where young people hang out? I abhor the apartment complexes where everyone is stacked on top of each other and would prefer a more "city-ish" feel to the place. Anyone have any ideas, or know of a great place they've lived before?

Thank you!!!

I've got just the right place for ya -- Spring Condos - brand new - in fact, it's not quite finished yet (even though it was supposed to be done in Spring 2007). It's in the downtown area, close to bars on 6th street (Austin's center of nightlife). It's also close to a new Performing Arts Center and the a popular park, where free concerts are usually held.

Moderator cut: racist comments

Move-in has been scheduled for July 2009 (according to newsletters). But according to my on-site observation as of September 12, nobody has moved in yet. You might get some sort of prize for being the first renter to move in.

You want cheap rent right? You are in luck. Austin's real estate sector has just started its spiral down the toilet. So you will probably get a very generous discount. Go for the smallest efficiency unit (about 530 sq.ft.) that has a walk-in closet (it comes with a window). Be sure to drive a hard bargain ... $1500/month or less is about right in my opinion.

Buy a pair of comfy ear plugs, in case you have trouble sleeping thru the vibrations and the high-pitched, high-volume screeching sound from the nearby rail track at night. (the tracks are about 15 yards from the tower)

[gash_engineer]

I have PM'd you

[atxcio]

I'm not sure how "city-ish" and not "stacked on top of each other" really works... perhaps you can explain what you mean by that. Aren't city-ish places more dense?

Anyway, if you are looking for something close to the city but with some older apartments that are still reasonable, check out 78704 (South Congress, South Lamar, etc). Also central East Austin, lots of artistic types there, but not as safe as west of I-35 (still gentrifying). Depending on where you are coming from, it might seem perfectly safe. Other options would be Hyde Park (again, you'll need to rent in an older place to get a decent deal) and of course downtown itself. I think downtown will probably be the most difficult place to find a deal, though. Unless you can find a hard-up condo owner desperate to rent. Worth a try, though.

[artsyguy]

I don't know why the OP heard Austin was a happening place for younger people. Well I guess it is if you are a drunk or really into college football.

Originally Posted by austinite45

I've got just the right place for ya -- Spring Condos - brand new - in fact, it's not quite finished yet (even though it was supposed to be done in Spring 2007). It's in the downtown area, close to bars on 6th street (Austin's center of nightlife). It's also close to a new Performing Arts Center and the a popular park, where free concerts are usually held.

Moderator cut: racist comments

Move-in has been scheduled for July 2009 (according to newsletters). But according to my on-site observation as of September 12, nobody has moved in yet. You might get some sort of prize for being the first renter to move in.

You want cheap rent right? You are in luck. Austin's real estate sector has just started its spiral down the toilet. So you will probably get a very generous discount. Go for the smallest efficiency unit (about 530 sq.ft.) that has a walk-in closet (it comes with a window). Be sure to drive a hard bargain ... $1500/month or less is about right in my opinion.

Buy a pair of comfy ear plugs, in case you have trouble sleeping thru the vibrations and the high-pitched, high-volume screeching sound from the nearby rail track at night. (the tracks are about 15 yards from the tower)

[Paulmmm]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

I don't know why the OP heard Austin was a happening place for younger people. Well I guess it is if you are a drunk or really into college football.

Maybe the OP was told that Austin was a good place for younger people by people who actually lived here or worked here or went to school here.

[courageinc]

Check in the area just north of Sixth Street between Lamar and Mopac. There are a lot of cool little garage apartments, etc. Rent varies, but you're far enough away from the hustle/bustle of downtown Sixth Street, and still within walking distance of Whole Foods, West Sixth, Amy's, Waterloo, etc.