Apartments for Rent in Austin, TX - 2,744 Rentals available

Renter's Guide to Austin

Known for its legendary music concerts and vibrant cultural landscape, Austin is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the U.S. With settlements dating back as far as 9200 BC, most Austin developments have sprung around the 1830s. But it wasn’t until the mid-20^th century that Austin become a prominent metropolitan center – and rose to fame as a permanent fixture on the national music scene.

Spread over 280 square miles, Austin is set within reach of other prominent Texas urban centers – and fellow metropolises ranking among the top 10 largest U.S. cities – like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, all located within a distance about 200 miles. When it comes to living options, Austin can easily accommodate both those looking for walkable estates and high-rise living, all of them neighbored by an array of modern bars and restaurants.

The city climate falls under the humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot summers, mild winter days, and cold winter nights. The average temperature is 7 degrees Celsius during the winter – which typically runs from December through February, while its summers last from June to September. Every year, there are about 228 sunny days, the highest temperatures being recorded in the month of July; conversely, January is the month with the lowest temperatures. When it comes to notable weather particularities, Austin experiences an ice storm every two years that typically detracts operations for up to 48 hours.

Cost of Living in Austin, TX

A regular bus fare in Austin costs, on average, $2.5/day, with prices varying based on the type of pass chosen. A single ride costs between $0.60 and $1.25, while 31-day passes prices range from $20.60 to $41.25. Children under 5 – accompanied by an adult or military personnel wearing uniform – can ride free of charge. Commuters can now buy passes and plan their trips through a mobile application while also enjoying affordable rates and reduced fares when purchasing their tickets online. The metro rideshare and the train service complement the public transport system, leading to an average commute time of roughly 23.5 minutes.

In a rather inexpensive restaurant, a three-course meal for two people will cost you approximately $50, with the price of a combo meal averaging roughly $7 per person. A cup of cappuccino costs about $4, while a loaf of bread and a liter of milk go for $2.31 and $0.86, respectively. Dining options abound for both those passionate about domestic and international cuisine, with restaurants like Franklin Barbecue Restaurant, Uchiko Japanese restaurant, Hula Hut Mexican Restaurant welcoming city residents and tourists alike.

Texas residents that choose Austin as their home pay about $141 for services such as electricity, water, garbage collection, and heating; the costs are reported for a 914-square-foot apartment. The monthly internet bill for the region is $48, while cleaning services are as high as $22/hour.

Living in Austin

Being the 3^rd fastest growing city in the US, Austin ranks high on Forbes’ list of “best cities for employment.” Living within city limits comes with certain tax benefits for both employees and small enterprises – especially given the lack of individual income tax rule in Texas.

Given the city’s steadily increasing population, residents have to cope with traffic congestion – that has led to increasing commute times. If you decide to settle near the city’s central business district, know that you will have to beat the traffic – that can be all the more difficult to handle during the hot summer

Back in the 1930s, the city has been home to a large number of African Americans, at the time accounting for about 25% of the overall population. However, the African American population has gradually decreased, percentage-wise, making way for an increasing number of people of an Asian or Hispanic descent. As of 2010, the Non-Hispanic white population stands as the majority, at 49%, with Latino Americans following closely, and making up for 35% of the city’s population.

Things to do in Austin

Regardless of their age, both city residents and visitors enjoy an occasional swim in the Barton Springs Pool, go for a bike ride in Zilker Park, and go bat watching at the Congress Avenue Bridge. The Bob Bullock Museum and Blanton Museum of Art are great venues for those passionate about ancient cultural heritage. Other popular sites include the Austin Duck Adventures, the Escape Game Austin, Aquarium, and Schlitterbahn Water Park and Resort.

With close to 300 days of sunshine, the city offers a myriad of outdoor activities such as water biking, canoe paddling, stand-up paddle boarding, and hiking at the Lady Bird hike trail. The Barton Springs pool offers shallow waters for children, making it a great outdoor activity for the whole family. Other popular options are splash movie nights that air family friendly films, while couples and singles can indulge in the lively nightlife.

The Austin Nature and Science Center, the Zilker Metropolitan Park, Golf ATX, and the Barton Springs Pool are among the most popular parks and outdoor venues. But there’s no shortage of shopping venues either, with the Domain Shopping Mall, Barton Creek Square, and Hancock Mall standing out as some of the most popular choices.

Employment & Economy

Austin is not only the fastest-growing of the biggest U.S. cities, but also the second largest state capital after Phoenix. The city is a major hub for high-tech workers, where thousands of engineering and computer science graduates find employment. In 2012, the city ranked 1^st on Forbes’ list of “major cities for jobs”, thanks to the low unemployment rate. Local employers include high-profile names like Dell, IBM, Apple, ARM Holdings, Samsung Group, Intel Corporation, Oracle, Hewlett-Packard, Google, and Facebook, to name just a few.

Education in Austin

For years, education has taken center stage in Austin thanks to strong community support. The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is the fifth largest school district in Texas, providing quality education to approximately 80,000 students at 130 schools.

The city is home to top ranked universities and colleges such as St. Edward’s University, Southwestern University, Texas State University, and Huston-Tillotson University, among others. CNN Money ranked Austin as the 6^th “smartest American city”, with the University of Texas being featured for its “best values in public education.” The University of Texas’ Law, Engineering, and Business schools rank among the top 10 schools for Hispanics, according to the Wall Street Journal, while the University’s MBA landed the 12^th spot.

Tips for Renting in Austin

The Austin Tenants Council promotes the right to fair, safe, decent, and affordable housing for all. If you are relocating to Austin, understanding tenants’ rights and your responsibility safeguards you from potential legal hurdles.

Often, a lease comes into effect when the two parties append signatures, and the tenant remains liable whether they eventually move in or not. There is no law limiting the number of rent increases, and it’s worth mentioning that evictions can be carried out in as fast as two weeks. While most leases allows property owners to enter the houses without the express permit of the tenant, they can only execute that privilege if it’s specified in the contract.