Accommodation in Austin

Most Austin residents rent rather than buy a property, and it makes sense for new arrivals to do so, too, at least until they find their feet in the city.

There is a range of property options available, and more are being built constantly. Once you have narrowed down the neighbourhood search, you should be able to find accommodation in Austin that meets your requirements and fits your budget.

Areas and suburbs in Austin

Home to 10 administrative districts and more than 100 neighbourhoods, Austin has plenty of accommodation options to suit new arrivals from all walks. Young professionals working in Austin’s booming tech industry typically prefer living in the city’s central areas and surrounding areas, as the commute into the city centre can be lengthy.

Some of the most popular areas in Austin city’s centre include South Congress (SoCo), Franklin Park, and Clarkesville. These neighbourhoods have trendy restaurants, access to parks, and a wide range of housing options. Residents in these areas value proximity to their workplaces and Lady Bird Lake, which is an added bonus for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.

Families often live further outside of Austin, as areas outside the centre often boast more space and access to some of the city’s best schools. Mueller is a planned development located close to Downtown Austin. Families of all sizes can find a home here, with property styles ranging from freestanding homes to lofts and apartments. Westlake and Belterra are other family-friendly areas in Austin.

See Best (and worst) Areas and Suburbs in Austin to learn more about the city’s neighbourhoods.

Types of accommodation in Austin

The type of accommodation an individual or family chooses largely depends on where they intend to live in Austin, among other personal factors. Apartments and condos tend to be the most suitable for single professionals and young couples who wish to live close to the downtown area. The further one moves into the suburbs, the more spacious the properties are.

Apartments

Apartment living is fairly common in areas close to downtown Austin. The size of Austin apartments varies quite dramatically, but most are relatively modern. Apartments in newer complexes generally have additional facilities such as security services and certain common spaces.

Condos

Condos are similar to apartments but with more communal facilities on site. These complexes usually have shared facilities such as gardens, swimming pools, fitness centres and laundry facilities. A major advantage of condo living over apartments or standalone family homes is that they foster a greater sense of community within the complexes. This makes them a great option for newcomers to the city.

Townhouses

Townhouses are a fairly new development in Austin. They combine the independence of single-family residences with the low-maintenance lifestyle of a condo. These types of developments can commonly be found in the central and eastern parts of Austin and the quieter suburbs of the northwest.

Craftsman bungalows

The Craftsman bungalow is unique to the South. Dating back to the early/mid-20th century, these homes feature an open-plan design with easy flow between the living room, dining room and kitchen and a simple front porch. These properties make for great family homes.

Finding accommodation in Austin

Prospective residents planning their relocation to Austin should investigate the city’s housing options online. Online property portals are a great starting point. They provide helpful insights into the types of property available at various price points, so those unfamiliar with the city can get an idea of where they might like to live and how much they’ll need to budget.

When considering potential properties, you should consider factors such as access to public transport, proximity to schools, places of work, local amenities and shopping hubs, as well as personal space requirements and lifestyle considerations.

Real estate agents based in Austin can also guide new residents and advise on suitable areas of the city, making the process of finding a home that meets their own requirements much easier.

Useful links

• Zillow
• AustinRealEstate.com
• Trulia

Renting accommodation in Austin

The housing market in Austin has continually grown over recent years to accommodate many new residents moving to the city. With new property developments regularly springing up in Austin, newcomers shouldn’t struggle to find a suitable rental home here.

Making an application

Potential tenants looking to rent a property in Austin must file an application via an agent or deal directly with the landlord. Once the relevant checks and references are verified, the landlord and tenant can sign a lease agreement. Setting up a US bank account and social security number will speed up the process.

Leases, costs, and fees

Rental contracts in Austin are generally valid for a year, with the option to renew once the initial rental term has ended. It is often possible to negotiate a shorter lease with the landlord, especially in parts of the city where demand for rental properties is lower.

Austin tenants must pay a security deposit, usually equal to a month’s rent, when signing a lease. This deposit is refundable once the contract ends. It is important to carry out a detailed inventory at the beginning and end of a rental period, as any damages will be deducted from the deposit.

Useful links

• Austin Tenants Council

Utilities in Austin

Renters must read the terms of their lease carefully to determine which utilities are included. In some cases, landlords cover the costs of standard utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. Tenants are typically expected to pay for extras like internet, cable TV and telephone services.

Electricity and water

Austin Energy, a state-owned provider, is the city’s main retail electric provider. Although Texas has a deregulated electricity market, there are both regulated and deregulated areas in Austin. Most residents live in the regulated area, where they are serviced by Austin; those living in the deregulated area can choose their own supplier.

To start or transfer electricity service, you can visit your chosen provider’s website and register an account. You’ll typically need your identity document (passport or visa) and address to pay a security deposit. You will receive a monthly bill, including electricity, water, solid waste, and recycling services from the City of Austin.

Austin Water is part of the City of Austin Utilities and supplies the city’s drinking water. Once residents set up their electricity accounts with the City of Austin, the water bill will automatically be in their name.

Gas

Texas Gas Service is the main natural gas provider in Austin. You can contact Texas Gas Service online or by telephone to start or transfer your account. It’s best to do this a few weeks before your move to ensure you are connected when you move in.

You’ll need to provide the company with your identity document, email address, your new address, and move-in date. Texas Gas Service allows customers to pay their bills using autopay, online, via the app, or through the mail.

Bins and recycling

Waste management services in Austin are overseen by Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Services, a city department. ARR Services collects waste weekly and offers residents bi-weekly recycling and composting services.

ARR Services provides rubbish carts for general waste and blue bins for recycling services. There are also designated kerbside bins for composting. The agency also does street sweeping to maintain a clean environment. You can make special arrangements for bulk and hazardous waste removal services.

Useful links

• City of Austin Utilities
• Austin Energy
• Texas Gas Service