Hello. I am sorry everyone because I know this has been discussed before, but it is almost the end of June now and I still don't have a place to live next fall. I go to UT and I am living in Austin right now and my lease expires in August and I have no idea where to live. If anyone has any advice on locations, particular complexes or ideas, I'd greatly appreciate it you'd be so kind as to share that knowledge with me. Basically, I've been living on Riverside and I guess it's ok. I can always stay here because it's cheap, but I am looking to move somewhere better. This is what I have in mind: I'm basically looking for somewhere relatively inexpensive. Doesn't matter if its on bus route because I plan on driving to class. 2/1 or 2/2 Decent location. I've been looking all over the place and comparing ratings on apartmentratings.com or something and everytime I find something in my price range, it gets shot down to hell by the reviewers and it's making me uneasy. If anyone has a particularly good experience, post it here or email me. ddly_tng@yahoo.com Thanks.
I had a good couple of years living in Berkshire Hills, but I think the management and complex name have changed... The address is 2430 Cromwell Circle - it's right off Wickersham between Riverside and Oltorf. I dunno if it's any good now, but when I lived there 4 years ago, it was. The buildings are pretty new, so you won't have to worry about too many maintenance issues. I wouldn't mind moving back there, except for the fact that it's south of the river. Other than that, there's always anything off Cameron Rd. It's another college housing area. I've never lived there, but know plenty of people who have. I work right around the corner, on 51st, so I drive through there all the time, and it seems like it's better than Riverside, but it's got the same demographics of people living there.
I appreciate the help from you two guys but I could definitely use some more input. I never looked at Cameron Rd. Interesting...
Here's my two cents You can always go the west campus route but expect overly expensive crappy apartments that are horrendously maintained. Also, you'll love the drunk sorority girls and frat guys roaming at 3 AM. Still the location is unbeatable and its nice to be within walking distance of campus. Plus if you want to go to a party, there's plenty to choose from. North campus (Hyde Park) is another area. Much more quiet and sane than west campus. Apartments are still of the older variety and I personally believe its overpriced but the neighborhood is really solid and the bus routes are pretty good. Far West (which is where I lived last year) is pretty nice. Apartment prices are unbeatable in comparison to other areas. I'm getting a two bedroom at Juniper Springs (which is a much nicer in comparison to any other place near campus) for around $700 (so essentially 350 for me and my roommate). The only downside is that the location can be a pain. The bus can be a b**** to take and you're far away from everything. Especially at night it sucks because the buses stop running around 12 so if you're at a party it can be really tough since many times you're probably too drunk to be driving. Still, I'm living there again because the apartments are just nicer and cheaper. The area is also really nice. Lots of stores and what not nearby and the arboretum is just a 5 minute drive. Anything beyond far west like the riata can be kind of annoying because no UT buses go that far so you're on your own when it comes to going to school. Still I really liked the riata area and of all the places above it definitely has the nicest apartments for very affordable prices. Basically to sum it down, the further away from UT you live, the nicer and cheaper the apartments. Its up to you decide where to strike the balance.
Somebody's gotta tell you to try Craigslist, so I'll go ahead and do it. Here's a search for 2 bedroom houses/apts in the $500-$800 range in or near Central Austin: Craigslist.org geeimsobored gave a great summary of the areas, so you should know what to expect on the whole.
I live on Steck, which is just north of Far West. I lived in Greystone Park last year. STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM GREYSTONE PARK. It's completely fubar - the buildings are old as hell and things break down all the damn time, and then the management does absolutely nothing to fix the situation for a good 6 months. The only other complex I'd recommend in that area is Archstone.
I second that. I also am a Greystone Park (now I believe its known as Westdale Parke) alum and it is A-W-F-U-L. Terrible service, creaky old building, and boy did the management really try to cheat us. Archstone is pretty nice and the place I'm staying at next year, Juniper Springs, seems to have gotten some great reviews from people I know so I'll trust that this will be better than the hell known as Greystone Park.
Thank you everyone. This is exactly the kind of things I need to hear. And my apoligies to Meggo. I definitely plan on checking out Far West this tuesday. Hopefully things will work out. I'll look on Craig's List too. Thanks all. I appreciate the help.
