Austin is a vibrant, bustling city with a metropolitan area that is home to over 1.7 million residents. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World and nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Austin has much to offer its residents. Choosing the right apartment for rent is key to enjoying the best life in Austin. Consider these tips as you search for apartments Austin TX.

1. Proximity to Major Roadways.
With a metropolitan area that spans across almost 300 square miles, finding an Austin apartment close to major roadways may be key to minimizing the amount of time spent traveling across the city. Many residents in Austin choose to live close to major roads like Interstate 35, Highway 183, the Mopac Expressway, Loop 360 or the 183 or Highway 45 Tollways. Proximity to these major roadways can help you to decrease the time spent commuting for work or leisure.

2. Proximity to Public Transportation.
While many residents in Austin do own a vehicle, many others make regular use of the public transportation methods offered by the city. Capital Metro city buses have long offered residents a ride around town, and there are Capital Metro bus stops throughout the city. Capital Metro now also offers an express commuter train from Leander, Lakeline and Howard Lane to the downtown area.

3. Shopping, Dining and Entertainment.
Austin is well-known for its entertainment scene on Sixth Street in the downtown area, but there are many other venues located around town that are ideal for shopping, dining and entertainment. For example, The Domain in northern Austin is just one of many venues that regularly attracts residents. Choosing apartments Austin TX close to entertainment, shopping and dining hubs can make it more convenient to enjoy your leisure time in Austin.

4. The Living Experience.
Life in Austin can be all that you want it to be when you choose the right apartment for rent. Consider that living in a luxury, urban condo in the heart of the downtown area provides you with proximity to the running trails at Zilker Park as well as the nightlife in the downtown area. Life in South Austin will give you access to the eclectic shops and restaurants the area is known for. Many suburbs like Steiner Ranch, Cedar Park, Pflugerville and more provide you with the ability to enjoy a quieter, more family-friendly living experience.

5. Your Budget.
Your budget is key when considering where you will live in Austin. You can find affordable places to live close to downtown by looking at apartments just south of Town Lake or just north of the downtown area. Affordable venues are also available in suburbs throughout the metropolitan area. However, you can also find a wonderful selection of high-end apartments in areas ranging from the downtown area to suburbs and even overlooking Lake Travis.

6. The Need for Luxury Amenities.
The need for luxury amenities should be considered. Many, for example, need an apartment that has a fitness center on-site, that offers concierge services, that has covered parking spaces and more. These luxury amenities will inflate the price you pay, so consider finding an apartment community that best meets your needs without going overboard with amenities you won’t use.

7. Green Living.
Some of the more modern apartments you can choose from offer extra options that you won’t be able to find in other communities. For example, some of the most recently constructed offer electric car recharging stations, recycling collection stations and more. These communities can help you live a green lifestyle in Austin.

There are hundreds of Austin apartment communities you can choose to live in throughout the Austin area. Take time to explore the options, and consider these points to make the decision that is right for you. Lincoln Property Company manages several apartment communities in Austin – one of which is sure to fit your life and style!

Crescent Austin: Located in the heart of Austin's vibrant South Congress 'SoCo' District

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If you’re looking for a great apartment in Austin or Houston, there are several neighborhoods available in both cities, each with different locations, qualities and atmospheres. The best way to choose is to look into the different neighborhoods to see which one would work best for you.

Neighborhoods in the Austin Area

Some of the neighborhoods in the Austin area include: Hancock, Eastwood and Shoal Crest. Austin apartments in these areas are often focused on student housing to to their proximity to the University of Texas. If you’re looking for an apartment for a university student or just want to live in an area with college flavor, these neighborhoods would be a good place to look.

Hyde Park and Shadow Lawn Historic District. Located just north of downtown Austin, Hyde Park is considered Austin’s first suburb. It was developed in 1891 and has since become one of the most densely populated areas of Austin. In 1990, both Hyde Park and the adjacent Shadow Lawn Historic District were both added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you like the idea of a bustling area with a fascinating history, Austin apartments in these neighborhoods might be right for you.

Central Austin Areas. Neighborhoods in Central Austin include Old Austin and Judge’s Hall. Central Austin houses a variety of businesses as well as government buildings. If you plan to work in this area or wish to live near the city center, Austin apartments here would be a good choice.

300 North Lamar | Austin, TX

Neighborhoods in the Houston Area

For Houston apartments, consider the advantages of these neighborhoods:

Highland Village. Built in the 1950s, Highland Village also hosts buildings built more recently. The neighborhood features a variety of shopping and restaurants and a comfortable, suburban feel. Houston apartments in this neighborhood usually offer a variety of modern amenities including easily accessible laundry rooms and swimming pools for residents.

Southside Place. This area’s fascinating history includes its original development in the nineteenth century, which was interrupted when Mexico achieved independence. It was opened as a subdivision in 1924 and has become an upscale neighborhood for Houston apartments.

Afton Oaks. This is one of the most affluent and in-demand areas of Houston. Lofts here are comparable in quality to those in the Houston Inner Loop but tend to be larger.

Fountains at Memorial City | Houston, TX

With some research and investigation, you’re sure to find just the right apartment in just the right neighborhood in Austin or Houston.