I get the same call every hiring season. New UT faculty member, relocating from out of state, spent a week looking at apartments near campus. Everything they found was student housing. By-the-bed leases, shared units, buildings that empty out every May. Not one result written for an adult with a salary and a 12-month lease requirement.
That’s useless if you’re a UT employee.
UT Austin has over 21,000 faculty and staff. Researchers, administrators, medical school faculty at Dell Med, IT professionals, facilities teams, librarians. Adults with professional incomes, real lease histories, and zero interest in living next to a building where someone’s playing beer pong at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday.
I’ve been living in Austin apartments for over 15 years and work exclusively with renters to get them the best deals. I track pricing across 1,000+ properties daily through ApartmentData.com, SmartApartmentData.com and Sparkapt.com plus I have direct relationships with leasing teams at every major management company in the metro. UT Austin is one of the employers I work with most often. The relocation volume is constant, and nobody else is building apartment content for UT’s workforce.
This page fixes that. I pulled pricing and square footage data on every apartment community in the ZIP codes that make sense for a UT commute. I ranked them by price per square foot, broke them into commute zones, and built the analysis around what actually matters to a working professional: total monthly cost, commute reality, and which buildings aren’t full of undergrads.
Why Student Housing Lists Don’t Help UT Employees
Every “apartments near UT” article online is built for college freshmen. They rank by walking distance to campus. They highlight shared-unit floor plans and furnished studios. They care about rooftop pools and communal study lounges.
If you’re an associate professor in your late 30s or a facilities director in your 50s, you have different priorities. You need a conventional lease (not a by-the-bed student lease). You want a building where the average resident goes to work in the morning, not to a 10 a.m. lecture. You probably want a real kitchen, in-unit laundry, and a parking space that doesn’t require a campus permit.
UT employs people across a massive income range. An endowed chair might earn $180K+. A mid-career researcher pulls $75-$100K. An administrative coordinator earns $45-$55K. A custodial team member earns $32-$40K. The apartment search looks completely different at each of those income levels, and no student housing list accounts for that.
Here’s the other thing student housing lists miss entirely: the parking math. UT campus parking is expensive, limited, and in many cases waitlisted. That changes which neighborhoods actually make sense for employees. I’ll break that down in detail below.
How I Ranked These Communities
I pulled data on 160 apartment communities across the 11 ZIP codes most relevant to a UT Austin commute: 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704, 78705, 78722, 78723, 78731, 78751, 78756, and 78757.
For each community, I calculated the midpoint price per square foot using the listed rent range and square footage range. Why price per square foot? Because raw rent tells you almost nothing. A $1,500/month apartment sounds cheap until you realize it’s 500 square feet. A $2,200/month apartment sounds expensive until you see it’s 1,100 square feet. Price per square foot reveals the real value.
I also factored in net effective rent where concession data is available. If a community offers 6 weeks free on a 12-month lease, the listed $1,800/month rent becomes an effective $1,575/month. That’s $225/month in real savings that changes where a property lands in the rankings. Listing sites show you sticker price. I track what you’d actually pay.
One note: income-restricted communities (like The Jordan at Mueller, managed by Foundation Communities) appear in the data because they exist in these ZIP codes, but they have specific eligibility requirements. I’ve flagged those where they appear.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Communities analyzed | 160 |
| ZIP codes covered | 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704, 78705, 78722, 78723, 78731, 78751, 78756, 78757 |
| Ranking method | Midpoint price per square foot |
| Data source | ApartmentData.com + direct community contacts |
| Concession adjustment | Net effective rent where available |
| Pricing as of | Spring 2026 |
The UT Parking Problem (And Why It Changes Where You Should Live)
Most apartment guides ignore this completely. For UT employees, the parking situation might matter more than the rent number.
UT campus parking is self-funded. No state or university money subsidizes it. Every permit costs real money, and the most convenient ones have waitlists.
UT Faculty/Staff Parking Permits (2025-26 Rates)
| Permit Type | Annual Cost | Availability | Where You Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (surface lots) | $204 | Available immediately, no waitlist | A lots + Longhorn Lots east of I-35 |
| Class F (East Campus Garage) | $429 | Available now | East Campus Garage only |
| Class F (Guadalupe/Health Center Garage) | $703 | Available now | Specific garage |
| Class F (Brazos/San Antonio/San Jacinto/Speedway/27th St Garage) | $703 | Waitlisted | Specific garage |
| Class F (surface) | $765 | Waitlisted | Assigned numbered lot |
| Class AN (evening staff) | $54 | Hand-assigned, requires approval | Limited surface lots, afternoons/nights/weekends only |
| Motorcycle | $108 | Available | M spaces throughout campus |
| Bicycle | Free | Available | Bike racks campus-wide |
Source: UT Parking & Transportation Services
Here’s what matters about this table. The Class A permit at $204/year ($17/month) is the most accessible option. No waitlist. But it puts you in surface lots and Longhorn Lots east of I-35, which means you might be taking a shuttle from the parking lot to your actual building. The garage permits that put you close to your office are $703/year ($59/month), and several are waitlisted. The surface F permits near central campus are $765/year ($64/month) and also waitlisted.
So the real question isn’t just “what’s my rent?” It’s “what’s my rent plus my parking cost plus my fuel cost?” And once you run those numbers, the whole ranking changes.
A UT employee living in Northwest Hills at $1,100/month rent, a $204 Class A permit ($17/month), and $100/month in fuel pays $1,217/month total. A UT employee living walking distance to campus at $1,800/month with no parking and no fuel cost pays $1,800/month total. That’s a $583/month gap. Over a 12-month lease, that’s $6,996.
But flip the scenario. If you’re choosing between a $1,800/month walkable apartment and a $1,600/month apartment in Cedar Park, the “cheaper” apartment adds up fast. That $703 garage permit is $59/month. Fuel from Cedar Park runs $150/month. Tolls on 183A add another $100-$150/month if you use the express lanes. Your $1,600 rent becomes $1,909-$1,959 in total monthly cost. Walking distance wins.
The math depends entirely on which communities you’re comparing and which commute mode you’re using. That’s why I built the rankings by neighborhood zone below.
One more thing: UT employees ride Capital Metro for free with a valid UT ID. Free. If you live on a bus route that serves campus, your commute cost drops to zero. Routes 1 (North Lamar/South Congress), 7 (Duval/Dove Springs), 10 (South 1st/Red River), and 20 (Riverside/Manor Road) all hit the campus area directly. The MetroRapid 801 and 803 lines run high-frequency service along the Lamar/Congress and Burnet/South Lamar corridors. So if transit works for your schedule, communities along those corridors jump in value.
Best Value Apartments Near UT Austin: Ranked by Price Per Square Foot
Here’s the full ranking. I sorted all 160 communities by midpoint price per square foot, lowest to highest. The top 20 represent the best raw value across all UT-commutable ZIP codes.
Top 20 Best Value Communities (Lowest Price/SF)
| Rank | Community | Neighborhood | ZIP | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Jordan at Mueller* | Mueller | 78723 | $839-$1,144 | 794-1,335 | $0.93 | 2019 | Foundation Communities |
| 2 | Acacia Cliffs | Northwest Hills | 78731 | $761-$950 | 750-950 | $1.01 | 1974 | Price Realty |
| 3 | Talavera Lofts | Plaza Saltillo | 78702 | $952-$1,407 | 650-1,328 | $1.19 | 2020 | DMA Companies |
| 4 | Chalmers Courts South | East Cesar Chavez | 78702 | $1,062-$1,512 | 657-1,427 | $1.24 | 2019 | Carleton Companies |
| 5 | Pathways at Goodrich Place | Zilker | 78704 | $1,061-$1,470 | 700-1,277 | $1.28 | 2019 | Atlantic Pacific |
| 6 | Travis Flats | North Loop | 78751 | $899-$1,632 | 610-1,322 | $1.31 | 2021 | DMA Companies |
| 7 | Aldrich 51 | Mueller | 78723 | $900-$1,400 | 524-1,201 | $1.33 | 2017 | DMA Companies |
| 8 | Greystone Flats | Northwest Hills | 78731 | $1,060-$1,489 | 654-1,124 | $1.43 | 1974 | Sandalwood Management |
| 9 | Mueller Place | Windsor Park | 78723 | $854-$1,140 | 430-946 | $1.45 | 1969 | Investres |
| 10 | Elan East | Upper Boggy Creek | 78722 | $950-$1,600 | 505-1,232 | $1.47 | 2014 | Greystar |
| 11 | Abbey Road | North Shoal Creek | 78757 | $899-$1,600 | 400-1,287 | $1.48 | 1978 | Rainier Properties |
| 12 | The Lowell at Mueller | Windsor Park | 78723 | $1,011-$1,220 | 694-801 | $1.49 | 1969 | RPM Living |
| 13 | Pointe 360 | Jester Point | 78731 | $1,220-$1,540 | 753-1,072 | $1.51 | 1994 | Resprop Management |
| 14 | The Reserve at Springdale | Walnut Creek Greenbelt | 78723 | $1,173-$1,627 | 696-1,152 | $1.52 | 2016 | AMP |
| 15 | Sage Hill | Windsor Park | 78723 | $808-$1,282 | 400-958 | $1.54 | 1984 | The Property Society |
| 16 | Establishment | Dawson | 78704 | $1,134-$1,315 | 630-950 | $1.55 | 1972 | RPM Living |
| 17 | Peaks at NW Hills | Northwest Hills | 78731 | $1,040-$1,230 | 554-906 | $1.55 | 1978 | RPM Living |
| 18 | Mueller Flats | Windsor Park | 78723 | $909-$1,389 | 504-920 | $1.61 | 1983 | Firmus Equity |
| 19 | Stoney Ridge | Galindo | 78704 | $1,010-$1,290 | 500-892 | $1.65 | 1984 | Churchill Forge |
| 20 | Silver Creek | Galindo | 78704 | $1,210-$1,575 | 723-959 | $1.66 | 1984 | Churchill Forge |
The Jordan at Mueller is managed by Foundation Communities and has income eligibility requirements. Contact them directly for qualification details.
Here’s what the data tells you.
The best raw value per square foot sits in Mueller/Windsor Park (78723) and Northwest Hills (78731). Both zones are 10-15 minutes from campus by car. Mueller has bus service via Routes 10 and 20, plus the new MetroRapid 800 line. Northwest Hills is a quick shot down Mopac or Bull Creek Road. So why aren’t more UT employees looking there? Mostly because “apartments near UT” searches send them to 78705 first, and they never look further.
The top 20 skews toward older construction (1970s-1980s). That’s expected. Older buildings have lower per-square-foot costs because they’ve long since paid off construction debt. But newer builds like Travis Flats (2021), Talavera Lofts (2020), Chalmers Courts South (2019), and Aldrich 51 (2017) also appear, which tells you the value story isn’t just “live in an old building.”
DMA Companies shows up three times in the top 10 (Talavera Lofts, Travis Flats, Aldrich 51). That management company consistently prices below the market average for the build quality they offer. Worth knowing.
If you’re a UT employee earning $50K-$70K and need to keep rent under $1,400/month, this top 20 is essentially your shortlist. Every community on it has units starting below that threshold.
Call me at 512-320-4599 if you want to narrow this list based on your specific income, move-in date, and any screening factors. I can tell you which of these communities are currently running concessions that push the effective rent even lower.
Best Deals by Neighborhood Zone
The top 20 ranking gives you the overall picture. But where you should actually live depends on how you commute to campus. Here’s the breakdown by zone, with commute times, transit access, and the top value picks in each area.
Hyde Park / North Loop / Brentwood (78751, 78756, 78757)
Commute to UT campus: 5-15 minutes by bike. 10-20 minutes by bus. 8-15 minutes by car.
Transit access: CapMetro Route 7 (Duval/Dove Springs) runs through Hyde Park and serves the UT campus directly. MetroRapid 801 along Lamar provides high-frequency service. Route 1 (North Lamar/South Congress) also serves this corridor.
Zone average: $2.05/sf (24 communities)
This is the sweet spot for UT employees who want to bike or bus to campus without paying downtown prices. Hyde Park and North Loop have a neighborhood feel that West Campus lacks entirely. Coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery stores are walkable. The Triangle shopping center sits at the intersection of Lamar and Guadalupe and anchors the retail options for this area. Our Central Austin apartment guide covers the full zone.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Flats | $899-$1,632 | 610-1,322 | $1.31 | 2021 | DMA Companies |
| Abbey Road | $899-$1,600 | 400-1,287 | $1.48 | 1978 | Rainier Properties |
| ATX North | $1,124-$1,369 | 600-828 | $1.75 | 1984 | Rainier Management |
| Flora | $929-$1,785 | 510-987 | $1.81 | 2019 | Equity Residential |
| Oak Park in Historic Hyde Park | $1,059-$1,645 | 397-858 | $1.91 | 1972 | Rainier Properties |
Travis Flats is the standout here. Built in 2021, managed by DMA Companies, and priced well below the zone average at $1.31/sf. It’s on Helen Street in North Loop with solid bus access on Route 7. Flora (2019, Equity Residential) is the newer option if you want more modern finishes and don’t mind paying a slight premium. Oak Park in Hyde Park is pure neighborhood charm: a 1972 property on Duval Street managed by Rainier, and it draws a professional crowd despite the affordable pricing.
Burnet Flats ($1,611-$2,285, 2014, Greystar) and Haus 5350 ($1,547-$2,068, 2010, AMLI) are the higher-end picks in Brentwood/Allandale if you want newer construction with more amenities. Both sit on Burnet Road with easy access to the 803 MetroRapid line.
Mueller / Windsor Park (78723)
Commute to UT campus: 10-15 minutes by car. 20-30 minutes by bus. Bikeable for committed cyclists (4-5 miles).
Transit access: Route 10 (South 1st/Red River) serves the Mueller area via Aldrich and Cameron. MetroRapid 800 (Pleasant Valley) connects Mueller to Slaughter Lane. Route 20 (Riverside) runs along Manor Road to campus. Service frequency varies by route.
Zone average: $2.10/sf (23 communities)
Mueller is a master-planned community built on the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport site. It has its own retail district, Thinkery children’s museum, parks, and a growing restaurant scene along Aldrich Street. Windsor Park to the east offers older, more affordable stock.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldrich 51 | $900-$1,400 | 524-1,201 | $1.33 | 2017 | DMA Companies |
| Mueller Place | $854-$1,140 | 430-946 | $1.45 | 1969 | Investres |
| The Lowell at Mueller | $1,011-$1,220 | 694-801 | $1.49 | 1969 | RPM Living |
| The Reserve at Springdale | $1,173-$1,627 | 696-1,152 | $1.52 | 2016 | AMP |
| Mueller Flats | $909-$1,389 | 504-920 | $1.61 | 1983 | Firmus Equity |
This zone delivers the best value for UT employees willing to drive 10-15 minutes. Good retail, parks, and a real neighborhood around it. Aldrich 51 is the top pick: 2017 construction, DMA management, and a price per square foot ($1.33) that beats most communities built 30 years earlier. The AMLI properties in Mueller (AMLI at Mueller, AMLI Branch Park, AMLI on Aldrich, AMLI North Park) run higher at $1.90-$2.30/sf but offer newer construction and AMLI’s amenity package if your budget allows it.
For UT employees earning $40-$55K who need to stay under $1,200/month, Mueller Place, Mueller Flats, Sage Hill, and The Lowell at Mueller all have units starting under $1,100. These are older buildings (1960s-1980s) without pools or fitness centers, but they’re solid, functional housing within a reasonable commute. For even more options at this price point, see our guide to Austin apartments under $1,000.
Northwest Hills (78731)
Commute to UT campus: 10-15 minutes by car via Mopac or Bull Creek Road. Limited bus service.
Transit access: Minimal. This is a car-dependent zone. Route 30 (Barton Creek/Bull Creek) has some coverage on the eastern edge.
Zone average: $1.77/sf (12 communities). Lowest average price per square foot of any zone.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acacia Cliffs | $761-$950 | 750-950 | $1.01 | 1974 | Price Realty |
| Greystone Flats | $1,060-$1,489 | 654-1,124 | $1.43 | 1974 | Sandalwood Management |
| Pointe 360 | $1,220-$1,540 | 753-1,072 | $1.51 | 1994 | Resprop Management |
| Peaks at NW Hills | $1,040-$1,230 | 554-906 | $1.55 | 1978 | RPM Living |
| The Ridge Apartments | $874-$1,229 | 450-813 | $1.67 | 1978 | BH Management |
Northwest Hills is where the math gets interesting. The zone average of $1.77/sf is almost half the cost of downtown ($3.41/sf). The trade-off is that you’re driving. There’s no real transit option here. But a UT employee at Acacia Cliffs paying $950/month plus a $204 Class A permit ($17/month) plus $120 in gas spends $1,087/month. Compare that to $2,200/month for a one-bedroom downtown. That’s $1,113/month in savings, $13,356 over a year.
Fair warning: the inventory here is almost entirely 1970s-1990s construction. Don’t expect granite counters or smart home features. But the units are large (750-1,100+ square feet for one-bedrooms at several properties), the area is quiet and mature with heavy tree cover, and the commute to campus on Mopac takes 10-12 minutes outside of rush hour.
Canyon Springs ($1,371-$2,322, 1997, Willow Bridge) and MAA Park Mesa ($1,750-$2,130, 1992, MAA) are the nicer options if you want a step up in finishes while staying in the zone.
East Austin (78702, 78722)
Commute to UT campus: 5-10 minutes by bike from western parts of 78702. 10-15 minutes by car from Govalle/Holly. Bus Route 20 (Manor Rd) connects to campus.
Transit access: Route 20 (Riverside) along Manor Road. Route 4 (7th Street). MetroRail Red Line at Plaza Saltillo station (limited weekday service).
Zone average: $2.58/sf (22 communities)
Ten years ago, there were almost no apartment communities in 78702. Now there are 22. Plaza Saltillo, Holly, and East Cesar Chavez all have mid-rise buildings that went up since 2014. Our full East Austin apartment guide covers the entire zone in detail. The western edge of 78702 (east of I-35) is genuinely bikeable to campus. Govalle and the eastern reaches require a car or bus.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talavera Lofts | $952-$1,407 | 650-1,328 | $1.19 | 2020 | DMA Companies |
| Chalmers Courts South | $1,062-$1,512 | 657-1,427 | $1.24 | 2019 | Carleton Companies |
| Elan East | $950-$1,600 | 505-1,232 | $1.47 | 2014 | Greystar |
| Volume | $778-$1,289 | 378-832 | $1.71 | 1964 | RPM Living |
| Nexus East | $1,379-$2,070 | 492-1,143 | $2.11 | 2020 | Greystar |
Talavera Lofts is the standout value: 2020 construction by DMA Companies at just $1.19/sf. Chalmers Courts South is also 2019 construction with large floor plans (up to 1,427 sf for a 4-bedroom). Elan East on Manor Road (Greystar, 2014) offers solid mid-range quality at $1.47/sf with direct access to the Route 20 bus line.
The premium picks in East Austin include Residences at Saltillo ($1,600-$3,200, 2019, Willow Bridge) right at the Plaza Saltillo MetroRail station, AMLI Eastside ($1,793-$4,666, 2007, AMLI), and The Arnold ($1,740-$2,792, 2018, Greystar). These buildings draw working adults, not students. Higher finishes, but you’re paying $2.50-$3.00+/sf for them.
South Austin / SoCo / Zilker (78704)
Commute to UT campus: 10-20 minutes by car via S. Congress, Lamar, or S. 1st. 15-25 minutes by bus. Bikeable from Zilker/Bouldin (2-3 miles).
Transit access: Route 1 (South Congress to campus). Route 10 (South 1st to Red River). MetroRapid 801 along South Congress. MetroRapid 803 along South Lamar.
Zone average: $2.39/sf (37 communities, the largest inventory zone)
78704 has the most apartment communities of any ZIP in this analysis. It stretches from Zilker and Bouldin Creek (walkable/bikeable to campus) south to Dawson, Galindo, and South Lamar (car or bus territory). A one-bedroom near Zilker runs $2,400+. That same floor plan in South Lamar starts around $1,200. Same ZIP code, completely different price.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathways at Goodrich Place | $1,061-$1,470 | 700-1,277 | $1.28 | 2019 | Atlantic Pacific |
| Establishment | $1,134-$1,315 | 630-950 | $1.55 | 1972 | RPM Living |
| Stoney Ridge | $1,010-$1,290 | 500-892 | $1.65 | 1984 | Churchill Forge |
| Silver Creek | $1,210-$1,575 | 723-959 | $1.66 | 1984 | Churchill Forge |
| Aria Grand | $1,199-$1,873 | 712-1,123 | $1.67 | 2019 | Accolade Property |
The South Lamar corridor offers the best balance of price and access in 78704. Retreat at Barton Creek ($1,199-$2,101, 1984, Avenue5), Mission James Place ($923-$1,539, 1983, RPM Living), Tides at South Lamar ($1,078-$1,439, 1983, Portico), and Tramor at Victory Place ($1,129-$1,345, 1983, Tramor) all cluster in the $1.55-$1.75/sf range with units starting under $1,200.
The Zilker/Bouldin Creek properties closer to campus (Coldwater, Lamar Union, Windsor South Lamar, Gibson Flats) run $2.40-$3.00/sf. You’re paying a premium for walkability/bikeability to campus and proximity to Barton Springs and Zilker Park. Whether that’s worth $500-$800/month more than South Lamar depends on how much you value your commute time.
Fifteen15 South Lamar ($1,785-$2,430, 2023, CalSTRS) is the newest large build in this zone. Good finishes, full gym, pool deck. But at $2.48/sf it sits well above the zone’s value picks.
Campus-Adjacent / Hancock (78705)
Commute to UT campus: Walking distance. 5-10 minutes by bike. Most communities in this ZIP are within 1 mile of central campus.
Transit access: You barely need it. UT shuttle system serves the campus area for free with a UT ID.
Zone average: $2.56/sf (8 communities)
This is the ZIP code most people think of when they search “apartments near UT.” And it’s the one most dominated by student housing. But a handful of communities here draw working professionals.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabina | $1,478-$3,059 | 549-1,386 | $2.34 | 2014 | CWS Apartments |
| The Hive Red River | $1,278-$2,040 | 389-920 | $2.53 | 1971 | M and A Real Estate |
| Marq Uptown | $1,788-$2,609 | 535-1,128 | $2.64 | 2016 | CWS Capital |
| Troubadour | $1,728-$3,590 | 437-1,360 | $2.96 | 2021 | Kairoi Residential |
| Aura Thirty2 | $1,925-$2,452 | 546-1,044 | $2.76 | 2020 | Avenue5 |
Sabina (2014, CWS) and Troubadour (2021, Kairoi) are the two I’d point UT employees toward first in this zone. Both sit on Harmon Avenue in the Hancock neighborhood, which is far enough north of West Campus to avoid the student party scene but still within a 10-minute walk to most campus buildings. Sabina has larger floor plans (up to 1,386 sf) and runs at a lower price/sf than most of its neighbors. Troubadour is newer with better finishes but costs more per square foot.
The Hive Red River (1971) on Red River Street offers the most affordable entry point in walking distance to campus. It’s an older property, but the location is excellent for anyone working at the main campus or Dell Medical School complex.
I’ll be direct: 78705 is not where I’d steer most UT employees unless walking to campus is a non-negotiable priority. Here’s why. You pay a 25-50% premium per square foot compared to Hyde Park (one neighborhood north) or Mueller (10 minutes east). That premium buys you proximity. Nothing else.
If you want to text me about which specific buildings in this zone have professional-resident vibes vs. student party energy, send me a message at 512-865-4672. I’ve toured every one of them.
West of Campus / Tarrytown (78703)
Commute to UT campus: 5-15 minutes by bike. 5-10 minutes by car. Walking distance from the eastern edge (near Mopac/5th Street).
Transit access: Limited. No high-frequency bus service in this zone. This is primarily a drive or bike area.
Zone average: $3.16/sf (10 communities)
78703 is the premium zone west of campus. Properties here sit between Mopac and Lamar, with some backing up to Lady Bird Lake. The quality is high. The prices match.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressler Apartments | $1,830-$2,758 | 697-1,236 | $2.37 | 2009 | Greystar |
| 5th Street Commons | $1,473-$2,796 | 591-1,097 | $2.53 | 2009 | Greystar |
| The Clark | $1,421-$5,649 | 525-2,037 | $2.76 | 2018 | CWS Capital |
| AMLI 300 | $1,867-$3,500 | 533-1,207 | $3.08 | 2008 | AMLI Management |
| Gables Park Plaza | $1,851-$5,000 | 620-1,121 | $3.94 | 2009 | Clarion Partners |
Pressler Apartments is the value leader in 78703 at $2.37/sf. Greystar management, 2009 construction, good floor plans. It’s on Pressler Street near 6th and Mopac, which puts it about a 12-minute walk to the western edge of campus. 5th Street Commons (also Greystar, also 2009) offers a similar value at $2.53/sf.
The Boulevard at Town Lake ($2,271-$3,039, 1995, Greystar) sits on Lake Austin Blvd with hike-and-bike trail access. Gables Park Tower ($2,538-$5,676, 2014, Clarion) is the high-rise luxury option overlooking Lady Bird Lake.
This zone makes sense for UT employees with household incomes above $100K who want a short bike commute and don’t mind paying for it. Below that income, you’re getting more square footage and better value in Hyde Park or Mueller.
Downtown / Rainey Street (78701)
Commute to UT campus: 5-15 minutes by bike. 10-15 minutes walking from the northern edge. 5-10 minutes by car (but parking still applies).
Transit access: Excellent. Multiple CapMetro routes converge downtown. UT shuttle accessible from northern downtown.
Zone average: $3.41/sf (24 communities). Highest average price per square foot of any zone.
| Community | Rent Range | Sq Ft Range | $/SF | Year Built | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elle West Ave | $1,570-$5,081 | 527-2,103 | $2.53 | 2001 | ZRS Management |
| Windsor on the Lake | $1,810-$3,410 | 821-1,237 | $2.54 | 2008 | Windsor Communities |
| Ashton Austin | $2,516-$3,907 | 940-1,525 | $2.61 | 2009 | Greystar |
| The Beverly at Medical Center | $2,209-$2,984 | 819-1,148 | $2.64 | 2008 | RPM Living |
| AMLI Downtown | $2,348-$3,419 | 874-1,281 | $2.68 | 2004 | AMLI Management |
Downtown is the most expensive zone, and there’s no way around it. But there are a few angles that make it work for specific UT employees.
The Beverly at Medical Center sits at 901 Red River Street, which puts it within walking distance of the Dell Medical School campus. If you work at Dell Med and want to eliminate your commute entirely, this is one of the shortest walks in the dataset. It’s RPM Living, 2008 construction, and at $2.64/sf it’s actually not the most expensive option downtown.
Alexan Waterloo ($1,545-$6,412, 2021, Hanover) and The Waller ($1,630-$4,558, 2022, Greystar) both sit in the Medical District with starting rents in the mid-$1,500s for studios. The price/sf is higher ($3.00-$3.72), but if you’re Dell Med faculty working odd shifts, the zero-commute value is real.
Elle West Ave is the value play downtown: 2001 construction at $2.53/sf with studios starting at $1,570 in the Market District. It’s the rare downtown community where you can get a one-bedroom under $2,000.
For most UT employees, downtown only makes financial sense if you’re eliminating both a car payment and a parking permit. Otherwise, the same budget gets you twice the space in Hyde Park or Mueller.
What UT Employees Should Know About the Application Process
Apartments qualify tenants on base (listed) rent, not net effective rent after concessions. If a community lists rent at $1,800/month and offers 6 weeks free, you still need to qualify at $1,800/month. That means 3x income of $5,400/month gross, or $64,800 annually. The concession lowers your actual payments but doesn’t change the qualification threshold.
For UT employees relocating to Austin, the biggest hurdle is often timing. You have an offer letter but no Austin paystubs. Here’s what I tell clients in that situation: most major management companies accept offer letters as income verification for new hires. AMLI, Greystar, Kairoi, CWS, Willow Bridge, and Lincoln all generally accept offer letters with a start date and salary. Some smaller management companies require 30-60 days of actual paystubs. If you’re targeting one of those, you may need a co-signer or third-party guarantee as a bridge.
For UT employees with screening complications (low credit, broken lease, eviction history, background issues), your options narrow but they don’t disappear. I know which management companies in every one of these ZIP codes do genuine case-by-case review vs. auto-decline. That’s the core of what I do. See our full second chance apartments page for how the process works, or call me at 512-320-4599 and I can match you to communities that will actually approve your application.
Income qualification varies by position. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| UT Position Category | Approximate Salary Range | Monthly Gross | Max Rent at 3x Income | Approximate # of Communities (out of 160) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custodial / Facilities | $32,000-$42,000 | $2,667-$3,500 | $889-$1,167 | 15-20 |
| Administrative Support | $40,000-$55,000 | $3,333-$4,583 | $1,111-$1,528 | 40-60 |
| Technical / IT Staff | $55,000-$85,000 | $4,583-$7,083 | $1,528-$2,361 | 80-120 |
| Mid-Career Researcher | $70,000-$110,000 | $5,833-$9,167 | $1,944-$3,056 | 120-145 |
| Senior Faculty / Administration | $110,000-$180,000+ | $9,167-$15,000+ | $3,056-$5,000+ | 150-160 (essentially all) |
Some communities waive income verification entirely for credit scores above 600. Others offer asset-based qualification where bank statements showing 6-12 months of rent in reserves substitutes for income documentation. These policies vary by management company and property. If your situation doesn’t fit the standard 3x income model, reach out and I’ll match you with communities that qualify tenants differently. For a deeper look at how much rent you can afford based on your income, see our calculator.
UT Austin is also listed on our employer discounts page. Some Austin apartment communities offer preferred pricing, reduced deposits, or waived fees for employees at major local employers including UT. Ask me which communities in your target zone are currently participating.
Mistakes I See UT Employees Make When Apartment Hunting
Comparing Rent Without Factoring Parking and Commute Costs
I covered this above, but it’s worth repeating because it’s the most common mistake. A $1,200/month apartment in Cedar Park with a $59/month garage permit, $150/month in fuel, and 45 minutes each way in traffic costs $1,409/month. That’s not much less than a $1,500/month apartment in Hyde Park that you bike from in 8 minutes with zero parking and fuel costs. Run the total monthly number before you make a decision.
Ignoring Net Effective Rent
Two communities list rent at $1,800/month. One offers 2 months free on a 12-month lease. The other offers nothing. The first community’s net effective rent is $1,500/month. That’s $300/month cheaper for the same listed price. I track which communities are running concessions across Austin daily. If you’re comparing sticker prices, you’re comparing the wrong numbers.
Applying to Student-Dominated Buildings
Not every building in 78705 or 78751 is a student complex. But some are. A UT professor who signs a lease at a building where 80% of residents are undergrads will have a very different living experience than one who picks a professional-resident community a few blocks away. I’ve toured these buildings. I know which ones are which. It’s not something you can figure out from a listing page.
Not Negotiating When the Market Favors Renters
Austin’s vacancy rates are elevated right now. CoStar data puts Austin at 14% vacancy as of early 2026, and roughly half of properties are offering some form of concession. That means renters have negotiating power they haven’t had since 2019. If a leasing agent says “that’s our best offer,” it sometimes isn’t. A locator can tell you whether there’s room to push, because I know what the community offered my last client two weeks ago. For more on Austin’s rental market correction and what it means for your costs, see our 2026 cost of living breakdown.
Skipping the Locator Because Your Credit Is Clean
Here’s my honest take: if you have a 720 credit score, clean rental history, and you already know you want Hyde Park, you can handle this yourself. Tour a few places and pick one.
But most UT employees aren’t in that exact situation. You’re relocating from Michigan with no local rental history. You’re a post-doc on a limited income trying to maximize square footage. You have a divorce on your record that left a broken lease from 2022. You’re starting in August and every building you call is either full or giving you the runaround.
My service is free. The apartment community pays my referral fee from their marketing budget. Your rent is identical whether you use me or apply directly. I’m not asking you to pay for help. I’m asking you to stop spending weekends touring 15 properties when I can narrow it to 3 based on your actual situation.
Apartments Near UT Austin for Faculty and Staff: FAQ
Does UT Austin offer faculty housing?
Yes. UT acquired the Boulevard apartments specifically for faculty housing in 2022, announced by President Jay Hartzell. The roughly 250-unit complex has been transitioning to faculty use as existing residents move out. Contact UT’s Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for current availability and eligibility. For staff and other employees who don’t qualify for university-owned housing, the private apartment market covered in this article is the primary option.
Do any Austin apartments offer discounts for UT employees?
Some do. UT Austin is listed as a preferred employer at select Austin apartment communities. Discounts can include reduced rent, waived application or admin fees, or lower security deposits. The specific communities and offers rotate, so the best way to find current deals is to contact me directly. I maintain an employer discounts page and track which properties are currently offering preferred pricing for UT employees.
What’s the average rent near UT campus?
It depends entirely on which zone you’re looking at. Campus-adjacent (78705) averages $2.56/sf, which puts a 750-square-foot one-bedroom around $1,920/month. Hyde Park/North Loop (78751) averages $2.05/sf, so that same 750 square feet costs about $1,538. Northwest Hills (78731) averages $1.77/sf, or roughly $1,328 for 750 square feet. The sticker rent means nothing without the square footage context.
Can UT post-docs afford apartments near campus?
It’s tight but possible. A post-doctoral researcher earning $55,000-$65,000 ($4,583-$5,417/month gross) qualifies at 3x income for $1,528-$1,806/month. That prices you out of most campus-adjacent buildings but opens up solid options in Hyde Park (Travis Flats starts at $899, Flora starts at $929), Mueller (Aldrich 51 starts at $900), and East Austin (Elan East starts at $950, Talavera Lofts starts at $952). You’re not stuck in the suburbs.
Is it worth living walking distance from UT?
Only if you’ve done the math. Walking distance to campus (78705, parts of 78701) averages $2.56-$3.41/sf. A one-bedroom that costs $1,900/month walking distance might cost $1,300/month in Mueller or Northwest Hills, plus $204/year for a Class A parking permit and gas. Run the total monthly cost for both scenarios with your actual numbers before deciding.
Which neighborhoods are best for biking to UT?
Hyde Park, North Loop, Hancock, and the western edge of East Austin (west of Airport Blvd) are all within a 5-15 minute bike ride to campus. The infrastructure is decent on Speedway, Duval, and the Rio Grande protected lane. Bouldin Creek and Zilker are bikeable too (2-3 miles south), though the route involves crossing the river on S. Congress, Lamar, or 1st Street bridges.
Do I need a car if I work at UT?
Not necessarily. UT employees get free CapMetro rides with a valid UT ID. If you live along the Route 1 (North Lamar/South Congress), Route 7 (Duval/Dove Springs), or MetroRapid 801/803 corridors, you can commute to campus without a car. Living car-free in Hyde Park, North Loop, or parts of East Austin is realistic. Northwest Hills, Mueller, and South Lamar are harder without a vehicle because bus frequency drops.
Are there apartments specifically near Dell Medical School?
Dell Medical School sits on the eastern edge of main campus near Red River and 15th Street. Closest apartment? The Beverly at Medical Center (901 Red River, $2,209-$2,984). Alexan Waterloo (700 E 11th, $1,545-$6,412) and The Waller (1104 Sabine, $1,630-$4,558) are also short walks. And for Dell Med staff working irregular shifts, a walking-distance apartment eliminates the parking headache entirely.
What’s the best time to move if I’m starting at UT in the fall?
Start looking in April or May for an August move-in. The general Austin market is softer in fall and winter (October through February offers the best concessions), but UT’s hiring cycle means many employees need August occupancy. Signing a lease in May or June for August move-in gives you the best selection before other fall hires take the inventory. If your start date is flexible and you can push to October or later, you’ll find better deals.
How do rental concessions work?
A concession is a discount applied to your lease, usually structured as free rent weeks. A community offering “6 weeks free on a 12-month lease” divides those 6 weeks of rent savings across all 12 months. So $1,800/month listed rent with 6 weeks free becomes roughly $1,575/month in actual payments ($1,800 x 10.5 months, divided by 12). You still qualify at the full $1,800, but you pay the lower amount. I track current concessions across Austin daily. Some communities are offering 8-12 weeks free right now.
Can a locator help UT employees find apartments?
That’s specifically what I do. My service is free to renters. The apartment community pays my referral fee from their advertising budget. Your rent is the same whether you work with me or apply on your own. I specialize in matching renters to communities based on their income, screening profile, commute needs, and timing. For UT employees, I can narrow 160 communities down to 3-5 that fit your exact situation in one phone call.
What if I have a broken lease or low credit as a UT employee?
Your UT employment is actually an asset in this situation. Steady income from a major employer helps offset screening issues. I know which management companies in every ZIP code near campus do case-by-case review on broken leases, which ones accept credit scores below 600, and which ones require third-party guarantees for rental history issues. A UT employee with a 580 credit score and a broken lease from 2023 has more options than they probably think. Call me at 512-320-4599 and I’ll walk you through what’s realistic.
Making the Right Call on Your UT Apartment
The closest apartment to campus isn’t automatically the best deal. Neither is the cheapest rent. The right answer depends on your commute mode, your parking situation, your income tier, and what you’re actually optimizing for.
UT employees have real options across a wide price range. Northwest Hills delivers the lowest average cost per square foot at $1.77/sf. Mueller and Hyde Park/North Loop hit the sweet spot between value and actually wanting to live there ($2.05-$2.10/sf, walkable retail, bus access to campus). Campus-adjacent and downtown cost more per square foot, but they eliminate parking and fuel costs that can add $200-$400/month.
Run the total cost. Not just rent. Rent plus parking plus fuel plus time. That’s the number that actually matters.
Need help narrowing down the list? Start here with a quick form, or call me directly at 512-320-4599. I’ll match you with the 3-5 communities that fit your income, commute, and timeline. My service is free to you. The apartment community pays my fee from their marketing budget. Your rent is the same whether you use me or not.
