You search “best apartments near Apple Austin” and the top results give you four communities with sticker prices. Maybe a comparison table. No analysis of what you’ll actually pay after concessions. No breakdown by budget. No mention that the apartment advertising $1,924 a month actually costs $1,523 when you spread the 2.5 months of free rent across your lease.
That’s what you’re getting from other locator sites right now. Four picks, sticker prices, and a “contact us” button.
I’ve profiled 16 apartment communities within commuting distance of Apple’s two Parmer Lane campuses and ranked every one of them by net effective rent per square foot. Not sticker price. Not what’s on the website. What you’ll actually pay each month once concessions are factored in.
Here’s why that matters: I track concessions and pricing across a large swath of Austin apartment communities. Right now, the North Austin rental market is oversupplied. Properties are throwing 6 to 10 weeks of free rent at anyone who signs a 12 month lease. Some are stacking gift cards on top of that. The rankings shift when you do that math, and communities that look expensive at face value become midrange deals. Communities running zero specials drop in the standings despite lower sticker prices.
This is the analysis nobody else is doing for Apple employees. And it changes which apartment you should pick.
Apple’s Austin Campuses: Where You’re Actually Driving To
Apple operates two campuses on West Parmer Lane in Northwest Austin. The original complex sits at 5501 W Parmer Lane (78727), and the newer $1 billion campus is at 6900 W Parmer Lane (78729). Over 10,000 employees work across the two sites.
The detail that matters for your apartment search: Apple requires three days a week in office. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and one additional day your team picks. Apple is stricter about this than most Austin tech companies. So commute proximity isn’t a nice to have. Three days a week of driving is enough to care about the difference between a 7 minute commute and a 25 minute one.
One thing working in your favor: Apple’s campus sits off MoPac and US 183, not I-35. That matters more than most people realize. I-35 through Austin is a nightmare at rush hour. MoPac and 183 have their moments, but they’re faster corridors overall, and the 183 North Mobility Project that opened northbound express lanes in January 2026 eliminated a major bottleneck. If you’re coming from Cedar Park or Leander, the 183A Phase III toll extension (opened April 2025) further improved that route. Those two infrastructure changes made Cedar Park and Leander much more realistic as daily commute options to Apple.
Apple isn’t alone out here, either. Parmer Lane is the tech employment spine of North Austin. IBM, Oracle, eBay, PayPal, 3M, Samsung, and Dell all have offices within a few miles. There are 70+ apartment communities within a 10 to 15 minute drive of Apple’s campus. I profiled 16 of the best options and ranked them by actual value. The communities span several distinct submarkets: Arboretum, Northwest Austin, Wells Branch, North Burnet, Cedar Park, and Round Rock. I’ll break those down after the rankings.
How I Ranked These: Net Effective Rent, Not Sticker Price
Most apartment search sites show you the advertised rent and sort by distance. That made sense when communities were charging what they listed. It doesn’t make sense right now.
The North Austin and Northwest submarkets are sitting on elevated vacancy. Properties built in 2023 and 2024 are still leasing up. The result is aggressive concessions: free months, waived deposits, gift cards, look and lease bonuses. Fourteen of the 16 communities I profiled for this article are running some form of concession right now.
Here’s the catch: concessions distort the comparison. A community advertising $1,924 per month with 2.5 months free on a 12 month lease has a net effective rent of $1,523. That’s $401 less per month than the sticker price, and $4,810 in savings over the lease. Meanwhile, a community advertising $1,527 with zero concessions costs exactly $1,527. The first one looks more expensive. It’s actually cheaper.
The math:
Net Effective Rent = (Months You Pay ÷ Lease Term) × Monthly Rent
For communities offering gift cards on top of free months, I calculate a “fully effective rent” that spreads the gift card value across the lease too. You can run your own numbers with our net effective rent calculator.
Three examples from the list:
| Community | Advertised Midpoint | Listed $/Sqft | Months Free | Net Effective Rent | NER $/Sqft | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia Scofield Ridge | $1,924 | $2.33 | 2.5 | $1,523 | $1.84 | $4,810 |
| Stone Oak at Parmer | $1,571 | $1.40 | 2.5 | $1,244 | $1.11 | $3,928 |
| The Monterra | $1,527 | $1.67 | 0 | $1,527 | $1.67 | $0 |
Magnolia Scofield Ridge advertises at $2.33 per square foot. After concessions, it’s $1.84. Stone Oak starts at $1.40 and drops to $1.11. The Monterra sits at $1.67 either way because there’s no special. If you’re comparing on Apartments.com, Magnolia looks like the most expensive of the three. It’s actually cheaper than The Monterra.
So I rank by net effective rent per square foot. It’s the only honest way to compare.
One warning about concessions: most of these deals require you to complete the full lease term. If you break a 12 month lease at month 8, the community can claw back the prorated value of those free months. Someone who got 2.5 months free on a $1,924 apartment and leaves early could owe $4,000+ on top of early termination fees. Concessions are real savings, but only if you stay the full term. If there’s any chance you’ll need to break your lease (another transfer, life change, buying a house), factor that into which deal you take. Shorter concession periods mean less clawback risk.
The Complete Rankings: 16 Communities Near Apple, Ranked by Actual Value
Every community I profiled, ranked from best value (#1) to highest cost per square foot (#16). All pricing is current as of June 2026.
| Rank | Community | Class | Listed $/Sqft | Months Free | NER $/Sqft | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stone Oak at Parmer | B+ | $1.40 | 2.5 | $1.11 | $1,062-$2,080 |
| 2 | Preserve at Rolling Oaks | B+ | $1.51 | 2.5 | $1.19 | $965-$2,245 |
| 3 | Legends Lake Creek | B+ | $1.43 | 1.5 | $1.25 | $958-$2,190 |
| 4 | Oakville | B- | $1.56 | 1.5 | $1.37 | $1,110-$2,390 |
| 5 | 33Hundred | A- | $1.50 | 1.0 | $1.37 | $1,039-$2,105 |
| 6 | The Royce at 8100 | A | $1.71 | 2.0 | $1.42 | $1,183-$1,906 |
| 7 | The Asher | A | $1.95 | 2.8 | $1.50 | $1,262-$3,493 |
| 8 | The Wyatt | A | $1.99 | 2.3 + $1K GC | $1.53 | $1,391-$2,788 |
| 9 | Lenox Grand | A | $1.88 | 2.0 | $1.56 | $1,179-$2,449 |
| 10 | Highline | A | $1.92 | 2.0 | $1.60 | $1,274-$2,499 |
| 11 | The Monterra | A- | $1.67 | 0 | $1.67 | $1,012-$2,042 |
| 12 | Griffis Lakeline Station | B | $1.68 | 0 | $1.68 | $1,010-$2,570 |
| 13 | Aspire North Austin | A | $1.72 | 0 | $1.72 | $1,495-$2,195 |
| 14 | Magnolia Scofield Ridge | A | $2.33 | 2.5 | $1.84 | $1,349-$2,499 |
| 15 | The Edition | A | $2.24 | 2.0 | $1.86 | $1,379-$2,904 |
| 16 | The Mia | A | $2.75 | 2.5 + $2.5K GC | $1.97 | $1,587-$3,967 |
A few things jump out. The top five are all B+/B- or A- class properties built between 2000 and 2015. Four of the five have been renovated. They aren’t new construction, but they offer real square footage for the money. The Royce at 8100 (#6) is the first Class A community on the list, and it only gets there because 2 months of free rent drops it from $1.71 to $1.42 per square foot.
The three communities running zero concessions (The Monterra, Griffis Lakeline Station, Aspire North Austin) all rank in the bottom half despite having moderate sticker prices. No special means no value shift. In this market, that’s a competitive disadvantage.
And then there’s The Mia at #16. It’s offering 2.5 months free AND a $2,500 gift card, which sounds incredible. But even after all of that, it still nets to $1.97 per square foot because the base rent is so high. Big concessions don’t always mean best deal.
Value Tier: 5 Communities Under $1.40/Sqft (Ranks 1-5)
All five were built between 2000 and 2015, four of them renovated since. Older construction, no rooftop infinity pools, and finishes that aren’t going to show up on your Instagram. But they offer serious square footage for the money, and every one of them is running aggressive concessions right now.
What does B+/B class actually feel like when you walk in? The renovations replaced countertops, fixtures, and flooring, but the cabinet boxes and layout are original. HVAC systems are builder grade. Walls are thinner than new construction, so you’ll hear your neighbors more. Common areas are functional, not designed. If you’ve been living in a newer Bay Area apartment, the finish quality will feel like a step down. But the square footage will feel like a step up.
One cost to factor in: older buildings run higher utility bills. A 2001 property with standard insulation and older HVAC can cost $100 to $200 more per month in electricity during Austin summers compared to 2024 construction with Energy Star appliances and modern insulation. That narrows the value gap between this tier and the midrange tier. At Stone Oak ($1,244 NER) plus $150 in summer utilities, you’re looking at closer to $1,400 total. Still cheaper than most Class A options, but the gap is smaller than the rent numbers alone suggest.
Even accounting for utilities, this tier still delivers the lowest total housing cost near Apple. If you’d rather put the savings toward paying down debt, investing, or just having a bigger financial cushion while you settle into Austin, these five communities are where the numbers make the most sense.
| Community | Class | NER/Month | NER $/Sqft | Annual Savings | Built/Reno |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Oak at Parmer | B+ | $1,244 | $1.11 | $3,928 | 2001/2017 |
| Preserve at Rolling Oaks | B+ | $1,271 | $1.19 | $4,012 | 2001/2018 |
| Legends Lake Creek | B+ | $1,377 | $1.25 | $2,361 | 2000/2018 |
| Oakville | B- | $1,531 | $1.37 | $2,625 | 2000/2010 |
| 33Hundred | A- | $1,441 | $1.37 | $1,572 | 2015 |
Stone Oak at Parmer (#1) · 5400 W Parmer Ln, Arboretum. B+, built 2001, renovated 2017. 1-3 BR, 648-1,595 sqft, $1,062-$2,080. Currently offering 2.5 months free on a 12 month lease. Net effective: $1,244/mo ($1.11/sqft). This community is literally across the street from Apple’s Parmer Lane campus. Shortest commute on the list by a wide margin. The renovation is solid but not flashy. If proximity to work is your top priority and you don’t need brand new finishes, this is the best value near Apple. Period. Rating: 3.1.
Preserve at Rolling Oaks (#2) · 15450 FM 1325, Wells Branch. B+, built 2001, renovated 2018. 1-3 BR, 692-1,436 sqft, $965-$2,245. Running 2.5 months free. Net effective: $1,271/mo ($1.19/sqft). Farther out in Wells Branch, so you’re looking at a 12 to 18 minute drive to Apple depending on traffic. But the savings are real: $4,012 over a 12 month lease compared to sticker price. Good square footage, especially in the two and three bedroom layouts. Rating: 3.8.
Legends Lake Creek (#3) · 10015 Lake Creek Pkwy, Northwest. B+, built 2000, renovated 2018. 1-3 BR, 668-1,530 sqft, $958-$2,190. Has 1.5 months free on the table. Net effective: $1,377/mo ($1.25/sqft). Lake Creek Parkway puts you about 10 minutes from Apple with decent access to 183 and MoPac. Good spot if you want to be near Lakeline Mall and the 620 corridor. Smaller concession than #1 and #2, but the base rent is lower to begin with. Rating: 2.6.
Oakville (#4) · 7011 W Parmer Ln, Northwest. B-, built 2000, renovated 2010. 1-4 BR, 650-1,592 sqft, $1,110-$2,390. The deal right now: 1.5 months free plus no deposit. Net effective: $1,531/mo ($1.37/sqft). Fair warning: this is the oldest renovation on the list (2010), and the B- class rating reflects that. But it’s directly on Parmer Lane, the four bedroom options are rare in this market, and the no deposit perk helps with upfront costs. If you’ve got a larger household and need bedrooms over finishes, take a look. Rating: 3.4.
33Hundred (#5) · 3300 Wells Branch Pkwy, Wells Branch. A-, built 2015. 1-3 BR, 623-1,474 sqft, $1,039-$2,105. Running 1 month free on two bedrooms with waived app fees on the other layouts. Net effective: $1,441/mo ($1.37/sqft). The sleeper pick in this tier. It’s the newest property in this group by over a decade, it’s an A- class, and it carries a 4.1 rating. The concession is smaller (1 month free), but the base quality is a clear step above the other four. Best overall pick in the value tier if you don’t need to be right on Parmer Lane. For more options in this area, see our full North Austin apartments guide. Rating: 4.1.
Want to know which specials on this list are actually available right now? Not what was posted three months ago. Call me at 512-320-4599 or text 512-865-4672.
Midrange Tier: 5 Communities at $1.42-$1.60/Sqft (Ranks 6-10)
The sweet spot. Every community in this tier is Class A, and three of them (Royce, Lenox Grand, Highline) only land here because aggressive concessions drag their effective cost down from the premium range. You get modern finishes, strong amenity packages, and buildings from 2016 to 2024. For most Apple employees, this tier hits the right balance between quality and cost.
What does Class A feel like compared to the value tier? Solid core doors, better soundproofing, quartz or granite countertops that were specced by a designer rather than a renovation contractor. In unit washers and dryers are standard. Common areas have coworking lounges, pools that are actually maintained, and fitness centers with equipment newer than 2015. The 2023 and 2024 builds (Asher, Wyatt, Lenox Grand) have the tightest construction with modern insulation, which keeps utility costs noticeably lower than the B+ properties above.
The Royce at 8100 (#6) · 8100 Anderson Mill Rd, Northwest. A, built 2016. 1-2 BR, 624-1,186 sqft, $1,183-$1,906. Running 2 months free. Net effective: $1,287/mo ($1.42/sqft). Entry point to Class A near Apple. Solid build quality, good location off Anderson Mill, and the 2 months of free rent drops it below several B+ communities on a per square foot basis. Only goes up to two bedrooms. Rating: 4.3.
The Asher (#7) · 13460 Lyndhurst St, Cedar Park. A, built 2023. 1-3 BR, 676-1,763 sqft, $1,262-$3,493. Up to 12 weeks free right now on select floor plans. Net effective: $1,829/mo ($1.50/sqft). Cedar Park address, but the commute to Apple is still 12 to 15 minutes. One of the newest builds on the list, and the floor plans are the largest — the three bedroom layouts go up to 1,763 square feet, which is hard to find in apartment construction. Rating: 4.5. One of the highest rated communities on this entire list.
The Wyatt (#8) · 7501 Pearson Ranch Rd, Round Rock. A, built 2024. 1-3 BR, 677-1,420 sqft, $1,391-$2,788. Currently offering 10 weeks free plus a $1,000 gift card if you apply within 48 hours of touring (look and lease special). Fully effective rent: $1,604/mo ($1.53/sqft). Brand new construction right at Pearson Ranch, which is the massive mixed use development going in near Apple’s newer campus. About the look and lease deal: these are pressure specials designed to get you to commit on the spot. The 48 hour window is real, and the deal is usually better than the standard concession. But don’t tour this one casually. Do your research first, know your budget, and show up ready to apply if you like what you see. If the 48 hour window feels uncomfortable, ask whether the standard concession (without the gift card) is still available. Most of the time, it is.
Lenox Grand (#9) · 13505 Burnet Rd, North. A, built 2023. 1-3 BR, 528-1,406 sqft, $1,179-$2,449. Two months free on this one. Net effective: $1,512/mo ($1.56/sqft). Burnet Road location gives you easy access to the restaurant and bar scene heading south toward The Domain and North Loop. The 2 months free drop this from $1.88/sqft to $1.56, which is a significant value shift. Studios start small (528 sqft), but the larger layouts are competitive. Rating: 4.5.
Highline (#10) · 13201 Legendary Dr, Arboretum. A, built 2016. 1-3 BR, 668-1,299 sqft, $1,274-$2,499. Two months free right now, plus a possible look and lease bonus. Net effective: $1,572/mo ($1.60/sqft). Legendary Drive is the Arboretum’s apartment row, and Highline shares the block with The Monterra (#11). Here’s where the contrarian math matters most: Highline and The Monterra are in the same submarket with essentially the same commute to Apple. Highline is two years newer (2016 vs. 2014) and runs 2 months free. The Monterra runs zero concessions. The result? Highline nets to $1.60/sqft while The Monterra sits at $1.67. On a comparable 1,000 square foot unit, that’s roughly $70 a month in Highline’s favor, or about $840 over your lease. And you’re in a newer building. Same neighborhood, similar commute, better value. Five minutes of comparing specials pays for itself. Rating: 3.5.
Premium Tier: 6 Communities at $1.67-$1.97/Sqft (Ranks 11-16)
Two things about this tier. First, three of these communities (Magnolia Scofield Ridge, The Edition, The Mia) are 2024 new construction running large concessions. They’re expensive even after the specials because their base rents are high. They’re leasing up new inventory, and big concessions are part of that process.
Second, the other three (The Monterra, Griffis Lakeline Station, Aspire North Austin) land here despite having lower advertised rents because they’re running zero concessions. When every other community on this list is giving away free months, charging full price puts you at a competitive disadvantage in these rankings.
The Monterra (#11) · 13401 Legendary Dr, Arboretum. A-, built 2014. 1-3 BR, 592-1,238 sqft, $1,012-$2,042. No concessions. NER: $1,527/mo ($1.67/sqft). Solid Arboretum location, and the 4.1 rating suggests residents are happy. But in a market where the property next door is offering 2 months free, paying full price here means you’re getting less square footage per dollar than Highline, and in an older building. You’re paying for stability (established community, consistent management), not for a deal.
Griffis Lakeline Station (#12) · 13425 N FM 620, Northwest. B, built 2001, renovated 2016. 1-3 BR, 692-1,436 sqft, $1,010-$2,570. No concessions. NER: $1,790/mo ($1.68/sqft). A B class community from 2001 with a 2016 renovation charging $1.68/sqft with no specials. By comparison, Lenox Grand (#9) is a Class A built in 2023 running at $1.56/sqft after concessions. I’d have a hard time recommending Griffis over that unless you specifically want the FM 620 location near Lakeline Station for CapMetro rail access. Rating: 4.0.
Aspire North Austin (#13) · 13130 Pond Springs Rd, Northwest. A, built 2019. 1-3 BR, 775-1,369 sqft, $1,495-$2,195. No months free. They’ll waive your security deposit with a 700+ credit score, which is nice but doesn’t change the monthly cost. NER: $1,845/mo ($1.72/sqft). Good property, but the lack of concessions makes it hard to justify when Class A communities with comparable finishes are running 2 months free a few miles away. Rating: 3.6.
Magnolia Scofield Ridge (#14) · 3100 Scofield Ridge Pkwy, North. A, built 2024. Studios to 2 BR, 540-1,113 sqft, $1,349-$2,499. Advertising 2.5 months free. Net effective: $1,523/mo ($1.84/sqft). Brand new construction at the top of Scofield Ridge. The 2.5 months free sounds great, but the base rent is high enough that even after concessions, you’re paying more per square foot than 13 other communities on this list. Smaller layouts (studios and two bedrooms only, no three bedrooms). No published rating yet.
The Edition (#15) · 12489 Research Blvd, Arboretum. A, built 2024. Studios to 3 BR, 490-1,424 sqft, $1,379-$2,904. Running 2 months free. Net effective: $1,785/mo ($1.86/sqft). Another 2024 build still leasing up. Research Blvd (183) location gives you highway access but the corridor can be noisy. The studio layouts start at just 490 square feet, which is tight. If you’re looking at the larger floor plans, the per square foot cost becomes more reasonable. No published rating yet.
The Mia (#16) · 14305 Tandem Blvd, Wells Branch. A, built 2024. Studios to 3 BR, 492-1,526 sqft, $1,587-$3,967. The deal: 2.5 months free plus a $2,500 gift card (expires 8/27/2026). Fully effective rent: $1,990/mo ($1.97/sqft). The Mia is running the largest total concession package on this list, and it’s still the most expensive per square foot. Shows you how high the base rents are. The $2,500 gift card is a real perk if you need it for upfront costs, but don’t let it distract from the monthly number. Premium product, priced like one. No published rating yet.
Honest truth about this tier and this whole article: if you have a 700+ credit score, W-2 income that clears 3x rent, and no screening issues, you can walk into any of these 16 communities and apply yourself. The listings are public. But you won’t know which of these specials are actually available today versus stale website copy. You won’t know if the community will negotiate further on an already aggressive concession. And every application you submit to a property that declines you is $50-$75 you don’t get back.
My service costs you nothing. The apartment community pays me from the same marketing budget they’d spend on Zillow or Apartments.com ads. Your rent is identical whether you use me or not. So the real question isn’t whether you can do this yourself. It’s whether you want to leave money on the table.
Got questions about any of these 16 communities? Call 512-320-4599 or text 512-865-4672. I’ve personally toured hundreds of apartments across North Austin. The worst I can say is I don’t know, and that almost never happens.
Which Direction From Apple Should You Live?
The 16 communities on this list span five distinct submarkets. Different commutes, different price points, different lifestyles.
| Submarket | Communities | Drive to Apple | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arboretum / 78729 | Stone Oak, Highline, Monterra, Edition | 5-10 min | Established tech corridor, walkable retail near Domain | Shortest commute, proximity to shopping and restaurants |
| Northwest Austin | Aspire, Royce, Legends Lake Creek, Oakville, Griffis Lakeline | 10-15 min | Suburban residential, quieter | Families, value seekers, CapMetro rail access at Lakeline and Howard stations |
| North / Burnet Corridor | Lenox Grand, Magnolia Scofield Ridge | 10-15 min | Transitional, more urban feel developing | Burnet Road dining and nightlife, Domain access |
| Wells Branch | The Mia, Preserve at Rolling Oaks, 33Hundred | 12-18 min | Newer development, suburban | New construction, aggressive concessions |
| Cedar Park / Round Rock | The Asher, The Wyatt | 15-20 min (Cedar Park), 20-30 min (Round Rock) | Suburbs, family neighborhoods | Space, schools (Round Rock ISD), lowest NER on new builds |
A few commute realities worth knowing.
Parmer Lane is the most direct route to Apple from most of these communities, and it gets congested during rush hour. The Parmer/Lamar intersection in particular is one of the worst for accidents in the city. If you’re at Stone Oak (literally across Parmer from Apple), that congestion barely affects you. If you’re driving 10+ minutes on Parmer, factor it in.
The good news: MoPac and US 183 are better commute corridors than I-35, and two recent infrastructure projects made a real difference. The 183 North Mobility Project completed in early 2026, removing what used to be a major bottleneck for northbound commuters. And the 183A Phase III toll extension that opened in April 2025 made Cedar Park and Leander realistic daily options. If you’re considering The Asher or The Wyatt, those improvements are what make a 15 to 20 minute commute feel manageable instead of miserable.
One thing worth knowing about CapMetro: MetroRail’s Red Line runs through Northwest Austin with stops at Lakeline Station and Howard Station. If you prefer rail commuting, Griffis Lakeline Station and several Northwest Austin communities put you within a few miles of a stop. That said, Apple’s campus is designed for drivers. Walk scores across this part of Austin are low.
A note for Bay Area relocators. I work with a lot of Apple employees moving from Cupertino, and I see the same pattern: you look at downtown Austin or East Austin first because the lifestyle is appealing. I get it. But downtown to Apple’s Parmer Lane campus is 30 to 45 minutes in rush hour traffic, and you’re doing that commute three days a week minimum. The 78727 and 78729 ZIP codes put you 5 to 15 minutes from work with easy access to The Domain for dining and nightlife. You’ll still get the Austin experience without burning an hour a day in the car. And if you’re coming from Bay Area rents ($3,000 to $4,000+ for a one bedroom), every community on this list is going to feel like a bargain.
What Apple Employees Need to Know Before Applying
Most Apple employees won’t run into screening issues. A W-2 from Apple and a decent credit score will open doors at every community on this list. But here’s a quick reference for what each property class typically requires:
| Property Class | Typical Credit Minimum | Income Requirement | Deposit Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (2016-2024) | 600-650+ | 3x monthly rent | $0-500 (often waived with good credit) |
| Class B+ / B | 550-600 | 2.5-3x monthly rent | $200-800 |
| Class B- | 500-550 | 2.5x monthly rent | $300-1,000 |
A few things to know. If you’re relocating from out of state, most communities accept an offer letter as income verification while you wait for your first paystub. Some Class A communities with strong credit (700+) will skip income documentation entirely.
Apple has a wide salary range in Austin. Engineers and senior staff at $100K to $200K+ can target any tier on this list. Operations and AppleCare staff at moderate income ($50K to $80K) should focus on the Value Tier, where net effective rents in the $1,200 to $1,400 range need roughly $3,600 to $4,200 in gross monthly income to qualify.
If you DO have a screening issue (a broken lease, prior eviction, or credit below 550), that changes which communities to target. I work with renters in that situation every day, and I know exactly which management companies on this list will do an individual review versus which ones automatically decline. That’s a conversation worth having before you waste $50 to $75 on an application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions: Apartments Near Apple Austin
What ZIP codes are near Apple’s Austin campus? Apple’s two Parmer Lane campuses sit in 78729 and 78727. Other nearby ZIP codes with apartments on this list include 78750, 78758, 78759, 78753 (Tech Ridge, close via Parmer Lane east), and 78717 (Cedar Park/Round Rock area).
Can I walk or bike to Apple from any of these apartments? Stone Oak at Parmer is directly across West Parmer Lane from Apple’s campus. That’s the only realistic walking option. A few Arboretum communities are bikeable if you’re comfortable on Parmer Lane, but it’s a busy road. Most of these communities require driving.
What’s the average rent near Apple’s campus? Across the 16 communities I profiled, advertised midpoint rents range from $1,527 to $2,777 per month. After concessions, net effective rents range from $1,244 to $1,990. Your actual cost depends on floor plan size and which specials are running when you apply.
Are there apartments with CapMetro rail access near Apple? Griffis Lakeline Station (#12) is closest to the Lakeline MetroRail station. Several Northwest Austin communities are within a few miles of Howard Station or Lakeline Station. The Red Line runs from Leander to downtown Austin.
Do any apartments near Apple offer employer discounts? I’ll be upfront: Apple isn’t currently on most communities’ employer discount lists the way some other tech companies are. But that doesn’t mean you’re paying full price. The concessions on this list (6 to 10 weeks free, gift cards, waived deposits) are available to everyone, not just specific employers. And working through me, I can often secure additional fee waivers and specials that aren’t posted publicly. The savings come from the deals, not the employer badge.
What’s the shortest commute to Apple from these apartments? Stone Oak at Parmer is across the street. Highline and The Monterra on Legendary Drive are about 5 minutes. Most Arboretum communities are under 10 minutes. Wells Branch and Cedar Park/Round Rock communities range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Can I get an apartment near Apple with bad credit? Yes. Several B+ and B class communities on this list will work with credit scores in the 500-599 range, especially with strong income and no other screening issues. If you have a broken lease or eviction on top of credit issues, I can match you with the specific communities that accept your profile. See our guide to bad credit apartments in Austin for more on how screening works.
What are the best move-in specials near Apple right now? As of June 2026, The Mia is running 2.5 months free plus a $2,500 gift card. Stone Oak at Parmer, Preserve at Rolling Oaks, and Magnolia Scofield Ridge are all offering 2.5 months free. The Wyatt has 10 weeks free plus a $1,000 gift card for look and lease. Specials change frequently and timing matters more than most renters realize. Check our current Austin move-in specials or contact me for what’s available today.
Is it better to live north or south of Parmer Lane? For Apple commuters, north of Parmer puts you closer to Cedar Park, Round Rock, and the 45 toll road. South of Parmer keeps you closer to the Arboretum, The Domain, and MoPac for access to central Austin. Neither is objectively better. It depends on where you spend time outside of work.
How much should I budget for an apartment near Apple? For a one bedroom, you’re looking at roughly $1,100 to $1,900 per month (net effective) depending on property class and concessions. Two bedrooms run $1,400 to $2,600. The general rule is 3x rent in gross monthly income, so a $1,500 apartment needs $4,500/month ($54,000/year) before taxes. Use our rent affordability calculator to find your range.
Do I need a car if I work at Apple Austin? Practically speaking, yes. Walk scores in North Austin are low across the board. CapMetro rail exists but the stations aren’t adjacent to most communities on this list. Apple’s campus is designed for drivers. If going without a car is important to you, the options near Apple are limited, and we should talk about a different part of Austin.
How much cash do I need on day one? More than most people expect. Beyond your first month’s rent (or prorated amount if you move partway through the month), budget for a security deposit ($0 to $1,000 depending on class and credit), an admin fee ($150 to $300 at most communities), and application fees ($50 to $75 per person, which I rebate upon approval). You’ll also need renter’s insurance ($15 to $30/month, required at most communities) and utility connection deposits for Austin Energy and water. Pet owners add $200 to $500 for a pet deposit. Add it up: for a Class A apartment at $1,600/month, expect $2,500 to $3,500 out of pocket before you buy a single piece of furniture.
What happens to my rent when the concession expires at renewal? Your net effective rent is a Year 1 number. When the lease renews, you’re negotiating from the full advertised rate, not the concession rate. In this oversupplied market, many communities are offering renewal concessions too, but it’s not guaranteed. I can tell you which communities have historically kept renewal rates reasonable and which ones tend to push significant increases. That’s a conversation worth having before you sign, not after.
I’m relocating from out of state. When should I start my apartment search? Most Austin communities won’t hold a unit more than two to three weeks out from your move date. Starting too early means the unit you like will be gone by the time you arrive. Starting too late means limited floor plan options. The sweet spot is 3 to 4 weeks before your target move date. If you can’t tour in person, I do virtual walkthroughs over FaceTime so you can see the actual unit, not the model, before you commit. Learn more about our corporate relocation services.
Is a locator worth it if I don’t have screening issues? My service is free regardless. But beyond that: I know which concessions are actually available right now (not three months ago), which communities will negotiate beyond their posted specials, and which fee waivers I can secure on your behalf. I also rebate your application fees when you’re approved. There’s no downside.
The Bottom Line
The “best” apartment near Apple isn’t the closest one, and it isn’t the one with the flashiest concession. It’s the one where you get the most value for what you actually need.
Run the net effective rent math before you sign anything. A community advertising $1,924 a month with 2.5 months free nets to $1,523. That’s actually cheaper than a community listing $1,527 with no concession. Without that math, you’d assume the $1,527 apartment was the better deal. You’d be wrong by $4,810 in missed concession savings over the lease.
The market is in your favor right now. Fourteen of 16 communities near Apple are running concessions. Use that. And if you want someone who tracks this data daily, knows which specials are real, and won’t charge you a dime for the help, you know where to find me.
Ready to find your apartment near Apple? Get a personalized list of the best communities matching your budget, commute, and priorities. I’ll include current specials, fee waivers, and communities with immediate availability. The service is free. Always. Call 512-320-4599 or text 512-865-4672.
