Looking at The Social Apartments in Austin and wondering if it fits your budget and lifestyle? You are not alone. The Social Apartments in Austin at 1817 E Oltorf St gets a lot of searches and tour requests. The photos look clean from online but each interior unit might be a different scenario. The location pulls you in since it’s close to downtown but the fees and reviews and my experience tells a different story.
I have helped Austin renters find a place to live for years. I will lay out the facts in plain language. Based on my experiences touring here and helping my clients get approved you will get quick facts, clear pros and cons, pricing and fees, who this place fits, and three better nearby options to compare. If you want verified choices with strong management and move-in specials, text or call me. I will send you options that you might like better than this older community in the SE riverside area.
The Social Apartments in Austin: Quick Facts, Location, and Who It Fits
Here is a fast snapshot of The Social Apartments Austin TX in the East Riverside and Parker Lane area.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1817 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741, near I-35 and downtown |
| Submarket | Parker Lane, East Riverside corridor |
| Year built | 1973, older property with renovations |
| Units | 1 to 3 bedrooms, roughly 518 to 1,263 sq ft |
| On-site amenities | Two pools, fitness center, clubhouse with business center and coffee bar, dog park, laundry rooms, Wi-Fi in common areas |
| In-unit features | Full kitchens, black appliances, wood-style flooring, patios or balconies, large closets |
| Pet policy highlight | One-time fee per pet, monthly pet rent, no breed or weight limits shown on some floorplans |
| Target renter | Students, young professionals, budget-minded renters who value location |
| Third-party snapshots | Reviews are mixed across platforms and my experience in helping people with unique rental and credit issues here gives me keen insight into this property and some better alternatives. From their website you might notice some expert-style snapshots focus on amenities and price for 78741. Resident feedback points to service tradeoffs but I’ve received requests after tenants have been living here to help them find another place. |
Set your expectations. You are looking at an older property with modern touches in the photos – BE SURE TO ASK TO SEE THE SPECIFIC UNIT if you go on tour. This is a value play on location only from my perspective.
Thinking of applying at The Social?
Before you do, reach out to me and let’s review ALL of your options! I can show you several similar (and often better) apartments nearby, many with move-in specials, newer interiors, and management teams that deliver on promises so you aren’t wondering when maintanence is going to show up.
Address and property basics
The Social Apartments sit at 1817 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741. This is Parker Lane, near East Riverside and I-35. The property was built in 1973. You are looking at a renovation, not new construction.
Older construction brings tradeoffs. Walls can be thinner. Plumbing and HVAC can feel dated compared to newer builds. You get quick access to downtown, the UT area, and major roads but those are probably the best highlights from my opinioni. H-E-B and bus lines are close and you do get strong location value if you need fast commutes but based on my experiences I can help you compare other alternatives you would most likely want to consider.
For a basic photo and feature rundown, see the listing on apartments.com for The Social Apartments.
What the community claims you get
Marketing highlights include two pools, a gym, a clubhouse with a business center and coffee bar, a dog park, laundry rooms, and Wi-Fi in shared spaces but there are times when I have stopped by the – the office is closed. In-unit features often list black appliances, wood-style flooring, patios or balconies, and larger closets but please note, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you tour in person before applying or signing a lease and make sure you’re going to get the tour of the EXACT unit you will be renting.
Who this community tends to fit
This property tends to fit students, roommates, and budget renters who want quick access to downtown and UT. If you want a lower base rent in 78741 and do not need new construction, you might be fine here.
You should also weigh tradeoffs. Older plumbing, interior finished and electrical systems in an older community. Mixed reviews on service. Reports of cleanliness and noise issues from some residents as well as some remarks to me from previous clients who have had their ceiling cave in and also mention bug and rodent infestations. Given this feedback from my clients you should tour the exact unit and a clear fee sheet before you apply.
The Social Austin Reviews: Real Pros and Cons Renters Report
Public feedback on The Social Austin is mixed and so I have also read patterns across several sources. I do not quote anyone. I focus on themes you can verify on your own plus my experiences with the community itself.
You can scan current comments on ApartmentRatings. These sites show different viewpoints and comments so you should most certainly read them.
Pros renters often mention
- Quick access to downtown and I-35.
- Pet friendly, with flexible rules shown on some floorplans.
- Two pools and a gym add value for the price point.
- Some units show updated flooring and appliances.
- Base rents that look competitive for 78741.
- Friendly front-desk interactions in some cases.
You can compare features and photos on ApartmentGuide’s listing.
Common complaints to weigh first
Patterns across Reddit threads, Yelp, ApartmentRatings, and other public sources show several themes:
- Communication gaps with management. Larger issues can be slow to resolve.
- Maintenance turnover. Delays on major repairs show up in feedback.
- Cleanliness and safety concerns in lots and shared areas. Some users mention trash, drug paraphernalia, and biohazards.
- Reports of mold inside units from some residents.
- Disputes about ledgers, fees, or legal charges in some cases.
Experiences vary by building, floor, and unit. Read a spread of reviews, including newer ones. Here is the current Yelp page for The Social Apartments.
Ratings at a glance across major sites
You can compare presentational pages on apartments.com and real resident commentary on ApartmentRatings. Each source uses different methods when allowing renters and people to leave comments and reviews. My experiences with this community have been subpar overall.
Credibility and complaint history
[Unverified] A BBB profile has been referenced by renters in the past, noting no accreditation and a C+ rating with at least one unanswered complaint. I cannot verify this right now and BBB accreditation is optional. A weak rating and no response can still be a warning sign so you should ask the leasing team for written service standards and average response times for both emergency and non-emergency repairs.
Pricing, Floorplans, and Fees at The Social Apartments
Plan your budget using real numbers, then confirm unit-by-unit. Prices shift often with dynamic pricing that is most common in Austin.
Typical rent ranges and layouts
Recent public snapshots show:
- One-bedrooms sometimes advertised under 1000.
- Two-bedrooms in the low to mid 1,200s and up
- Three-bedrooms higher than that showing up at $2149 at the time of this blog post.
Older posts show lower prices, even the high 600s for a one-bedroom. Rates and availability do change for apartment units so do not depend on outdated pricing that is not current. Unit sizes often run from about 518 to 1,263 square feet. Confirm exact square footage, floor level, and renovation level on the unit you will sign a lease if at all here.
You can scan current marketing prices on sites like apartments.com and ApartmentGuide. Ask the office for a written quote with an expiration date.
Fees that can raise your total cost
Third-party listings and renter posts have mentioned the following. Treat these as examples and verify in writing.
- Admin fee around 150, one-time.
- Amenity fee about 15 per month.
- Valet trash about 25 per month.
- Optional washer and dryer rental around 40 per month.
- Risk fees or required packages in some cases.
Ask for a written, itemized fee sheet before you apply. Get the monthly total with every line item and be sure to ask how utilities are billed and what averages look like.
Pet costs and rules
Public floorplan pages and marketing copy reference a one-time fee per pet, often around 300, non-refundable, plus about 20 per pet monthly. Some floorplans show no breed or weight limits. These details change. Get the pet policy in writing. Confirm any DNA testing, registration fees, and the number of pets allowed.
What the property says vs. what you should verify
Marketing focuses on amenities, finishes, and location. Your due diligence should focus on safety, service, and systems.
Use this plan during your tour:
- Tour the exact unit you will lease, not a model.
- Run the A/C on cool and heat. Check airflow in each room.
- Look under the kitchen sink and bathroom sinks.
- Test water pressure and hot water recovery.
- Open and close every window and door.
- Run the dishwasher and stove for a minute.
- Smell for musty air and check under sinks for moisture.
- Ask about pest treatment schedules.
- Request the mold remediation policy, in writing.
- Ask for average electric and water bills for your unit type.
Is The Social a Match for You?
Make a clear decision. Use these notes below as a guide to help you decide if this might be a good place for you.
Good fit
- You want to live near downtown or UT without paying top-tier rates.
- You need flexible pet rules.
- You are a student or roommate group.
- You are fine with older construction, as long as the price and location work.
Look elsewhere if
- You want new construction or high-end finishes.
- You need quiet halls and thicker walls.
- You expect strong on-site management and fast turnarounds on major repairs.
- You want a locator-verified community with a stable service record.
- For transparency, some locators avoid referring this property due to past payment disputes with agents. This can affect how often it is recommended.
Touring checklist and questions to ask
Bring this list to your tour. Make notes. Ask for written answers when possible.
- What is the average response time for emergency and non-emergency work orders?
- How many open work orders are active today?
- What are all monthly and one-time fees? Ask for a written list.
- Are utilities billed by RUBS or submetered? What is the average monthly cost based on recent bills?
- Any mandatory packages like valet trash or internet?
- What is the pest and mold remediation policy? Ask for it in writing.
- What security steps are in place on-site? How are incidents reported?
- Can I tour the exact unit I will lease? If not, ask for a video walk-through of that unit.
Better Nearby Alternatives to Compare Within 2 Miles
I suggest you compare at least three places in this pocket. You will get a feel for service levels, pricing, and finishes.
The Mont
A newer or more modern option in East Riverside. Expect a cleaner community, a stronger amenity set, and steadier service reports. Good if you want a quieter feel and newer HVAC and plumbing. Use this as a benchmark for what newer construction type buildings offer in the area.
Ellie Apartments
A budget-friendly pick with updated interiors in many units. Renters report fewer surprise fees in some cases. Good if you want simple pricing and clean finishes. Compare total monthly cost, including utilities and required packages.
The Spoke
A nearby community with modern amenities and steadier reviews plus – not many people know about it! It’s kinda like a secret jem that I like to share with my clients who might have been credit but still need a place they’ll actually like living. Plus it’s close to the ladybird trails, HEB and Oracle. Really good if you want location plus better day-to-day proximity to everything on East Riverside drive without driving hassles and all the business associated with being close to 35W and Oltorf . Use it to compare management responsiveness, not just the floorplans!
Are the Social Apartments Right for You?
Thank you for reading this blog post and I really hop you found it helpful. I have toured The Social Apartments in Austin many times and had multiple clients rent here. My experience overall based is not very favorable – especially since I have more options for you to consider besides this community! Reviews show issues with communication, slow major repairs, and cleanliness along with safety concerns in shared areas. Expect added fees that raise your real monthly cost. [Unverified] BBB signals have been referenced as weak, including no accreditation, and a complaint without a response. Tour the exact unit, get every fee in writing, and compare two or three nearby options on total cost and service before you sign a lease with this community.
I have helped hundreds of renters choose in this area and depending on credit, income and your specific situation I will show you newer or better managed options based on my personal experience.
