6th Street West Apartments Austin Review: $1,195 in Clarksville. What’s the Catch?

A one bedroom in the 78703 zip code for $1,195. That number made me look twice when I first tracked it, and it still does. I’ve been tracking Austin apartment pricing across 1,000+ properties for years, and 6th Street West keeps coming in cheaper than everything within a mile of it. Walk Score of 87. Whole Foods and H-E-B within a mile. Lady Bird Lake trail access on foot.

So what’s the catch?

It starts with a number: 1962. That’s when this building went up. The 2008 renovation gave it updated finishes, but that update is now 18 years old. Wall thickness, laundry options, pest control, what the building’s age means for your daily life. That’s what this review covers. No listing site will.

Quick Facts: 6th Street West Apartments

That rating split is the first thing you should notice. A 4.9 on Google and a 2.4 on ApartmentRatings for the same property. I’ll break down why those numbers are so different and what it actually means later in this review.

Best For

You need a Clarksville address under $1,200/month. The average one bedroom in Clarksville costs about 58% more than what you’d pay here. That’s not a small gap. If location is your top priority and you’re working with a tight budget, this is one of maybe two or three options in the entire zip code at this price.

You walk or bike more than you drive. Walk Score of 87. Fresh Plus Grocery, Caffe Medici, Galaxy Cafe, Clark’s Oyster Bar, and the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail are all within walking distance. Whole Foods and H-E-B are about a mile out. If you can cut a car payment or go down to one vehicle, that adds up fast.

You’re a UT student or work downtown. You’re on the Capital Metro Lake Austin shuttle line here, with a direct connection to the UT Austin campus. Downtown is about a mile east, and UT is about 2 miles northeast. If you’re commuting to campus or a downtown office, this location makes the math work without a car.

You want a small, owner managed community. 128 units managed by The Westside Group, the same company that owns the building. This isn’t a big corporate-owned property with a rotating cast of staff. The onsite manager, Chris, shows up by name in reviews. That matters when you need something fixed.

Skip If

You have a dog over 25 pounds. The weight limit here is firm at 25 lbs with breed restrictions. If you have a Lab, a German Shepherd, or anything medium sized, this property is off the table. For large dog options in Austin, check out our list of apartments that actually allow large dogs.

You need in-unit laundry. The one bedroom units have no washer or dryer connection at all. The two bedroom has a fullsize connection, but one bedrooms are limited to the onsite laundry room (machines run on a phone app). If doing laundry in a shared room is a deal breaker, look elsewhere.

You’re sensitive to noise from neighbors. This is 1962 construction. Wood framing, thin walls. Multiple ApartmentRatings reviews talk about hearing their neighbors through the walls. If you work from home and need quiet during the day, factor this in seriously.

You need weekend office access. Management hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday. If something goes wrong on a Saturday, you’re waiting until Monday for non-emergency issues.

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

6th Street West sits in the Clarksville neighborhood, two blocks east of MoPac (Loop 1). This is Old West Austin. Tree-lined streets, historic bungalows, and a real neighborhood feel that most of downtown lost years ago.

Walking distance (under 15 minutes): Whole Foods (0.8 miles), Fresh Plus Grocery (0.4 miles), Caffe Medici, Galaxy Cafe, Sweetish Hill Bakery, Clark’s Oyster Bar, Cipollina Italian, and Arroyo’s. H-E-B Lake Austin is about a mile out on Exposition. Deep Eddy Pool is a 15 minute walk (0.8 miles). The Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail is about a 10 minute walk south via the Greenbelt Trail (0.4 miles).

A short drive: Zilker Park (2.0 miles), UT Austin campus (2.0 miles), Barton Springs (2.0 miles).

You’ll need a car for: Any big box shopping, most medical appointments, and anything north of campus or south of the river.

Commute Math

MoPac is right there, two blocks west, which gives you fast north-south access during off-peak hours. Rush hour on MoPac heading north can get ugly past 2222. The variable toll lanes can save 10 to 15 minutes but cost $3 to $8 depending on traffic.

Neighborhood Reality

Clarksville is quiet, historic, and walkable in a way most Austin neighborhoods aren’t. That part of the marketing is accurate. West Lynn Street has a real neighborhood strip with local shops and restaurants. You’re close enough to West 6th Street’s bar scene to walk there on weekends but far enough that it doesn’t keep you up at night.

The honest trade off: parking can be tight on the street, and the property is older than most of the neighborhood around it. Clarksville has become one of Austin’s most expensive areas, filled with renovated bungalows and new construction homes. This apartment community is the last affordable holdout in a neighborhood that’s priced most renters out.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

*With 1 month free on a 12 month lease

The property reports average square footage, so your actual unit may be different. One ApartmentRatings reviewer said their unit was closer to 400 square feet than the 500 advertised. Ask the leasing office to confirm the size of the specific unit you’re touring. Some one bedrooms come furnished, but they cost more and there aren’t many available.

Net Effective Rent: The Real Monthly Cost

Current special: 1 month free on a 12 month lease.

For the one bedroom at $1,195:

Using the daily multiplier method (Austin market standard):

• 12 month lease = 365 days
• 1 month free = 30 days
• Multiplier: (365 – 30) / 365 = 0.9178
• $1,195 x 0.9178 = $1,097/month net effective
• Monthly savings: $98

For the two bedroom at $1,695:

• $1,695 x 0.9178 = $1,556/month net effective
• Monthly savings: $139

All the Fees

What you don’t see here is valet trash fees, pest control fees, water/sewer fees, or package locker fees. Those fees are common at newer properties and can add $75 to $150 per month to your bill. 6th Street West doesn’t charge any of them. And gas and trash are included, which is rare. That’s real money you won’t see in the advertised rent.

True Monthly Cost: One Bedroom Example

• Net effective rent: $1,097
• Required monthly add-on fees: $0 (gas and trash included, no water/sewer fees, no valet trash)
• Electricity (estimated): $75 to $120 (window AC units use more energy than central HVAC)
• Internet: $50 to $80
• Total estimated monthly cost: $1,222 to $1,297

For comparison, a newer one bedroom nearby at Pressler or 5th Street Commons runs $1,473 to $1,620 base rent before all the extra fees. After all fees, you’re looking at $1,700+ per month in the same neighborhood. That’s $400 to $500 more per month, or $4,800 to $6,000 per year.

Move-In Cost Estimate

• First month rent: $1,195 (the free month usually counts as your last month, not your first. Confirm with the leasing office.)
• Security deposit: $500
• Admin fee: $150
• Application fee: $100
• Pet deposit (if applicable): $250
• Pet non-refundable fee (if applicable): $250
• Estimated move-in without pet: $1,945
• Estimated move-in with one pet: $2,445

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of July 2026, but offers shift. I check in with leasing teams regularly and can tell you what’s actually available right now.

Want to Know What Specials Are Actually Available Right Now?

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Screening Criteria

6th Street West doesn’t publish detailed screening criteria online, which is typical for smaller owner-managed properties. Here’s what I know based on buildings like this one.

Income Requirement

The property doesn’t list a specific income multiplier. From what I’ve seen at similar properties in this price range, expect 2.5x to 3x monthly rent. The special notes “1 Month Free for well qualified applicants,” which suggests they do look at the full application, not just a credit score.

If the actual requirement is 2.5x (common for older buildings like this), a one bedroom would need $2,988/month gross income, or about $17.24/hour. Call the leasing office to confirm: (512) 807-0437.

Credit Expectations

No published minimum credit score. For an older owner-managed property at this price point, here’s what I’d expect based on what I see across similar buildings:

• 600+: Likely smooth approval with standard deposit
• 550-599: Probably approved, possibly with a higher deposit
• Below 550: Uncertain. Call and ask directly before applying

The “well qualified” language in their special suggests they do look at the full picture. Smaller owner-managed properties sometimes have more flexibility than big management companies because the owner can make exceptions that a corporate screening algorithm can’t.

What Likely Gets You Denied

Without published criteria, here’s what usually gets you denied at older owner-managed properties:

• Active property debt (money owed to a previous landlord). This is almost always an automatic decline.
• Recent eviction with a judgment (under 2 years)
• Not enough income or income that can’t be verified
• Violent felony convictions (timeframe varies by management)
• Prior issues with The Westside Group specifically (they manage multiple Austin properties)

The Application Process

1. Contact the leasing office: (512) 807-0437 or email admin@westsidegroup.com
2. Tour the property (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM only)
3. Apply with $100 application fee (non-refundable)
4. Approval/denial. Processing time varies. Smaller operations can be faster or slower than corporate properties.

12 month lease required.

Here’s what working with a locator gets you at a property like this: I can call ahead and ask the screening questions you don’t want to ask. Credit minimum? Income requirement? How they handle a broken lease from three years ago? I get straight answers because they know me. That saves you from gambling $100 on an application without knowing your odds.

Resident Reviews: What 120+ Reviews Actually Say

Listing sites show you a 4.9 Google rating and call it a day. I went deeper. I pulled reviews from Google (33 reviews, 4.9 average), ApartmentRatings (58 reviews, 2.4 average), ApartmentHomeLiving (11 reviews, 4.3 average), Yelp, ForRentUniversity, and Postcard to see what’s really going on. That’s 120+ reviews across six platforms.

Review Pattern Analysis

Why the Ratings Are So Different Across Platforms

This is the most important thing to understand about this property. Google gives it 4.9 from 33 mostly recent reviews (2023 to 2025). ApartmentRatings gives it 2.4 from 58 reviews going back over a decade. ApartmentHomeLiving lands at 4.3 from 11 reviews mostly from 2015 to 2021.

Three platforms, three very different numbers. Here’s what that actually tells you: the property went through a rough period (2009 to 2015) when ApartmentRatings reviewers were writing about management conflicts, pest problems, and deposit disputes. The recent Google reviews tell a much better story about what it’s like living here now. ApartmentHomeLiving falls somewhere between the two. Reviewers there mostly praise management and location but call out the building’s age.

The honest read: management has improved. The building hasn’t changed. Thin walls, ways for bugs to get in, and window AC units are 1962 problems that no amount of improved management will fix.

What Residents Praise

Location, location, location. This comes up in almost every positive review on every platform. “Seriously best location in Austin TX, affordable, great maintenance, and chill community” is how one former resident put it, and he came back years after moving out to write that review.

The maintenance team gets a lot of love in the newer reviews. Several residents specifically mention same-day or next-day service. Staff names that come up: Chris (the manager) keeps showing up in positive Google and ApartmentHomeLiving reviews. Alex and Julio also get called out by residents who appreciated their help.

Value for the price. Reviewers call it “best value in the city” and “can’t beat the location and the rent.” That’s the selling point, and residents back it up.

What Residents Criticize

Roaches. This is the single most consistent negative theme across every platform and every time period. ApartmentRatings reviews from 2012 mention “3-5 roaches in the apartment every day.” A Postcard reviewer in recent years reported “8 roaches in two weeks” (she later updated to say Chris the manager addressed it). A ForRentUniversity reviewer wrote that pest control “all they do is spray a little bit of solution by the door.”

One AR reviewer found the root cause: “the window units are poorly installed, so the gap between the unit and the wall is a perfect place for roaches to come and go.” In a 1962 building in Central Texas, gaps around pipes, windows, and foundations give bugs ways to get in that spraying treats but never permanently fixes. Ask the leasing office about their pest control schedule and whether your specific unit has been treated recently.

Thin walls and noise come up on ApartmentRatings and ApartmentHomeLiving. You can hear neighbors’ TVs, music, and footsteps. One resident talked about hearing “neighbors practicing all sorts of Keep Austin Weird instruments.” Another heard the upstairs neighbor talking until 5 AM. This is 1962 wood frame construction. That won’t change.

Towing enforcement is aggressive. Multiple reviewers across platforms mention cars being towed for parking permit violations, including one resident whose registered car was towed. Make sure your permit is visible at all times, and warn your guests.

The harshest ApartmentRatings reviews (2009 to 2015) describe management conflicts, security deposit disputes, and maintenance neglect. Those are serious, but they’re mostly from the same stretch of years. The recent reviews on Google, AHL, and Postcard paint a different picture of current management under Chris.

How Management Responds

On Google, management responds to every review, usually within the same month. The responses are polite but copy-paste: “Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate you taking the time to send your feedback.” ApartmentRatings is a different story. The property is unclaimed there, so the 58 reviews sit unanswered. ForRentUniversity got a response to the negative pest review: “The management at 6th Street West is very sorry to hear about your experience.” And on Postcard, the reviewer who initially blasted the property for roaches and towing later updated her review after Chris the manager fixed both problems.

My read: management pays attention to Google and steps in when someone pushes. They’re not watching ApartmentRatings, which is where most of the damage sits.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to kill the deal. I just want you to know what you’re signing up for.

This Is 1962 Construction. That Affects Everything.

This building is 64 years old. The 2008 renovation updated finishes, flooring, and appliances, but it didn’t replace the framing, the pipes, or the insulation between units. That means thin walls, old plumbing, and window AC units instead of central HVAC in at least some units. ApartmentRatings reviews call out “window box air conditioners” specifically. Window units are louder, less efficient, and more expensive to run than central air. Ask which type your specific unit has before you sign.

The Pet Policy Is One of Austin’s Most Restrictive

One pet maximum, 25 pounds, breed restrictions. In a market where most communities allow two pets at 50 to 75 pounds, this policy eliminates anyone with a medium or large dog. Pet fees add up fast: $250 refundable deposit plus a $250 fee you don’t get back, so $500 out of pocket on day one for one small pet. And with a 25 pound limit, you’re basically limited to small breed dogs and cats. If your dog weighs 30 pounds, you’re out.

Pest Issues Are Structural, Not Just Seasonal

Roach complaints show up on every review platform spanning over a decade. This isn’t a management failure. It’s a 1962 building reality. Window AC gaps, old pipes, foundation cracks. Bugs find their way in, and spraying keeps them down but doesn’t stop them for good. Management does spray, and the current team under Chris responds when you report it. But if the idea of seeing a roach in your kitchen makes you want to break your lease, this building will test your patience. Ask about the pest control schedule for your specific unit before signing.

No Weekend Office. No Evening Access.

Management works Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. If your toilet backs up Saturday morning, you’re likely waiting until Monday for a non-emergency call. Emergency maintenance may be handled differently, but ask about their after-hours process before you sign. Most larger properties staff offices six or seven days a week. This one doesn’t.

Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Alternatives?

You’ve seen the real picture. If 6th Street West fits your situation, I can help you apply. If the trade-offs don’t work for you, I know every property within a mile of here and can find you something that does. Either way, fill out the form and I’ll text you within a few hours.

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FAQ

Does 6th Street West allow pets?

Yes, but with strict limits. One pet maximum, 25 pound weight limit, breed restrictions (no aggressive breeds). Dogs and cats allowed. Expect a $250 refundable deposit and a $250 fee you won’t get back. A pet interview may be required. Spayed or neutered pets only.

What utilities are included at 6th Street West?

Gas and trash are included in your rent. You’ll pay for electricity and internet separately. One parking permit per bedroom is included too, no extra charge.

Does 6th Street West have in-unit washer and dryer?

No. One bedroom units have no washer/dryer connection. Two bedroom units have a fullsize connection, so you can bring your own machines. Everyone can use the onsite laundry room, which runs on a phone app.

What is the commute from 6th Street West to downtown?

About 1 mile east. Off-peak, you’re looking at 5 minutes by car or 20 minutes walking. You’re on the Capital Metro shuttle route with a direct UT campus connection.

How old is 6th Street West Apartments?

Built in 1962, renovated in 2008. It’s a two story property with 128 units.

What credit score do I need for 6th Street West?

The property doesn’t publish a credit score minimum. Based on similar older buildings at this price point, expect 550+ to be workable and 600+ for smooth approval. Call (512) 807-0437 to ask directly before applying. If you have credit concerns, read our guide to second chance apartments in Austin for more options.

What is parking like at 6th Street West?

One parking permit per bedroom is included free. There’s a surface lot and garage spaces. Guest parking can be limited. Fair warning: they tow. Make sure your parking permit is displayed at all times. Multiple reviewers mention getting towed for permit violations.

What is the current move-in special at 6th Street West?

As of July 2026, they’re offering 1 month free on a 12 month lease. That brings a $1,195 one bedroom down to $1,097/month net effective. Specials change, so check with the leasing office.

The Bottom Line: Is 6th Street West Worth It?

The numbers are hard to argue with. A $1,097 net effective one bedroom in the 78703 zip code with gas and trash included, no extra monthly fees, and a Walk Score of 87. That’s a combination you won’t find anywhere else in Clarksville or West Downtown.

The trade off is equally clear. You’re living in a 64 year old building with thin walls, no in-unit laundry in one bedrooms, a 25 pound pet limit, and an office that’s closed weekends.

This property makes sense if:

• Your budget tops out at $1,200/month and you want to be in Clarksville or West Downtown
• You walk, bike, or take transit more than you drive
• You’re a UT student or work downtown and want a short commute
• You don’t have pets or have a small cat/dog under 25 pounds
• Updated finishes matter less to you than location and price

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• You have a medium or large dog
• You need in-unit laundry (one bedroom)
• You work from home and need quiet during the day
• You want modern finishes, central HVAC, and a property built in the last 20 years
• You need weekend office access for non-emergency issues

My verdict: 6th Street West is one of the best deals in Austin if your priorities are location and price and you can accept what 1962 construction means. The first year math, with the concession, brings your monthly cost under $1,100 in a zip code where the average one bedroom runs closer to $1,900. That’s real savings. Just go in with open eyes about the building’s age and limitations.

Want help figuring out if 6th Street West fits your situation? Or want something similar without the older construction trade-offs? Fill out the form below and I’ll text you within a few hours.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything you need to make a decision on 6th Street West. But if you want help, fill out the form above and I’ll text you to answer questions, check your application situation, share current specials, and walk you through the rest. You’ll talk to me directly, not an AI phone system.

Going solo? No problem.Just tell them “Ross Quade from Austin Apartment Team” referred you on your tour and application. Text me at 512-360-0852 when you apply so I can make sure everything’s on track.