DK Riata Apartments Austin Review: Steps From Apple’s Campus, 2017 Build, and What Changed After the Ownership Switch

DK Riata keeps landing on my shortlists for renters working the Parmer Lane tech corridor. A 2017 build, 307 units, LEED Silver certified, right across the street from Apple’s Austin campus. On paper, this property looks like a home run for someone commuting to that side of town. As a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806) who’s tracked this submarket for years, I’ll tell you something more useful than the listing sites do: this property changed hands in August 2023.

This place was built in 2017 and has already had three different management companies. IMT Residential ran it first. Then Griffis Residential. Then in August 2023, Chicago-based Draper and Kramer bought it and rebranded it DK Riata. That ownership change shows up in the reviews in ways the marketing won’t mention. Some long-term residents say quality has slipped. Recent move-ins say the staff is the best they’ve worked with.

Here’s what the listing sites won’t tell you: which version of DK Riata you’ll actually experience, what the 1.5 months free special really saves you after fees, and why four uncomfortable truths might change your mind about applying.

Quick Facts: DK Riata at a Glance

The 4.4 rating across both platforms tells part of the story. But when I dug through all 395 combined reviews, I found something different. I’ll break it down in the reviews section below.

Best For / Skip If

This Property Makes Sense If…

You work at Apple’s Austin campus or anywhere on the Parmer Lane tech corridor. DK Riata is right off Parmer Lane, next to Apple’s campus. Their own marketing calls it “directly across the street.” Samsung’s Austin semiconductor facility is about 8 miles east on Parmer. If your commute is the biggest factor in your apartment search, you’re not going to find a shorter drive in this part of town.

You want 2017 construction with genuine amenities, not just a list. Two fitness centers with on demand classes, a cinema room, outdoor kitchen, EV charging stations, and fiber optic internet. You’ve got seven buildings of three-story apartments plus twelve two-story townhomes, some with attached garages. That townhome option? You don’t see it at this price range very often.

You have a larger dog. The 175 lb weight limit means most breeds are welcome. That’s higher than the 50–75 lb caps at most Austin properties. If you have a Lab, Golden, or Shepherd mix, your options just opened up. DK Riata also has a dog park and pet washing station on site. For more pet options in Austin, check out our guide to apartments that accept large dogs.

You want income restricted pricing if you qualify. DK Riata has what they call “Affordable” units (Roma 1/1 at $916 and Venezia 2/2 at $1,330) with below market rents. If you qualify, those prices are $300–$700 below the market rate units in the same building with the same finishes.

Skip If…

You don’t have a car. Walk Score is 18. That’s not a typo. There’s no grocery store within walking distance, no transit option that makes sense for daily commuting, and Parmer Lane is not a pedestrian corridor. You will drive to everything.

You’re sensitive to how a community is maintained over time. A resident who’s been there since 2022 gave a 3.7 in June 2026 and said quality is “going downhill,” pointing to a poorly cleaned pool, weak pest control, and crowded common areas. That’s one review, but the specific complaints are worth keeping an eye on.

You need a three bedroom. Only one 3BR floor plan exists (C1 at 1,363 sq ft, $1,964–$2,104), and availability is limited. If a three bedroom is a requirement, your options here are extremely narrow.

Wondering if DK Riata fits your situation?

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

DK Riata sits on Diehl Trail, between Parmer Lane and McNeil Drive in the Milwood neighborhood of northwest Austin. The 78727 zip code puts you in the Arboretum/Parmer corridor, which is tech campus territory.

You’ll need to drive for groceries. The nearest H-E-B is the one on Parmer Lane, about 1.5 miles east (4-minute drive). Randalls at the Arboretum is about 2 miles south. If you want to eat out, the Arboretum shopping area and Lakeline Mall are both about a 10-minute drive. The Domain is about 6 miles southeast, roughly 12 minutes without traffic.

It’s quiet out here. Milwood Park and the Balcones District Park are within a mile or two, and there’s a pond and walking trail right next to the property that residents mention favorably. Suburban living with tech campus access. Not an urban neighborhood.

Commute Math

Route notes: MoPac is your main route going north or south. The variable toll lanes can shave 10–15 minutes during rush hour, but you’ll pay $3–$8 depending on congestion. Parmer Lane heading east toward I-35 gets slow during morning rush.

Neighborhood Vibe

This is not a walking neighborhood. It’s a driving neighborhood with nice buildings. The area around Diehl Trail is suburban, quiet at night, and safe enough that most residents say they feel comfortable. But don’t expect bars, coffee shops, or much foot traffic. You’re here because of the tech campuses, not the street life. If you want walkability and nightlife in North Austin, The Domain corridor is the only spot that delivers that.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

DK Riata has both market rate and income restricted units (they call them “Affordable” in their listings). I’ve marked those below so you know which ones have income caps.

*Net effective with 4 weeks free on 1BRs, 6 weeks free on 2BRs, 12-month lease. Special applies to “select homes” according to the listing, so make sure your specific unit qualifies. Income restricted units may have different specials.

Those wide rent ranges on some plans (A1 goes from $1,253 to $2,105) come down to which specific unit you get, what floor it’s on, and the view. Ask the leasing team which unit you’d actually be renting at which price.

Net Effective Rent: Showing the Math

I’ll use the A1 one bedroom at $1,253 base rent as the example, with the 4 weeks free special on a 12-month lease.

Step 1: Convert free rent to days. 4 weeks = 28 days. Step 2: Calculate the daily multiplier. (365 days – 28 free days) ÷ 365 days = 0.9233 Step 3: Multiply. $1,253 × 0.9233 = $1,157/month net effective

That’s $96/month in real savings, or $1,152 over the lease term.

For a two bedroom (B1 at $1,594 base with 6 weeks free): (365 – 42) ÷ 365 = 0.8849 $1,594 × 0.8849 = $1,411/month net effective

That’s $183/month in savings, or $2,196 over the lease term. The two bedroom special is a much better deal than the one bedroom.

All the Fees

No valet trash fee listed. That’s unusual for a 2017 build in this area and saves you $25–$40/month compared to most competitors.

True Monthly Cost: What You Actually Pay

Here’s a realistic scenario for a one bedroom renter with one dog:

Keep in mind: utilities aren’t included. Water, sewer, and trash get billed back through Yes Energy on top of this, and you’ll set up electricity separately through City of Austin. Budget an extra $75–$150/month for utilities depending on how much you use and how big your place is.

Move-in costs (estimated):

• First month’s rent: $1,253 (base rate, not net effective)
• Admin fee: $200
• Application fee: $60
• Pet non-refundable: $250
• Security deposit: Varies (set after your screening results come back)
• Estimated move-in total: $1,763+ (before deposit)

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of July 2026, but these offers move around. Check directly with the leasing office or fill out the form below and I can confirm what’s currently running.

Want to know what specials are actually available right now?

DK Riata’s current offer expires 7/31/26. I talk to leasing teams regularly and can confirm whether the special is still active, whether you qualify, and whether there’s anything better they aren’t posting online.

Get Current Specials →

Screening Criteria

Income Requirement

DK Riata requires 3x monthly rent. That’s standard for newer Austin properties in this price range. Here’s what that looks like at different rent levels:

Income is calculated on base rent, not net effective. If you don’t meet the 3x threshold on your own, DK Riata’s FAQ says a guarantor can be added. The guarantor would need to fill out their own application and meet the income and credit requirements.

Credit Expectations

DK Riata doesn’t publish a specific credit score minimum. Their FAQ says “a satisfactory credit history” is required. For a 2017 build at $1,200+ rents with this level of finishes, here’s what I’d expect:

• 650+ credit: Smooth approval, standard deposit
• 600–649: Likely approved, but may need a higher deposit or guarantor
• Below 600: Expect challenges. A score in the 500s will probably get you turned down here

If your credit is under 600 and you’re looking in this area, I can point you toward properties on the Parmer corridor with more flexibility. Check out our second chance apartment options for properties that work with lower scores.

What Gets You Denied

Here’s what usually gets you denied at a property like this:

• Evictions on your rental history (no specific lookback period published; their FAQ says they “consider the overall application, including income and rental history”)
• Outstanding property debt to a previous landlord
• Felonies on your record, depending on how recent
• Not enough income or income they can’t verify
• Credit score below their internal threshold (not published)

Application fee is $60 per person. Non-refundable. Their FAQ says processing takes 1–3 business days.

What a Locator Does for You Here

Here’s the straight talk: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend $60 finding out. If DK Riata’s screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility and which ones will definitely turn you down. That pre-screening alone can save you hundreds in wasted application fees.

Resident Reviews Decoded

I pulled reviews from Google (235 reviews, 4.4 stars), ApartmentRatings (160 reviews, 4.4 stars), the old “Griffis at Riata” Yelp listing (12 reviews, 2 stars), and HAR.com. The ApartmentRatings breakdowns say more than the headline number. Staff got a 4.8. Maintenance got a 4.8. Noise got a 4.8. Grounds got a 4.7. Safety? That came in at 4.3, the lowest score of the bunch, and you’ll see why below.

Pattern Analysis

What Residents Consistently Praise

Walter. Corinne. Robert. Those three names come up over and over across both platforms. I don’t see that at most properties this size. One reviewer said the management team is “the most responsive and genuinely caring I’ve encountered.” Another called the move-in process with Walter and Corinne “incredibly helpful.” When specific people get this much praise across dozens of reviews, that’s a real signal, not marketing.

And the maintenance crew backs it up. ApartmentRatings gives them a 4.8. Multiple reviews mention same day or next day responses. For a 307-unit community, that holds up.

What Residents Consistently Criticize

Vehicle security is the loudest complaint. One reviewer in early 2026 reported a car break-in overnight and said he only sees security “once and then it’s never seen again.” A longer-term resident from 2025 talked about multiple car break-ins and brought up a homicide incident and a police arrest at the pool. The gates that are supposed to keep the community secure? A reviewer on ApartmentRatings said they’re “stuck in the open position for a majority of the time.” When the gates are open, the “gated community” label doesn’t mean much.

Noise between units is something the recent five-star reviews don’t bring up. But dig into the older pages of ApartmentRatings and you start seeing something different. One reviewer wrote that “every noise can be heard by neighbors including conversations.” Another said the only complaint was “noise on the ceiling caused by neighbor footsteps.” Why? Wood-frame construction. Even though it was built in 2017, it’s not steel and concrete, and that’s why you can hear your neighbors. If noise is a factor for you, request a top floor unit.

One cockroach complaint on Google got 19 upvotes. The reviewer talked about “two giant cockroaches the size of an adult hand palm.” That review is older (originally 2022), and the property said they scheduled pest control. One resident on ApartmentRatings in June 2026 mentioned “poor pest control” as a current issue.

Here’s something Google and ApartmentRatings didn’t catch. On HAR.com, a former resident said they were told everything was paid at move-out. Six months later, they got a call from a collections agency over $100. The review was later edited to say they got a refund, but that kind of move-out billing mix-up isn’t the only one I’ve seen for this property.

How Management Responds

Management responds to every single review, positive and negative, usually within the same day. ApartmentRatings shows they’ve hit 100% response rate in the past year. Responses are a bit templated but mention enough details to show someone actually reads them. When residents leave negative reviews, the team invites them to come talk in person rather than getting defensive online. That tells you something about how they’d handle your maintenance request too.

The Uncomfortable Truth

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

The Ownership Change Created a Before and After

Draper and Kramer bought this property from Griffis Residential in August 2023. One resident who lived through the transition said quality “got progressively worse” after DK took over, calling the office staff “incredibly rude.” A resident here since 2022 dropped their rating to 3.7 in June 2026, saying the community is “changing.”

But here’s the thing: the newer reviews from 2025–2026 move-ins are almost all positive. That split tells you something. Your experience may depend on whether you’re comparing to the old Griffis standard or coming in fresh.

The “Gated Community” Security Has Real Gaps

Car break-ins show up from different residents over the years. But the bigger problem is the gates themselves. Residents say they’re stuck open more often than they’re closed. If the gate is open most of the time, what good is it? One Google reviewer said the security patrol shows up “once and then it’s never seen again.” So you’ve got a property that calls itself gated and secure but may not come through on that every time. The detached garage option ($100/month) might be worth it for peace of mind alone.

You’ll Hear Your Neighbors Through the Walls

Multiple ApartmentRatings reviews talk about hearing noise between units. One reviewer said conversations can be heard through the walls. Another complained about footstep noise from upstairs. This is a 2017 build, but it’s wood-frame construction, not concrete. That means sound travels. If you’re working from home or noise sensitive, this matters more than most listing details. Request a top floor or end unit to reduce it.

Some Units Don’t Come With a Washer and Dryer

Draper and Kramer’s website says “all residences include a washer/dryer.” But the floor plan listings tell a different story: some units are listed as “Fullsize, Connection” (hookups only, bring your own machines) while others are “Fullsize, Supplied” (machines included). That distinction can cost you $500–$1,200 for a washer/dryer set or $50–$75/month to rent them. Ask specifically about the unit you’re touring.

Ready to move forward, or want to look at other options?

You’ve seen the full picture now: the pricing math, the screening criteria, and the four things the listing sites would never mention. If DK Riata fits, I can help you move quickly. If it doesn’t, I know the Parmer corridor well enough to match you with something that does.

Get Help With Your Search →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DK Riata allow pets?

Yes. Up to 2 pets with a 175 lb weight limit per pet based on what their listing shows. Their FAQ page actually says “no weight limit for dogs,” so this may have changed. Breed restrictions apply either way, so check with the leasing office for their current restricted list. Expect $250 non-refundable fee plus $25/month pet rent per pet.

What credit score do I need for DK Riata?

DK Riata doesn’t publish a minimum score. They describe the requirement as “satisfactory credit history.” For a newer property at this price point, a score of 650+ typically means smooth approval. Below 600 will likely be challenging.

What utilities are included in rent?

DK Riata’s FAQ is clear on this: utilities are not included in rent. Water, sewer, and trash get split among residents through a billing company called Yes Energy based on your unit size and how many people live there. You set up electricity on your own through City of Austin. Internet options are Spectrum, AT&T, and Verizon. No gas service at this property.

Is DK Riata on a bus route?

Public transit options here are extremely limited. Walk Score is 18, Transit Score is 16, and there’s no convenient Capital Metro route for daily commuting. You’ll need a car.

What’s the parking situation?

Open surface lot parking is included. Covered parking is $35/month. Detached garage parking is $100/month. They have EV chargers on site too.

Are the units furnished?

No. Units come unfurnished. Some floor plans include washer/dryer machines (“Supplied”) while others only have hookups (“Connection”). Confirm which type your specific unit has before signing.

When was DK Riata built and who manages it?

Built in 2017. Originally managed by IMT Residential as “IMT Residences at Riata,” then by Griffis Residential as “Griffis at Riata.” Draper and Kramer, a Chicago-based real estate firm, bought the property in August 2023 and rebranded it DK Riata.

What school district is DK Riata in?

Round Rock ISD. Zoned for Jollyville Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.

Does DK Riata have income restricted units?

Yes. Two floor plans carry the “Affordable” label: Roma (1/1, 650 sq ft, starting at $916) and Venezia (2/2, 850 sq ft, at $1,330). Income limits apply, but DK Riata doesn’t publish the specific caps on their website. These units don’t show up in the standard online application portal either. Call the leasing office directly to ask about eligibility and how to apply for the affordable units.

The Bottom Line: Is DK Riata Worth It?

DK Riata puts a lot of things together that are hard to find in one place along the Parmer corridor: 2017 construction, LEED Silver certification, townhome options, a 175 lb pet weight limit, and a front door that’s practically on Apple’s campus. The 4.4 rating across 395 combined reviews backs up what most residents are saying. Staff get called out by name, maintenance shows up fast, and the community stays quiet.

The trade-off? An ownership change that has some long-term residents worried about quality, noise between units that’s baked into the wood-frame construction, security gaps despite the “gated community” label, and a washer/dryer situation that doesn’t match what the website says.

This property makes sense if:

• You work at Apple, Samsung, or anywhere on the Parmer Lane corridor and want a short commute
• You have a larger dog (up to 175 lbs) and need a property that won’t restrict your breed
• You want newer construction with real amenities in the $1,100–$1,600 net effective range
• You qualify for the income restricted units and want 2017 finishes at $916/month

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• Walkability or public transit matters to you
• You work from home and need quiet during the day (noise between units shows up in multiple reviews)
• Vehicle security is a concern and gates that don’t always stay closed bother you
• You want a guaranteed washer/dryer in your unit (confirm your specific unit before signing)
• You need to know the exact credit and background requirements upfront (DK Riata doesn’t post theirs)

The first year math works for renters in the tech corridor. The ownership change? That’s the real question. If you’re coming in fresh, the 2025–2026 reviews suggest you’ll have a good experience. If you’re comparing to how things ran under Griffis, talk to current residents and ask how things have shifted.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything you need to make a decision on DK Riata. But if you want help, fill out the form above and I’ll text you to answer questions, check whether you’ll qualify, share current specials, and walk you through what’s next. You’ll talk to me directly, not an automated 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.