Eleven By Windsor Apartments Austin Review: 257 Units, 250+ Reviews, and $71/Month in Fees You Won’t See on the Listing

Eleven By Windsor keeps showing up when people search for East Austin apartments, and the reasons are obvious. Studios in the $1,200s. A Walk Score in the mid-80s. Franklin Barbecue is literally across the street. I’ve tracked pricing at this property through ApartmentData.com for years, and it’s one of the more competitive studio price points in 78702. As a licensed Texas real estate agent (License #679806), I’ve watched this building go from one of East Austin’s newer options to one of its older ones. Seven newer communities have opened within a mile since 2019.

So what does that mean for you? It means the photos still look good, the location hasn’t changed, but a 2013 building competes differently than it did five years ago. Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: there are $71 in mandatory monthly fees on top of the advertised rent, a week long power outage that displaced residents in late 2024, and amenities that keep going offline: the pool, the rooftop sky deck, the gym equipment, and the elevators. These trade-offs matter.

I read through 250+ resident reviews on Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, and four other sites to write this. I also pulled the actual fee data from ApartmentFinder and Windsor’s corporate screening criteria, because listing sites don’t show you either one.

Quick Facts: Eleven By Windsor

That 4.2 Google rating tells a specific story if you read beyond the number. The positive reviews are overwhelmingly short maintenance shout-outs: “Tony was great!” “TJ fixed it fast!” The negative reviews are fewer but dramatically more detailed, describing building failures, pest issues, and move-out fee disputes. I’ll break down the patterns below.

Best For / Skip If

T

This property makes sense if:

You want walkability in 78702 without paying for a 2021 build. Eleven sits at the gateway between Downtown and East Austin. You’re about a 10 minute walk to the Capitol, a 15 minute walk to Dirty Sixth, and a 10 to 15 minute bike ride to UT campus. The East Austin corridor has newer options like Avenir and The Waller, but those start $175 to $350 higher for the cheapest one bedroom. If the location matters more than the building’s age, the math works here.

You need a studio under $1,400 in East Austin. The S1 at 416 square feet for $1,258 is one of the cheapest options in 78702. Add the $71 in mandatory monthly fees and you’re at $1,329 all in before utilities. That’s still competitive for this zip code.

You have a pet under 100 lbs that isn’t on the restricted breed list. The $500 one time fee plus $40/month pet rent is about average for this price range. The enclosed dog park is on site, and the pet washing station is a real perk. Just know that German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and their mixes are restricted. That’s Windsor’s corporate rule, not a property-by-property decision. And ApartmentFinder lists “no restrictions,” which is wrong. Confirm with the leasing office before applying.

You want a maintenance team that actually shows up. Tony, TJ, and John get called out by name in 30+ reviews. Same-day and next-day turnaround is the norm here, not the exception. Several residents say this team is why they renewed.

Skip if:

You’re noise sensitive. The building sits right on I-35. West-facing and highway-facing units get consistent traffic noise. Residents on Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, and VeryApt all mention it. Add in thin walls between units (a common complaint for all Windsor properties, per a long-term ApartmentRatings reviewer), and you’re dealing with noise from two directions. If quiet matters to you, request an east-facing or interior unit. Or look at a different building.

You expect every advertised amenity to be functional on your move-in day. Reviews from the past 18 months describe the pool being down for months, the rooftop sky deck closed, gym equipment broken, and the P2 parking level out of service. One resident reported the sky deck was closed for their entire 8 month lease so far. Another said “the apartment itself is nice, but none of the amenities work.” This isn’t a one-time maintenance issue. It’s a pattern that shows up in review after review.

You have a restricted breed dog. German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and mixes are not allowed. This catches people off guard because some listing sites show “no breed restrictions.” The Windsor corporate policy overrides whatever those sites display.

Wondering if Eleven By Windsor fits your situation?

Fill out a quick form and I’ll reach out to go over your specifics: income, credit, pets, timeline. I can check whether you’ll likely qualify before you spend $50 on an application, and I’ll share any current specials that might not be listed online. You’ll hear from a real person (me), not an automated system.

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Eleven sits on East 11th Street, right where East Austin meets Downtown. Franklin Barbecue is across the street (yes, that Franklin). Here’s what you can actually walk to:

Under 10 minute walk: Quickie Pickie (beer, snacks, coffee), Franklin BBQ, the Texas State Capitol building, Dell Seton Medical Center (0.5 miles), Downtown MetroRail Station (0.8 miles), Plaza Saltillo Station (0.8 miles)

10 to 15 minute walk: East 6th Street bars and restaurants, Huston-Tillotson University, the Convention Center, Pecan Business Square

You’ll need a car or bike: H-E-B (closest full grocery), Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail (about 20 minute walk per residents), The Domain, South Austin

The Walk Score (mid-80s depending on the source) is real for daily errands and dining. Grocery shopping is the weak spot. You’ll drive for that.

Commute Math

I-35 access is immediate, which cuts both ways. Getting on the highway takes 2 minutes. Hearing the highway from your unit takes zero minutes if you’re on the west side.

Neighborhood Vibe

East 11th Street has changed a lot in the past decade. You get a mix of old Austin character and newer development. De Nada Cantina, Central Machine Works, and the bars along East Cesar Chavez are all close.

The area has a higher crime grade than other parts of central Austin (CrimeGrade rates 78702 in the lower percentiles for Texas), but residents who’ve lived here for years report feeling safe inside the building’s gated access. One thing to know: bike theft has been reported in the building’s bike storage area.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

*With current 50% off first month special on 2BR, 12 month lease. Studios and 1BR have no active special.

Important note on washer/dryer: Most floor plans include a full size supplied washer and dryer. Two floor plans (A3 and B3) only have connections. That’s a meaningful difference you might not catch until the lease signing. Ask specifically about your unit.

Net Effective Rent Calculation

The current special is 50% off the first month’s rent on two bedroom floor plans, on a 12 month lease. That means you pay half rent in month one and full rent for months 2 through 12.

Here’s the math using the B1 at $2,298:

Half month free = 15 days free
Daily multiplier: (365 – 15) ÷ 365 = 0.9589
$2,298 × 0.9589 = $2,204/month net effective
Monthly savings: $94/month
Total first year savings: ~$1,149

That’s a modest discount. For context, nearby competitors like Avenir (0.08 miles away, built 2021) have been running 8 weeks free, and several East Austin buildings offer 2 to 3 months free right now. The special here helps, but it’s not aggressive compared to what newer buildings are offering.

All The Fees

Required fees (everyone pays these):

Optional fees:

True Monthly Cost: A Real Scenario

Let’s say you lease the B1 two bedroom (1,020 sq ft) at $2,298, take the special, and have one dog and a garage parking spot:

That’s $62 more per month than the advertised $2,298. And in year two when the special expires? You’re looking at $2,454/month for that same unit. Specials change frequently. What’s listed above was accurate as of June 2026. I talk to leasing teams regularly, and offers shift.

Want to know what specials are actually available right now?

A quick form gets you current pricing, real availability, and any specials I’m tracking that might not be listed online yet.

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Screening Criteria

Income Requirements

Windsor Communities requires combined gross income of at least 3x the monthly rent. Here’s what that looks like across the price range:

If you don’t meet the income requirement on your own, Windsor allows one guarantor per apartment. The guarantor needs annual income of 60x the monthly rent. That works out to 5x monthly. For the B1 two bedroom, your guarantor would need to earn at least $137,880/year.

Credit Expectations

Windsor doesn’t publish a minimum credit score. They pull your credit report, check your rental history, and look at income. No single number decides it. Based on the rent range and the type of building this is, here’s what I’d expect:

600+ credit: Smooth approval, standard deposit. You’re in the sweet spot for this property.

570–599: Approval is likely, but expect a higher security deposit. Windsor’s own criteria says deposits go up or down based on credit and rental history.

Below 570: Gets risky. If your credit is in this range and you also have rental history issues, you’re better off looking at communities with more flexible screening.

What Gets You Denied

Let me be direct about what typically triggers an automatic decline at Windsor properties:

• Bankruptcies, collections, or charge-offs (especially recent ones)
• Outstanding rent or mortgage balance showing on your credit report
• Unverifiable income
• Criminal background (screening is done, but Windsor doesn’t publish their lookback periods for Texas)
• Occupancy exceeding 2 per bedroom plus 1 (so 3 people max in a 1BR, 5 in a 2BR)
• False or misleading statements on the application (grounds for immediate denial or lease termination)

The Application Process

1. Submit application and $50 fee per applicant
2. Windsor runs credit, rental history, and background screening through a third party
3. Approval or denial (timing varies, but typically within a few business days)
4. If approved, sign lease and pay move-in costs ($300 admin + $300 deposit + activation fees)

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend $50 finding out. If Eleven’s screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby East Austin properties have more flexibility.

Resident Reviews Decoded

Pattern Analysis

What Residents Praise

The maintenance team. Tony, TJ, and John get named in 30+ individual reviews on Google, ApartmentRatings, and Yelp. One resident submitted four work orders, and the team knocked out three of them within 12 hours and started the fourth the same day. That kind of specific, repeated praise is rare. Residents say the maintenance team is the single biggest reason they renewed their lease.

Leasing staff get good reviews too. Katie (renewals, empathy during personal issues) and Busi (tours, application process) both get called out by name repeatedly. One resident who’d been here since 2020 specifically praised Katie for working with them on renewal pricing during a difficult time.

What Residents Complain About

The amenity closures are the single biggest theme in negative reviews. Pool? Down for months with no clear timeline. The sky deck on the 4th floor was closed for one resident’s entire lease (8+ months). Gym equipment has been broken. The P2 garage level needed repairs. And elevators go down frequently enough that several residents mention it on separate sites. For a 6 story building, that matters.

Pest issues show up on Google, ApartmentRatings, and Yelp. One resident moved out after 4 months because of roaches on the 3rd floor. A Yelp reviewer described bugs crawling across their face at night and repeated failed exterminator appointments. These aren’t isolated incidents spread across a decade. They cluster.

How Management Responds

Windsor responds to nearly every Google review, positive and negative, usually within a few days. The tone is professional but templated. Positive reviews get a personalized thank you with staff names. Negative reviews get redirected to email (Eleven@windsorcommunities.com) for offline conversation. They don’t address specific claims publicly. So you only hear the resident’s side in the reviews and management’s “please email us” in the response.

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 $71 in Monthly Fees Aren’t in the Advertised Rent

Every listing site shows the base rent. None of them show the $30 amenity fee, $35 trash/recycling fee, and $6 pest control fee that get added to every unit, every month. A studio “starting at $1,258” actually starts at $1,329. A one bedroom at $1,667 is really $1,738. This isn’t unique to Eleven, but it’s $71/month ($852/year) that most renters don’t account for until they see their first bill.

The Building Has Had Serious Mechanical Failures

In late October 2024, the entire front half of the building lost power. It stayed off for a week.

Residents were told on October 22nd (a Tuesday afternoon, mid-workday) that the fix could take months to a year, and they had until the end of the month to relocate. Windsor offered transfers on a first come, first served basis to available units within the building, but residents who couldn’t leave work to get to the leasing office missed out. Leases were terminated. Residents who transferred paid the new unit’s price. Several affected residents describe this on Google and ApartmentRatings. Power outages and fire alarms triggered roughly monthly are also noted on VeryApt.

You’re Paying 2026 Prices for a 2013 Building

Eleven was one of East Austin’s first modern apartment buildings. That was 13 years ago. Seven newer communities have opened within a mile since then, including Avenir (2021), The Waller (2022), and Alexan Waterloo (2021). The finishes here were updated in 2019, but the plumbing, the electrical, and the walls between units are still 2013 construction. That shows up in the reviews as noise between units, the power outage incident, and how bugs get into the building.

Ready to move forward, or want to explore alternatives?

You’ve seen the full picture. If Eleven still fits your situation, I can help you apply strategically. If the amenity issues or building condition bother you, I can point you toward similar properties in the same area that might be a better fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Eleven By Windsor allow dogs?

Yes. Two pets max, 100 lb weight limit. Breed restrictions apply: German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and mixes are not permitted. Expect a $500 one time fee and $40/month pet rent per pet. Pet screening through a third party is not required based on the data I have, but confirm with the leasing office.

What credit score do I need for Eleven By Windsor?

Windsor doesn’t publish a minimum. They look at your full credit picture, not just one number. Based on the rent range and how Windsor screens, expect 600+ for smooth approval. Below 570 gets difficult. Your deposit amount adjusts based on your credit profile.

What utilities are included at Eleven By Windsor?

The property handles trash pickup, but charges residents $35/month for trash/recycling anyway. You’ll pay electricity, water, and internet directly. Add $71/month in mandatory fees (amenity, trash, pest control) on top of base rent.

How much is parking?

Garage spaces are $45/month, covered parking is $45/month, and reserved spots are $75/month. Surface lot parking appears to be included.

Is Eleven By Windsor good for commuting to UT Austin?

Yes. It’s 1.2 miles from campus, about a 10 to 15 minute bike ride. Several UT students on VeryApt confirm this. MetroRail stations (Downtown and Plaza Saltillo) are both within a 15 minute walk. The property is zoned for Austin ISD schools: Mathews Elementary, O Henry Middle, and Austin High.

What are the biggest complaints about Eleven By Windsor?

Amenity closures (pool, sky deck, gym, elevators), noise from I-35 on the west side, pest issues (roaches reported on Google, ApartmentRatings, and Yelp), and move-out fee disputes.

When was Eleven By Windsor built and last renovated?

Built in 2013, renovated in 2019. The renovation updated what you can see: granite counters, vinyl flooring, stainless appliances. But it didn’t replace what you can hear: the walls between units, the plumbing, or the electrical systems.

Does Eleven By Windsor accept guarantors?

Yes. Windsor allows one guarantor per apartment. The guarantor must have annual income of at least 60x the monthly rent and pass the same credit/background screening.

The Bottom Line: Is Eleven By Windsor Worth It?

The location at the intersection of East Austin and Downtown is hard to beat. The maintenance team is one of the best I’ve seen in 250+ reviews. Studios starting in the $1,200s in 78702? Good luck finding that anywhere else. And Windsor’s corporate ownership means you won’t deal with the management company turnover that plagues a lot of Austin buildings.

But this is a 13 year old building competing against newer inventory at similar or lower net effective pricing. The amenity closure pattern, the power outage incident, and pest complaints aren’t one-off problems. They’re trends.

This property makes sense if: you prioritize walkability and East Austin location over building age, you want a responsive maintenance team, you’re targeting a studio or one bedroom in 78702 at a lower price point than newer buildings, or you work at UT or Dell Seton and want a short commute.

This property doesn’t make sense if: you’re noise sensitive and can’t secure an interior or east-facing unit, you expect all amenities to work consistently, you have a restricted breed dog, or you’re comparing net effective rents and finding newer buildings in the area offering deeper concessions.

My honest take: the first year math can work here, especially on the studios and one bedrooms where this building undercuts most of its newer neighbors. But go in with open eyes about the building’s age, verify every amenity’s current status on your tour, and get the special terms in writing. If you want help figuring out whether Eleven fits your situation, or if you’d rather explore similar East Austin properties without the building condition concerns, fill out the form and I’ll text you within a few hours.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything to evaluate Eleven By Windsor on your own. 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 coordinate next steps. You’ll talk to me directly. Not an AI phone system.

Going solo? 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.