Greystone Flats Apartments Austin Review: Why the Google Rating Is Lying to You

A 3.2 Google rating on 97 reviews. In most cases, I’d tell you to keep scrolling. But Greystone Flats is one of those rare properties where the score and the reality don’t match anymore. Most of those low ratings? Previous management. Under Tarantino Properties, recent reviews average closer to 4.8 stars. Net effective rent starts at $1,040/month for a one bedroom with in-unit washer/dryer in the 78731 ZIP code. That’s a number worth paying attention to.

I track pricing across Austin’s rental market daily as a licensed Texas REALTOR (TX #679806), and I keep running into the same pattern with this property. Renters search “Greystone Flats reviews,” see the 3.2, and cross it off the list without reading a single recent review. That 3.2 is doing real damage to leasing and real favors for renters willing to look past it. But I also need to be upfront: the positive reviews are thinner than they look when you check beyond Google. More on that in the Uncomfortable Truth section below.

Here’s what this review covers that Apartments.com and Zillow don’t: the real monthly cost after concessions, what screening looks like (stricter than you’d expect for these prices), which complaints are outdated and which still apply, and whether the management turnaround holds up when you check more than just Google.

Quick Facts

Two things jump out. The $0 admin fee is unusual. Most Class B properties in Austin charge $100-300. And the 175 lb pet weight limit with zero breed restrictions is one of the most generous policies in this ZIP code.

Best For / Skip If

Greystone Flats makes sense if:

• You want to live in the 78731 ZIP (Anderson High School zone, Far West corridor) and need a one bedroom under $1,100/month net effective. That math works here. It doesn’t work at most nearby properties.
• You have pets. A 175 lb weight limit, no breed restrictions, and $25/month pet rent puts this among the most flexible pet policies in Austin. If you’ve been told your dog is too big or the wrong breed elsewhere, Greystone is worth a look.
• You work from home and want a quiet residential setting. People who live here keep calling it “peaceful” and “quiet.” The larger two bedroom layouts (up to 1,250 sq ft) include a den or study.
• You want in-unit washer/dryer without paying Class A prices. Every unit comes with a stackable washer/dryer. That’s not standard at this price point.
• You need fast MoPac access for commuting north to The Domain, Apple, or Samsung campuses.

Skip Greystone Flats if:

• You need newer construction. This is a 1974 building. Renovated in 2018, yes, but the bones are 50 years old. Older plumbing, older electrical, older insulation. If building age is a problem for you, this isn’t your place.
• You have evictions or broken leases on your record. Listings from a licensed agent on Redfin and Rent.com flat out say “no evictions or broken leases.” This is NOT a second-chance property despite its Class B pricing.
• You have felony convictions within the past 10 years. Same listings say “no felony convictions in the last 10 years.”
• You depend on public transit. The Transit Score is 39. CapMetro service in this area is limited. You need a car.
• You’re particular about visitor parking. The towing company patrols aggressively, and more than one resident has had visitors towed because nothing told them where to park.

Wondering if Greystone Flats fits your situation?

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Location: What’s Actually Around Greystone Flats

Greystone Flats sits on Greystone Drive in the Far West/Northwest Hills pocket of Austin. ZIP code 78731. This is a residential area tucked between MoPac (Loop 1) and Far West Boulevard, surrounded by other apartment communities and single-family homes.

What’s Within Walking Distance

The Far West corridor has a small commercial strip along Far West Boulevard, about a five minute walk.

You’ve got Chinatown and Saffron within a quarter mile for sit-down meals. Starbucks and Wholy Bagel are both under half a mile. And there’s a 7-Eleven and Reid’s around the corner if you just need the basics.

The Far West H-E-B is about 0.8 miles away on Village Center Drive. Close enough to drive in three minutes, too far to walk comfortably with bags.

Commute Times

MoPac access is the biggest location asset. You’re on the highway in under three minutes. Commuters heading to The Domain, North Austin tech campuses, or UT won’t find a more convenient corridor. Heading south past downtown? Add 10-15 minutes during rush hour.

What the Neighborhood Actually Feels Like

Northwest Hills is quiet. If you’re used to East Austin or the South Lamar corridor, you’ll notice the difference immediately. No nightlife. No trendy restaurant scene. What’s here: Doss Elementary (rated 7/10 on GreatSchools), Murchison Middle (5/10), and Anderson High School (6/10), all within 1.2 miles.

The vibe is suburban without actually being in the suburbs. You’re inside city limits, 15 minutes from downtown, and your neighbors are mostly working professionals and long-term residents who chose this area for the schools and the quiet. Want action? Look at downtown Austin apartments or Central Austin. But if affordable rent and easy MoPac access matter more, this is your corridor.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

*Net effective rent calculated with 1 month free on a 13 month lease.

Every unit includes in-unit stackable washer/dryer, fireplace, patio, and ceiling fans. The townhome layouts add a second story with more separation between living and sleeping areas. Some units have wet/dry bars and sunken living rooms.

Net Effective Rent: The Math

The current special is 1 month free on a 13 month lease. Here’s what that actually saves you on the most common floor plan (1BR/1BA at $1,125):

• 13 month lease = 395 days
• 1 month free = 30 days
• Daily multiplier: (395 – 30) / 395 = 0.9241
• $1,125 x 0.9241 = $1,040/month net effective rent
• Monthly savings: $85
• Total savings over the lease: $1,125

That $1,040 net effective for a one bedroom with in-unit washer/dryer in 78731 is competitive. For context: Bridge at Northwest Hills starts at $826 but was built in 1978 with a 2011 renovation and no in-unit W/D guaranteed. Westdale Parke starts at $844 (1976, renovated 2022). You’re paying a slight premium at Greystone for the updated finishes, guaranteed in-unit laundry, and the fireplace.

Fee Breakdown

Required Fees (everyone pays these):

Optional Fees:

The $0 admin fee saves you $150-300 compared to most Class B properties in Austin.

True Monthly Cost: A Real Scenario

Take a renter moving into the 1BR/1BA (654 sq ft) at $1,125 base rent, with one pet and the 13 month lease special:

Utilities run higher in older buildings. Gas appliances help with heating costs, but expect summer electric bills to hit harder than they would in newer construction. Budget $100-140/month for a one bedroom.

Want to know what specials are actually available right now?

Concessions change weekly. I track them in real time across every property in this corridor. Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll send you what’s current.

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Screening Criteria

Here’s something most renters don’t expect: Greystone Flats screens more like a Class A property than a Class B. The pricing says “value.” The screening says “selective.” Fair warning: that mismatch trips people up.

Based on listings from a licensed agent who posts Greystone Flats units on Redfin and Rent.com:

• No evictions accepted
• No broken leases accepted
• No felony convictions within the past 10 years
• Must be employed with verifiable income
• No housing vouchers accepted
• Income requirement: 3.35x monthly rent
• Minimum 6 month lease (standard is 12-13 months with current special)

If you have any of those issues on your record, don’t waste the $55 application fee here. I work with properties across Austin that have more flexible screening. Call or text me first.

Income Requirements

The income requirement is 3.35x monthly rent, based on RentDeals.com listing data. That’s above the 3x standard at most Class B properties in Austin, and it’s another sign that Greystone screens tighter than the price would suggest. Here’s what it looks like:

They qualify your income against base rent ($1,125), not the net effective ($1,040). That’s standard across Austin.

Credit Expectations

No published credit minimum. For a property that’s this strict on evictions, broken leases, and felonies, I’d estimate a practical floor around 580-600. If your credit is below 600, call the leasing office before paying the $55 app fee. Ask directly: “What’s your minimum credit score for approval?”

Application Process

1. Apply online or at the leasing office (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
2. Pay $55 application fee (non-refundable)
3. Screening review (credit, rental history, background)
4. Approval or denial, typically within 24-48 hours

What your locator knows: I can check your situation against what Greystone requires before you apply. If there’s a red flag, I’ll tell you upfront and point you to properties where you’ll actually get approved. That saves you the $55 and the hard credit inquiry. My service costs you nothing.

Resident Reviews Decoded

I pulled reviews from every platform I could find. Here’s the full picture.

Review Pattern Analysis

The story across platforms is a clear split. Every review from the past 12 months on Google (roughly 20 reviews) is 4-5 stars. Every review on ApartmentRatings (7 total) is 1 star. The difference is timing. The ApartmentRatings reviews show what it was like under old management: 60 water outage emails in a single year. Security cameras that management admitted didn’t work. Rats and roaches they called “normal.” A leasing manager named Ashley who multiple reviewers said never responded.

Ellen and Cruz are the names that changed the story. Ellen gets called out by name in 15+ Google reviews for being responsive, patient, and someone who actually cares about the people living there. One reviewer renewed their lease twice specifically because of her. Cruz, the sole maintenance tech, gets praised for fast turnaround and doing quality work despite being a “one-man show.”

But here’s the context I need to give you. RentersVoice reviews from 2017-2018 had something to say about the old management that’s worth remembering: “Management has focused on surface/decorative features and not more permanent fixes.” The 2018 renovation covered the surface stuff (quartz counters, stainless appliances, modern fixtures). Whether Tarantino has also fixed the deeper problems (plumbing, electrical, ways bugs get in) is the question that 22 positive reviews can’t fully answer yet.

How management handles reviews: Nearly every Google review gets a reply within about a month. They use the reviewer’s name and mention specifics. The replies look pretty similar to each other, but personal enough to show someone is actually reading them. The towing complaints get a response, but nobody confirms anything actually changed.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. That’s exactly why I do.

The Positive Reviews Only Show Up on Two Sites

The positive story at Greystone Flats rests on about 22 reviews total: 20 on Google and 2 on RentCafe. That’s it. Zero reviews on Apartments.com. Zero on Yelp. Zero on AptAmigo. The BBB profile still lists Lisa Werner and Letty Jones as management contacts, not Ellen or Tarantino Properties.

I’m not saying the turnaround isn’t real. The consistency of praise for Ellen and Cruz across 12+ months of Google reviews is hard to fake. But 22 positive reviews against 90+ negative ones from the old days, all on just two sites, is a thinner sample than you’d want before signing a 13 month lease. Ask the leasing office for references from current residents. Tour on a weekday when you can see for yourself whether they’re actually keeping the place up.

The Towing Situation Is Real

Two separate Google reviews call out predatory towing. Visitor parking isn’t clearly marked. One resident’s cousin was towed with a $240 charge despite sharing a vehicle for two years at the property. Another reviewer specifically called the towing company “the sketchiest in Austin.” Both of them mentioned having mobility issues, which made the situation worse.

Management responded to the complaints but didn’t confirm anything changed. If you have friends or family visiting, get it in writing from the office about which spots are OK for visitors. One tow wipes out two months of your rent savings from the concession.

A 1974 Building Has 1974 Bones

The 2018 renovation updated surfaces: granite and quartz counters, stainless appliances, new fixtures. That’s real. But the plumbing, electrical, and framing underneath are original. The ApartmentRatings reviews from back when the old management was running things spell out what that means. Sixty water outage notices in a single year. A kitchen sink repaired five times that still leaked. Flickering lights from outdated wiring. A pipe burst that caused black mold.

Those reviews show how old management handled the problems: cheap fixes and ignored residents. Tarantino is clearly doing better on the customer service side. But here’s the catch: the pipes, the wiring, and the seals around the building didn’t get younger when management changed. Older buildings mean higher utility bills, plumbing surprises, and bugs finding ways in through gaps that come with construction from 50 years ago. Budget accordingly.

Ready to move forward, or want to explore alternatives?

I know every property in this corridor. If Greystone Flats fits, I’ll help you get the best deal. If it doesn’t, I’ll point you to three alternatives in the same price range and ZIP code. Either way, it costs you nothing.

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FAQ

Does Greystone Flats have in-unit washer and dryer?

Yes. Every unit comes with a stackable washer/dryer already in it. You don’t need to buy your own. Most properties under $1,200/month in Austin either skip in-unit laundry or charge extra for it.

What’s the pet policy at Greystone Flats?

Two pets max, 175 lb weight limit per pet, no breed restrictions. You’ll pay a $300 non-refundable pet fee per pet plus $25/month pet rent. Pet screening is not required. Good luck finding another property in Northwest Austin that’s this flexible with large dogs.

Is Greystone Flats in a good area?

The property is in Far West/Northwest Hills (78731), a mostly residential neighborhood. Residents call it “peaceful” and “quiet.” Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle, and Anderson High are all within 1.2 miles.

What schools are near Greystone Flats?

Doss Elementary (0.8 mi, rated 7/10), Murchison Middle School (0.6 mi, rated 5/10), and Anderson High School (1.2 mi, rated 6/10). All Austin ISD.

Does Greystone Flats accept broken leases or evictions?

Based on available screening data, no. If you’re dealing with rental history issues, call or text me at 512-865-4672. I know which Austin properties have more flexible screening and can save you from wasting application fees.

What utilities are included at Greystone Flats?

None. Residents pay for electricity, gas, water/sewer, internet, and trash separately. Gas appliances are standard. Budget $100-140/month for utilities in this older building.

How far is Greystone Flats from downtown Austin?

About 7 miles, 15-20 minutes without traffic, 25-35 minutes during rush hour via MoPac. UT Austin is closer at 10-15 minutes off-peak.

Has Greystone Flats changed management recently?

Yes. Tarantino Properties Inc took over within the past two years. Recent Google reviews are almost all positive, with onsite manager Ellen and maintenance tech Cruz getting called out by name repeatedly. The older negative reviews all predate this change. The BBB profile still lists old management contacts and hasn’t been updated.

Are there fireplaces at Greystone Flats?

Yes, every unit includes a fireplace. Combined with high ceilings, wood/tile floors, and wet/dry bars in some layouts, these units have more character than a typical Class B apartment.

Can I rent at Greystone Flats without a long lease?

No. The minimum lease is 12 months. The current special requires a 13 to 15 month lease.

The Bottom Line

Greystone Flats gives you a one bedroom at $1,040/month net effective with in-unit washer/dryer and a fireplace in the 78731 ZIP. In a corridor where comparable properties charge the same or more for less, the math works.

The main trade-off is simple: this is a 50 year old building with a turnaround story that’s promising but not yet fully proven across platforms. The screening is stricter than the price suggests. And the towing situation is a real annoyance with real costs if you’re not careful.

This property makes sense if:

• Your budget is $1,000-1,300/month and you want to stay in Northwest Hills
• You have a clean rental and background history
• You have pets that get rejected at stricter properties
• You commute via MoPac to North Austin, The Domain, or UT
• You value quiet and space over new construction

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• Old building problems (plumbing, wiring, bugs) would bother you
• You have evictions, broken leases, or felonies under 10 years old
• You rely on public transit
• You want walkable nightlife, dining, or entertainment

Greystone Flats is a solid Class B value play for renters who care more about what they’re paying than what the building looks like from outside. The management turnaround under Ellen and Cruz is real based on 12+ months of consistent praise. Just go in knowing what 1974 construction means for your daily life, and ask about visitor parking rules before anyone you know drives over.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything to size up Greystone Flats on your own. But if you want help:

Fill out the form and I’ll text you to answer questions, check your approval odds at this property, share any specials not posted online yet, and coordinate next steps. You talk to me directly. Not a call center.

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.