High Point Preserve Apartments Austin Review: Income-Restricted New Construction on 290 For Rent
A 2022 building with two pools, washers and dryers in every unit, and studios starting under $1,000. On paper, that doesn’t add up for Northeast Austin. I’ve tracked Austin apartment pricing across 1,000+ properties for the past three years, and when something looks too cheap for what you’re getting, there’s usually a reason.
At High Point Preserve, the reason is income restrictions.
This is a Workforce Housing community. That means your household income can’t exceed certain limits based on how many people live with you. Most listing sites bury that detail in the fine print. Some don’t mention it at all. I’ve had clients apply here, pay the fees, and get denied because they made too much money. That’s the opposite of how apartment screening usually works. So what’s the catch? That’s what this review covers: who actually qualifies, what it costs when you add up all the fees, and whether the trade-offs are worth it.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 9301 E US Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78724 |
| Year Built | 2022 |
| Total Units | 454 units, 3 floors |
| Management | JCI Residential |
| Rent Range | $968–$1,964+ (varies by income tier) |
| Income Requirement | 3x rent (minimum). Income caps also apply (max $94,100 for 1-person household at 100% MFI) |
| Pet Policy | 2 pets max, 100 lbs per pet, no breed restrictions, no monthly pet rent |
| Current Special | 8 weeks free on 12–15 month leases (spread over the lease) |
| Application Fee | [VERIFY: ~$50 per applicant + $250 deposit reported by residents] |
| Security Deposit | $99 refundable (could be up to one month’s rent) |
| Google Rating | 4.0 stars (188 reviews) |
The 4.0 Google rating across 188 reviews is solid for a property this size. But the reviews tell two very different stories depending on when they were posted. I’ll break that down in the reviews section below.
Best For / Skip If
Who This Property Works For
You qualify under the income caps and want new construction. This is the real draw. High Point Preserve was built in 2022 with finishes that match properties charging $1,400–$1,800 for a one bedroom across Austin. Granite counters, stainless appliances, vinyl plank flooring, washer and dryer in the unit. If your household income falls under the caps (more on those numbers below), you’re getting a building that’s only a few years old. The rents run 25–40% below what unrestricted properties charge for the same quality.
You have a larger pet. The 100 lb weight limit is more generous than most Austin apartments, which cap at 50–75 lbs. No breed restrictions. And the kicker: no monthly pet rent. You’ll pay a one-time deposit ($350 for one pet) and a non-refundable fee ($250), but that’s it. No $25–$50/month tacked onto your rent for the life of your lease. If you have a large dog, check out our guide to Austin apartments that allow large dogs for more options.
You want gated community amenities at under $1,100/month. Two pools, two 24-hour fitness centers, a movie theater, basketball and tennis courts, a dog park, pet wash station, and package lockers. You’d pay $1,500+ for these same amenities at most Austin properties. A fenced, gated property with fob access is something you don’t usually get at this price point.
Skip If
You earn too much. This isn’t a small detail. Units are split across income tiers: 60% of Median Family Income, 80% MFI, 100% MFI, and a handful with no restrictions. If your income exceeds the cap for a specific unit, you’re denied. Period. There’s no flexibility or workaround. I’ve seen renters lose application fees because they didn’t understand this before applying.
Parking is a priority. Multiple reviewers say they can’t find parking, even during weekday afternoons. Each leaseholder can register one vehicle. If your household has two cars, you’re already in trouble. Reserved carport spots are $60/month, and garages run $150/month, but good luck getting one.
You’re uncomfortable applying without seeing your specific unit. Recent reviewers say they were told they can’t tour the exact unit they’d be leasing until after signing. That’s a red flag for some renters. Ask the leasing office about their current policy before putting in an application.
Ready to See If High Point Preserve Fits Your Situation?
I can tell you whether your income and background match what this property needs before you spend on the application fee. If it doesn’t work, I know which Northeast Austin properties will.
Get started online.
Location Deep Dive
What’s Actually Nearby
High Point Preserve sits on the eastbound service road of US 290, just past the 183/290 split heading toward Manor. This is far Northeast Austin. The 78724 zip code. Walnut Creek is the official neighborhood on paper. But the property is closer to the Decker Lane corridor than to the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park trails most people think of when they hear that name.
The Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve is right behind the property, which means actual green space outside your window. That’s a real plus if you run trails or walk dogs.
Groceries: the closest full grocery store is the H-E-B on Ed Bluestein, roughly 3 miles south (8–10 minutes). Nothing you can walk to for groceries, coffee, or food. Walk Score is 9. That’s not a typo. You need a car for everything.
Applied Materials is at 9700 US-290, less than half a mile east on the same road. If you work there, your commute is basically nothing. Samsung’s Austin semiconductor campus is about 7 miles northwest near E Parmer and I-35, so that’s a 12–15 minute drive on a good day. Bottom line on location: if your job is anywhere on the eastern 290 corridor, this location works. If you drive downtown every day, keep reading.
Commute Math
| Destination | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Materials (E 290) | Under 2 min | Under 5 min |
| Samsung Austin (Samsung Blvd) | 12–15 min | 18–25 min |
| Downtown Austin | 18–22 min | 35–50 min |
| UT Austin Campus | 18–22 min | 35–45 min |
| Austin-Bergstrom Airport | 25–30 min | 35–45 min |
| The Domain | 20–25 min | 30–40 min |
| Tesla Gigafactory | 25–30 min | 35–45 min |
The downtown commute is the painful one. US 290 to I-35 during rush hour can double your drive time. If you’re commuting west or south daily, this location will test your patience.
The Area
I’ll be straight: this part of 290 doesn’t have much around it yet. It’s the edge of Austin’s eastward expansion. You’ll pass construction sites, empty land, and a few strip centers. The trade-off is space, quiet, and rent that buys you new construction when the same money gets you a 1985 building closer to downtown. For schools, LASA High School (GreatSchools 9/10, 1.1 miles) and LBJ High School (3/10, 1.1 miles) are both close. Magnolia Montessori For All is about a mile away.
Pricing and True Cost
Floor Plans
| Floor Plan | Bed/Bath | Sq Ft | Base Rent Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E1-Mockingbird | Studio/1BA | 565 | $968–$1,294 | Price depends on income tier (60%, 80%, 100%) |
| A1-Chickadee | 1BR/1BA | 660 | $1,027–$1,583 | Most available units |
| A2 (Larger 1BR) | 1BR/1BA | 705 | $1,182–$1,750 | Larger layout |
| B1-Robin | 2BR/2BA | 995 | $1,274–$1,750 | Income tier pricing applies |
| 3BR | 3BR | ~1,320 | From $1,964 | Limited availability |
Important: The rent you pay depends on which income tier you qualify for. A one bedroom in the 80% MFI tier might be $1,037. That same floor plan in the 100% MFI tier could be $1,087. And if you qualify for 60% MFI, it could drop below $1,000. The listing sites show one price range, but it’s more complicated than that.
Net Effective Rent (With the 8 Weeks Free Special)
Let’s do the math on the most common unit: a 1BR at $1,087/month on a 12-month lease with 8 weeks (56 days) free.
- Base rent: $1,087/month
- Lease term: 365 days
- Free rent: 56 days
- Daily multiplier: (365 – 56) ÷ 365 = 0.8466
- Net effective rent: $1,087 × 0.8466 = $920/month
- Monthly savings: $167/month vs. base rent
That’s a real discount. Over 12 months, you’re saving about $2,000 compared to paying full price. And the concession is spread over the lease, so your actual check each month is lower. Keep in mind: they qualify your income off the base rent ($1,087), not the net effective ($920). You’d need $3,261/month gross income to qualify at 3x.
Fee Breakdown
Required Fees (everyone pays):
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | [VERIFY: ~$50 per applicant] |
| Security Deposit | $99 refundable (could be up to one month’s rent) |
| Valet Trash | Charged per unit (mandatory) |
| Pest Control | Charged per unit (mandatory) |
| Internet/Cable (Spectrum) | Charged per unit (mandatory) |
Optional Fees:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Reserved Carport | $60/month |
| Detached Garage | $150/month |
| Storage Unit | $25/month |
| Pet Deposit (1 pet) | $350 refundable |
| Pet Fee (1 pet) | $250 non-refundable |
| Pet Deposit (2 pets) | $500 refundable |
| Pet Fee (2 pets) | $500 non-refundable |
True Monthly Cost Example: A renter in a 1BR at $1,087 with the 8-week concession applied, one pet, reserved carport, and mandatory monthly fees:
- Net effective rent: $920
- Valet trash + pest control + internet: [VERIFY exact amounts]
- Carport: $60
- Estimated true monthly cost: ~$1,000–$1,050/month
The gap between the advertised $1,087 and what you actually pay each month depends on those mandatory monthly charges. Ask the leasing office for the exact amounts before you apply.
Want to Compare This Property’s True Cost to Nearby Options?
I track pricing across every Northeast Austin apartment community. I can show you how High Point Preserve stacks up against nearby properties like The Heights at 8721, Terrace at Walnut Creek, or the newer builds in Manor.
Get started online.
Screening Criteria
Income Requirements
This is where High Point Preserve gets complicated. You need to qualify twice:
- Minimum income: 3x the monthly rent (standard for Austin)
- Maximum income: Your household income can’t exceed the cap for your unit’s income tier
| Household Size | 60% MFI Cap | 80% MFI Cap | 100% MFI Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | $94,100 |
| 2 people | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | $107,600 |
| 3 people | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | $121,000 |
| 4 people | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | $134,400 |
| 5 people | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | $145,200 |
And some units have no income restriction at all. The floor plan name tells you the tier: “E1-Mockingbird 60%” means that unit is set aside for people making under 60% of Median Family Income. “A1-Chickadee 100%” means that’s the 100% MFI tier.
What Gets You Denied
High Point Preserve checks credit, rental history, and criminal background. Specific thresholds aren’t published on their website or any of their listings. Here’s what I know from working with income restricted properties in Austin:
- Active property debt (money owed to a previous landlord) will usually get you auto-declined at income restricted communities. If you have property debt, a third-party guarantee may not work here the way it does at conventional properties.
- Eviction history lookback periods vary. These properties often follow stricter rules because of the housing program they’re part of.
- Criminal background gets reviewed, but specific lookback periods aren’t published. Ask the leasing office directly.
- Credit score minimums aren’t published. My experience with similar Workforce Housing properties in Austin: they tend to be more flexible on credit than standard Class A properties, but less flexible on rental history.
If you have a broken lease on your record, this property may or may not work depending on how old it is and whether you owe money. I can check for you before you apply.
Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can tell you whether your income, credit, and rental history are likely to pass High Point Preserve’s screening before you spend the application fee finding out. If this property looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby communities have more flexibility.
Application Process
Your first payment has to be a money order, cashier’s check, or personal check. After that, you can pay online through the resident portal. Link your bank account for a 95-cent transaction fee, or use a credit/debit card with processing fees.
Resident Reviews Decoded
Review Pattern Analysis
| Theme | Mentions | Trend | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helpful/friendly staff | 50+ of 188 | → Steady | |
| Pest issues (roaches, scorpions, wasps) | 6+ detailed complaints | → Steady | |
| Parking shortage | 6+ | → Steady | |
| Security incidents | 5+ (including shooting reports) | ↓ Fewer recent mentions | |
| Maintenance completion issues | 5+ | → Steady | |
| Can’t tour unit before signing | 3+ recent | ↑ Recent trend | |
| Income restriction transparency | 2+ | → Steady |
What Residents Like
Staff gets praised constantly. Roxana, Rachel, Lili, Alyssa, and Iris show up by name in review after review. When you see the same names that many times, it tells you the leasing team is actually engaged, not just going through the motions.
The place looks good when you tour it. Reviewers mention clean grounds, common areas in solid shape, and units that still feel new. A lot of the Spanish-speaking residents love the bilingual staff and how comfortable the community feels.
What Residents Complain About
Pests are the biggest red flag in the reviews. One resident in building 19 dealt with a German roach problem for six months before breaking their lease. Another said scorpions were coming through vents and wasps were getting inside. The property works with pest control, but based on the complaints, the problem isn’t totally fixed in some buildings.
Security came up in reviews from about a year ago. At least two residents mentioned shootings on or near the property, and people said management didn’t tell them what happened. One resident said their car was put on blocks. Another said someone hit their car and drove off. More recent reviews don’t mention security as much.
Management responses to reviews are mostly template language. They respond to nearly every review, which is better than ignoring them, but the responses read like copied templates rather than actually addressing what the person wrote about.
The Uncomfortable Truth
No listing site will write this section. But if you’re considering High Point Preserve, you need to know these things before you sign.
The Income Restriction Isn’t Always Clear
Multiple reviewers applied, paid fees, and then found out this is an income restricted community. One reviewer called it “extremely poor transparency on rent control and income restrictions.” The property’s own website now labels it as Workforce Housing and their FAQ page explains the tiers. But other listing sites still bury or skip this detail. If you’re browsing Zillow or Apartments.com and see the price, you might not realize you need to earn UNDER a certain amount to qualify. Make sure you qualify before you apply.
The Pest Problem Is Building-Specific
Not every building has pest issues. But the complaints that do exist are serious: a six-month roach infestation in building 19, scorpions through vents, wasps inside units. If you’re touring, find out which buildings have had recent pest treatments and try to get a unit in one that hasn’t had problems. The property sits on the edge of undeveloped land and Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve. That natural setting is great for views and trails, but it also means more bugs finding their way inside.
Parking Was Not Built for the Actual Number of Cars
454 units. One registered vehicle per leaseholder. And people still can’t find spots at 2 PM on a weekday. Budget $60/month for a reserved carport or $150/month for a garage if parking matters to you. Even those fill up.
Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Alternatives?
Whether High Point Preserve is the right fit or you want to see what else is out there, I can lay out your options. If you’re looking for second chance apartments or just want to know what’s available in Northeast Austin, let’s talk. I’ll match you with properties that fit your situation.
Get started online.
FAQ
Is High Point Preserve income restricted?
Yes. It’s part of Austin’s Workforce Housing program. Units are split between 60%, 80%, and 100% of Median Family Income tiers, with some unrestricted units. You can’t go over the cap for the unit you’re applying for.
Does High Point Preserve accept housing vouchers?
Yes. They accept housing vouchers. Call the leasing office to ask what paperwork you’ll need.
What is the pet policy at High Point Preserve?
Two pets max, 100 lb weight limit per animal, no breed restrictions, and no monthly pet rent. You’ll pay a $350 refundable deposit and $250 non-refundable fee for one pet. They also require a pet interview and proof of shots.
How much is parking at High Point Preserve?
Surface parking comes with your lease, but you can only register one car. Reserved carport spaces are $60/month and detached garages are $150/month. Both fill up fast.
Does High Point Preserve have a washer and dryer in the unit?
Yes. Every unit has washer and dryer connections, and most come with the machines already in the unit.
What’s the commute from High Point Preserve to downtown Austin?
About 18–22 minutes off-peak, but 35–50 minutes during rush hour. The stretch from 290 to I-35 backs up badly in the mornings and evenings.
Is High Point Preserve a gated community?
Yes. The property is fenced with gated vehicle access. Each leaseholder gets a fob for driving gates and a 4-digit code for clubhouse and amenity access.
What are the nearby schools?
LASA High School (GreatSchools 9/10) is 1.1 miles away. LBJ High School (3/10) is also 1.1 miles. Magnolia Montessori For All (PK–8, 5/10) is about 1 mile away.
Can I tour my specific unit before signing the lease?
Recent reviewers say they couldn’t tour the exact unit before signing. That might depend on what’s available when you apply. Ask the leasing office about their policy on this before you put in an application.
The Bottom Line
High Point Preserve gives you 2022 construction quality, two pools, laundry in the unit, and a gated community at rents that start under $1,000. With 8 weeks free spread over your lease, the net effective rent on a one bedroom drops to around $920/month. That’s hard to beat for a building this new in Austin.
The main trade-off is the income restriction. You earn too much, you don’t qualify. And unlike most apartment screening, there’s no extra deposit or guarantor option to get around the income cap. You either fit the tier or you don’t.
This property makes sense if:
- Your household income falls within the MFI caps and you want new construction amenities
- You work on the eastern 290 corridor, at Applied Materials or Samsung, or at one of the other tech campuses nearby
- You have a larger pet and want no monthly pet rent
- You can handle car dependent living with almost nothing within walking distance
This property doesn’t make sense if:
- Your income exceeds the caps for any available unit tier
- You need reliable parking for more than one car
- You’re sensitive to pest issues (ask about specific buildings before committing)
- You commute to downtown Austin or South Austin daily
My honest take: if you qualify on income and you work anywhere on the east side of Austin, High Point Preserve is one of the best deals in the market right now. New construction, real amenities, and a price point that most Austin apartments can’t touch. But go in with your eyes open about the parking, the pest history in certain buildings, and the fact that this is not a conventional market rate community.
Need Help?
Want to find out if you qualify? I can check your income against the MFI tiers and tell you which ones you qualify for before you spend on application fees. My service is free. I’m paid a referral fee from the property’s marketing budget, so your rent stays the same whether you use a locator or apply directly.
Going solo? Contact High Point Preserve directly at (737) 285-0830 or visit highpointpreserve.com. 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.
