Matador Apartments Review: Brand New Tax Credit Pricing on South Congress, Austin TX
A one bedroom in a brand new building on South Congress Avenue for under $920 a month. That’s not a typo. That’s net effective rent after Matador’s current 10–12 weeks free special on a 12-month lease. I’ve tracked Austin apartment pricing across 1,000+ properties for the past three years, and Matador is one of the rare new construction tax credit properties where the numbers actually make sense for renters who qualify.
Built in 2025, Matador sits at the corner of South Congress and Stassney Lane. 285 units, five stories, full-size washer and dryer in most units (a couple of floor plans have connections only), Google Fiber, 9-foot ceilings, and a South Congress address. That package normally costs $1,700 or more in this part of Austin. Here, one bedrooms start at $1,026 before concessions.
Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: Matador is a tax credit (LIHTC) property with income-tiered pricing. That means your rent depends on how much you make compared to Austin’s median income. It also means there are income ceilings, not just floors. And the vehicle theft complaints in the reviews? Listing sites skip right past those. I won’t.
Quick Facts: Matador Apartments
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 5900 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745 |
| Year Built | 2025 (brand new) |
| Total Units | 285 units, 5 stories, single building |
| Management | JCI Residential (Journeyman Group) |
| Property Type | Tax Credit (LIHTC) with income-tiered pricing |
| Rent Range | $1,026–$2,129 (varies by AMI tier and floor plan) |
| Current Special | 10–12 weeks free on 12–15 month lease (verified on Matador’s website, June 2026) |
| Application Fee | $50 per applicant |
| Admin Fee | $150 |
| Security Deposit | $400 (1BR) / $500 (2BR), due at application |
| Pet Policy | 2 pets max, 100 lb limit, no breed restrictions, $0/month pet rent, pet screening required |
| Google Rating | 4.3 stars (43 reviews) |
| Occupancy | 79% (still in lease-up phase) |
The 4.3 Google rating on 43 reviews is the only review data that exists for Matador right now. No ApartmentRatings page, no Yelp reviews, no Facebook reviews. That’s typical for a property that just opened, but it means there isn’t much to go on yet. The positive patterns are strong. The negatives, particularly around vehicle crime, are specific enough to pay attention to. I’ll break both down below.
Best For / Skip If
Matador Makes Sense If…
Your income qualifies for the 50–70% AMI tiers. This is where Matador’s pricing is hard to beat. A one bedroom at $1,026–$1,249 base rent in a building constructed this year? With 10–12 weeks free, your net effective drops into the $800s and $900s. You’d pay more for a renovated 1980s unit at most South Austin competitors. If you make under the income limits for Travis County, this is one of the best deals in the 78745 zip code right now.
You have a large dog or a restricted breed. Matador has no breed restrictions and a 100 lb weight limit. That’s rare for new construction. There’s also an enclosed dog park on site, and monthly pet rent is $0. If you own a pit bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, or any breed that gets flagged elsewhere, your options in South Austin just got bigger. For more properties with relaxed pet policies, check our verified list of Austin apartments that accept large dogs.
You want new construction without new construction pricing. Quartz countertops, vinyl plank flooring, stainless appliances, 9-foot ceilings, full-size washer and dryer supplied in most units, Google Fiber, EV charging stations, a bocce ball court, and coworking spaces. These are features you’d expect in a $1,800+ apartment. At Matador, you’re getting them at half the price if you qualify for the lower AMI tiers.
You need to be on or near the South Congress corridor. Matador is 0.09 miles from Bexley SoCo and 0.28 miles from Avana SoCo. Same stretch of road, same bus access, same proximity to Stassney and I-35. At the lower AMI tiers, you’re paying $300–$500 less per month than the market-rate places next door.
Skip If…
Your income exceeds the AMI caps for your household size. Tax credit properties have income ceilings. If your household earns too much, you won’t qualify regardless of credit or rental history. The 120% AMI tier has the highest cap, but even that has limits. Check with the leasing office before you tour.
You need guaranteed parking security. Three Google reviews mention vehicle theft, break-ins, or parts being stripped in the parking area. Management responded publicly but didn’t spell out what they’re doing to fix it. If vehicle safety is a priority, ask about garage parking and what security changes have been made before signing.
You need quiet nights. One recent reviewer flagged recurring fire alarms going off without notice. That happens with new buildings still dialing in their systems, but ask about it before you sign.
Wondering If Matador 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.
Location Deep Dive
What’s Actually Nearby
Matador sits at 5900 South Congress Avenue, right at the Stassney Lane intersection. The bus stop is directly out front (Capital Metro Route 801). H-E-B at William Cannon is about 1.2 miles south. St. David’s South Austin Medical Center is within 1.5 miles. St. Edward’s University is roughly 2 miles north.
For groceries and essentials, you’re driving. The immediate stretch of South Congress at Stassney is a working corridor, not the restaurant and boutique scene further north near SoCo proper. The trendy SoCo restaurants are 2–3 miles north. Williamson Creek Greenbelt is walkable for trail access. Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool are about 4.5 miles north.
Commute Math
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin | ~5.5 mi | 12–15 min | 25–40 min |
| St. David’s South Austin Medical Center | ~1.5 mi | 4 min | 5–8 min |
| Austin-Bergstrom International Airport | ~10 mi | 15–20 min | 20–30 min |
| Tesla Gigafactory (SE Austin) | ~14 mi | 18–22 min | 30–40 min |
| The Domain (North Austin) | ~15 mi | 22–28 min | 45–60+ min |
| St. Edward’s University | ~2 mi | 5–7 min | 8–12 min |
Route notes: I-35 is right there for north-south travel. Ben White Boulevard (Hwy 290) connects you east-west. Heading south to the airport or Tesla? Easy drive. Heading north toward the Domain during rush hour? Budget extra time or pay for MoPac’s toll lanes.
Neighborhood Vibe
This isn’t the walkable SoCo from the travel blogs. The 5900 block of South Congress is south of the trendy strip, in the Sweetbriar neighborhood. Car-dependent for most daily errands. If walkability matters, check our South Austin apartments guide for a breakdown of which corridors deliver what. The trade-off: ten minutes to Zilker, fifteen to downtown, five to multiple grocery options, and you don’t pay walkability premiums.
Pricing and True Cost
Floor Plans and Net Effective Rent
Matador’s pricing works differently from conventional apartments. As a tax credit property, rents are set by income tiers based on Area Median Income (the property calls these MFI tiers, same thing). The percentage next to each floor plan tells you which income tier that unit is in. Lower tiers mean lower rent, but also lower income caps.
One Bedrooms:
| Floor Plan | AMI Tier | Sq Ft | Base Rent (from) | Net Effective* | W/D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 Accessible | 50% | 635 | $1,026 | ~$829 | Supplied |
| A2 | 50% | 635 | $1,096 | ~$886 | Connection |
| A2 | 120% | 635 | $1,105 | ~$893 | Supplied |
| A1 | 60% | 612 | $1,137 | ~$919 | Supplied |
| A1 | 70% | 612 | $1,249 | ~$1,009 | Supplied |
| A3 Accessible | 120% | 768 | $1,387 | ~$1,121 | Supplied |
| A3 | 120% | 774 | $1,417 | ~$1,145 | Supplied |
Two Bedrooms:
| Floor Plan | AMI Tier | Sq Ft | Base Rent (from) | Net Effective* | W/D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B2 Accessible | 50% | 813 | $1,125 | ~$909 | Supplied |
| B1 | 70% | 800 | $1,240 | ~$1,002 | Supplied |
| B2 Accessible | 120% | 813 | $1,260 | ~$1,018 | Supplied |
| B2 | 120% | 813 | $1,299 | ~$1,050 | Supplied |
| B3 | 120% | 841 | $1,416 | ~$1,144 | Supplied |
| B5 | 120% | 870 | $1,464 | ~$1,183 | Supplied |
| B7 | 120% | 1,139 | $1,844 | ~$1,490 | Connection |
*Net effective calculated with 10 weeks free on a 12-month lease. If you qualify for 12 weeks free, subtract an additional $40–$70/month from these figures.
Net Effective Rent Calculation
Matador’s website currently advertises 10–12 weeks free on 12–15 month leases (up from 8–10 weeks earlier in 2026). Here’s the math using 10 weeks free on the A1 (60% AMI) one bedroom at $1,137/month:
- Lease term: 12 months (365 days)
- Concession: 10 weeks free (70 days)
- Daily multiplier: (365 – 70) ÷ 365 = 0.8082
- Net effective rent: $1,137 × 0.8082 = $919/month
- Monthly savings: $1,137 – $919 = $218/month
If you land 12 weeks free (84 days), the math gets even better:
- Multiplier: (365 – 84) ÷ 365 = 0.7699
- Net effective rent: $1,137 × 0.7699 = $876/month
On the 50% AMI units, a one bedroom at $1,026 drops to roughly $829 (10 weeks) or $790 (12 weeks) net effective. Get the exact concession for your floor plan in writing before you sign.
All the Fees
| Fee | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 per applicant | Yes |
| Admin fee | $150 | Yes |
| Security deposit | $400 (1BR) / $500 (2BR), due at application | Yes |
| Valet trash | $25/month | Yes (mandatory amenity package) |
| Pest control | $5/month | Yes (mandatory amenity package) |
| Amenity fee | $20/month | Yes (mandatory amenity package) |
| Renter’s insurance | $100,000 liability minimum | Yes |
| Pet deposit | $350 (1 pet) / $500 (2 pets), refundable | If applicable |
| Pet fee | $250 (1 pet) / $500 (2 pets), non-refundable | If applicable |
| Pet screening | $25 (ACH) or $30 (card) | If applicable |
| Monthly pet rent | $0 | N/A |
| Storage unit | $50/month | Optional |
The mandatory amenity package adds $50/month to every resident’s bill. That’s $600 per year that doesn’t show up in the base rent. Add that $50 to the rent before comparing Matador to other properties. But here’s the counter: $0 monthly pet rent saves you $300–$600/year compared to a typical property with one pet, so the amenity package stings less if you have a dog. If you have an ESA with proper documentation, the pet deposit and pet fee are waived.
True Monthly Cost: Realistic Scenario
One bedroom (A1 60% AMI), one dog, 12-month lease:
- Net effective rent: $919 (with 10 weeks free)
- Mandatory monthly fees (valet trash, pest control, amenity fee): $50
- Monthly pet rent: $0
- Estimated total: ~$969/month (before water and electric)
Move-in costs (1BR with one dog):
- First month’s rent (or prorated): ~$1,137
- Security deposit: $400
- Admin fee: $150
- Pet deposit: $350
- Pet fee: $250
- Pet screening: $25–$30
- App fee: $50
- Estimated move-in total: ~$2,362–$2,367
The security deposit is due at application, not move-in. Pet deposit and fee are due on move-in day.
Specials change. The concessions have increased since the property opened (started at 6–8 weeks, now 10–12 weeks as of June 2026). At 79% occupancy, the aggressive pricing should continue until they fill up. Ask for the exact deal on your floor plan and get it in writing.
Want to Know What Specials Are Actually Available Right Now?
I track specials across South Austin weekly. Fill out the form and I’ll send you current pricing for Matador and similar properties in the 78745 corridor, including net effective rent comparisons so you can see the real numbers.
Screening Criteria
How Tax Credit Screening Works (It’s Different)
Matador is a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property. That changes the screening process in two ways that matter: there are income ceilings (you can earn too much to qualify), and third-party guarantors are not accepted.
Income: 2.5x minimum, with caps above. You need to earn at least 2.5x the base rent in gross income. That’s lower than the 3x standard at most Austin apartments. Real advantage. But you also can’t earn more than the MFI (Median Family Income) limit for your tier. Matador has units at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 120% MFI. If you’re applying with someone else, income can be combined.
No guarantors. Matador is income restricted, so they don’t accept lease guarantors. That means third-party guarantee services (the main tool for second-chance renters with property debt) won’t work here. If you can’t qualify on your own income and screening, there’s no backup path.
Housing vouchers accepted. Not all tax credit properties take them. Matador does.
Income Requirement Table
These numbers come from the City of Austin’s most recent published MFI chart (FY 2024). The 2026 limits should be a bit higher since Austin’s Median Family Income went up to $134,400. Check current limits with the leasing office or at austintexas.gov/housing/income-rent-limits.
| MFI Tier | Max Income (1 person) | Max Income (2 people) | Max Income (3 people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% MFI | $44,100 | $50,400 | $56,700 |
| 60% MFI | $52,920 | $60,480 | $68,040 |
| 70% MFI | $61,750 | $70,550 | $79,400 |
| 120% MFI | $105,850 | $120,950 | $136,100 |
These are income ceilings, not floors. If your household earns more than the cap for your tier, you won’t qualify for that unit. You still need to make at least 2.5x rent on the low end.
For the A1 (60% MFI) one bedroom at $1,137/month, you’d need to earn at least $2,843/month ($34,110/year) but no more than $52,920/year as a single person. That’s about $16.40–$25.44/hour.
Credit and Background
From Matador’s published FAQ:
Credit: At least 75% of your current accounts need to be in good standing. No specific credit score cutoff, but accounts in collections or delinquency will count against you. You might get approved with a higher deposit in borderline cases. Undischarged bankruptcies can get you denied.
Background: Nationwide criminal search on every applicant and occupant over 18. Here’s what Matador’s FAQ says can get you denied: felony convictions or deferred adjudication for violent crimes, felony or misdemeanor theft convictions, non-violent felony convictions in the past 10 years, and misdemeanors involving firearms, drugs, prostitution, arson, or burglary.
Rental history: Automatic denial if you owe a previous landlord money, have a judgment on your credit, or have major lease violations. If you have no rental history, you might need a higher deposit. Late payments on your record can also mean a bigger deposit.
Employment: Six months of verifiable income required. Bring your two most recent months of paystubs or an offer letter.
What Gets You Denied
Automatic denial triggers at Matador: owing money to a previous landlord (any amount), a landlord judgment on your credit, major lease violations, undischarged bankruptcy, felony convictions for violent crimes, income above the MFI cap, income below 2.5x base rent, or not being able to show 6 months of income.
Application Process
- Apply online or in person ($50 per applicant, $150 admin fee, $400–$500 security deposit due at application)
- Income verification (2 months of paystubs or offer letter, must fall within MFI tier)
- Credit, background, and rental history screening
- Approval and lease signing (12–15 month lease terms)
What a Locator Does Here
I can tell you whether your income and rental history will pass screening before you spend $50 on an application and lock up $400–$500 in a deposit. The no-guarantor policy means there’s no safety net if you get denied, which makes checking first more important here than at a regular apartment. If Matador doesn’t fit, I know which South Austin properties accept guarantors and which offer second chance approval pathways.
Resident Reviews Decoded
What 43 Google Reviews Actually Tell You
Listing sites show you a 4.3 rating and move on. That number is useless without context. I searched every major review platform for Matador: Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, Facebook, Birdeye, and others. Google is the only one with reviews. No ApartmentRatings page. No Yelp. Facebook has zero. That’s normal for a property this new, but it means we’re working with one data source and a small sample.
| Theme | Mentions | Trend | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendly/helpful staff | 21+ | Consistent since opening | |
| Liliana (community manager) praised by name | 10+ | Consistent | |
| Melissa praised by name | 8+ | Consistent | |
| Sieanna praised by name | 2+ | Recent | |
| Modern units/finishes | 5+ | Consistent | |
| Vehicle theft/vandalism/break-ins | 3 | Concerning (includes unlocked gate detail) | |
| Wrong unit assignment | 2 | Isolated (likely same couple) | |
| ESA accommodation dispute | 1–2 | Detailed complaints | |
| Fire alarm issues | 1 | Recent (last week) |
What Residents Praise
The leasing staff gets praised constantly. And by name. Liliana (community manager) shows up in 10+ reviews. Melissa appears in 8+. Josh and Sieanna each get mentioned multiple times. That kind of specific, repeated name-dropping tells me the team is actually good, not just checking boxes. Several reviews also mention the move-in process being easy, which matters here because the tax credit paperwork is heavier than a standard lease.
Reviewers say the building is clean and well maintained. Multiple people call out the dog park. For a property that just opened, the early feedback on condition is solid.
What Residents Criticize
Vehicle crime is the standout negative. Three separate reviewers mention vehicles being stolen, stripped, or vandalized.
The most detailed account comes from Colin Livy (edited 3 months ago). His van was broken into. A neighbor’s vehicle battery was ripped out. People entered the property through an unlocked gate. He was personally threatened about his dog. Zach Louis (4 months ago) said his vehicle was stolen from the parking garage within a month of moving in, and two emails to management went unanswered. Daniela Martinez Guerra (3 months ago) described parts being stripped and management doing nothing.
These aren’t vague complaints. They name specific incidents, and the unlocked gate tells you the access control isn’t working.
Two reviews (one in English, one in Spanish, likely the same couple) describe being assigned an apartment they didn’t choose. That sounds like a growing-pains mix-up during lease-up, not a pattern.
Two residents (Barry Livingston and Colin Livy) reported problems getting their ESA accommodations processed. Both say management’s third-party screening company asked for more documentation than Fair Housing law requires. Colin Livy also reported being threatened with fines, pet fees, and lease violations for his ESA. Two residents, same issue, same process.
How Management Responds
Management responds to every review, positive and negative. Responses use names and reference specifics, though the replies to negative reviews default to “We take your concerns seriously” without saying what they’ll actually do about it.
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.
Vehicle Crime Is a Real Concern
I covered the specifics above in the reviews section, but it’s worth repeating here: three separate residents have reported vehicle theft, break-ins, or parts being stripped. An unlocked gate as an entry point. A vehicle stolen from the parking garage within a month of move-in. Management not responding to emails about it. The property has access gates and fencing, but the reviews tell a different story. Before you sign, ask what’s changed since these incidents and whether the gate actually stays locked now.
Tax Credit Qualification Adds Complexity
The lower rents come with strings attached. You have to prove your income fits within the tier for your unit. That means more paperwork, more documentation, and the chance that a raise could bump you out of eligibility. If your income goes over the cap while you’re living there, you probably won’t have to move right away (LIHTC rules generally let you stay through your lease), but your renewal options could change. Ask the leasing office about this before you sign.
The Building Is Still in Lease-Up
At 79% occupancy, Matador hasn’t filled yet. That explains the aggressive concessions. It also means you might deal with construction punch list items and the general growing pains of a new property. Several early reviews mention construction still happening when they moved in, though the newer reviews say it’s calmed down.
Ready to Move Forward, or Want to Explore Alternatives?
You’ve seen the real picture: the pricing, the catches, the review patterns. If Matador fits, I can help you apply. If it doesn’t, I know which other South Austin properties match what you’re looking for. Either way, the help is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matador Apartments income restricted?
Yes. Matador is a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property with units at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 120% AMI tiers. Your household income has to be under the cap for the tier you’re applying to.
Does Matador allow pets?
Yes. Two pets max, 100 lb weight limit per pet, and no breed restrictions. Pet deposit is $350 for one pet, $500 for two. Monthly pet rent is $0. Pet screening is required (you upload vaccine records, photos, and insurance through an online form). If you have an ESA with proper documentation, deposits and fees are waived, though two residents have reported friction with the ESA process through the third-party screening company.
What move-in specials does Matador currently offer?
As of June 2026, Matador’s website advertises 10–12 weeks free on 12–15 month lease terms. Earlier listings showed 8–10 weeks, so the concessions have been increasing as the property pushes to fill remaining units at 79% occupancy. Check with the leasing office or reach out to me for the latest.
What credit score do I need for Matador?
There’s no specific credit score minimum. Matador’s published criteria say at least 75% of your current accounts need to be in good standing. You might get approved with a higher deposit in borderline cases. Undischarged bankruptcies can get you denied.
Is parking free at Matador?
Parking is free, unassigned, and first come first served. Matador doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a spot. You have to register your vehicle with the office (one car per person on the lease), and unregistered cars can get towed.
What utilities are included?
Water and electricity are both sub-metered and billed to you (paid with rent on the first of the month). Water charges usually take 1–2 months to show up on your bill. On top of rent, there’s a mandatory amenity package of $50/month covering valet trash ($25), pest control ($5), and an amenity fee ($20). Google Fiber is available.
The Bottom Line: Is Matador Worth It?
The strengths are real. Brand new 2025 construction. Modern finishes. No breed restrictions. $0 monthly pet rent. Rents starting at $1,026 for a one bedroom on South Congress Avenue. With 10–12 weeks free, net effective rents drop into the $800s and $900s. That’s hard to match anywhere in Austin for this build quality. And the leasing staff, particularly Liliana, Melissa, and Sieanna, gets consistently positive feedback across all 43 Google reviews.
The main trade-off is clear: this is a tax credit property with income caps you have to qualify for, and the vehicle theft reports are a genuine concern management hasn’t visibly resolved.
This property makes sense if…
- Your income qualifies for one of the AMI tiers (especially 50–70%)
- You want new construction finishes without the typical $1,600+ price tag
- You have a large or restricted-breed dog
- You work near South Congress, downtown, or the airport corridor
This property doesn’t make sense if…
- Your household income exceeds the AMI caps
- Parking lot security is a dealbreaker for you
- You want a walkable neighborhood (this isn’t the trendy SoCo stretch)
- You prefer an established community with a longer track record of reviews
For renters who qualify on income, Matador is one of the best deals in South Austin right now. The first-year math is strong. Go in with eyes open about the security concerns and the lease-up growing pains, and the deal is worth pursuing.
If you want help figuring out whether Matador fits your situation, or if you’d rather see similar properties without the income restrictions, fill out the form and I’ll text you within a few hours.
Need Help?
You’ve got everything to evaluate Matador on your own. 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 coordinate next steps. You’ll talk to me directly. Not a bot. Not an answering service.
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.
For more new construction options across the metro, check our guide to new apartments being built in Austin. And for a broader look at the 78745 corridor, see our full South Austin apartments breakdown.
