The Lowell at Mueller Apartments Austin Review: 8 Weeks Free, Income Restricted Units, and What 400+ Reviews Actually Say

Eight weeks free on a 1969 property with a 4.1 Google rating and income restricted units starting at $805. That math catches your attention. It should.

I track rental pricing across 1,000+ Austin apartment communities through ApartmentData.com and direct leasing contacts. The Lowell at Mueller keeps showing up in two very different client searches. One group wants income restricted housing near the Mueller development. The other is hunting for market rate one bedrooms under $1,000 with a big move in special. Same 286 unit property on Broadmoor Drive. Two completely different reasons to care about it.

Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: this property has changed management companies at least three times since 2020. The current team under Ryse Management is getting better reviews than its predecessors, but that history matters. So does the 1969 construction date and the review patterns I’m about to break down.

Quick Facts: The Lowell at Mueller

That 4.1 Google rating with 281 reviews sounds solid. It needs context. A lot of those 5 star reviews came during a push where the leasing office offered incentives for positive reviews. One resident flagged this directly. And Google only tells part of the story.

Across all platforms, this property has 400+ reviews when you count the 77 on ApartmentRatings and 34 on Yelp filed under its former names. Those older reviews paint a harsher picture: cockroach infestations bad enough that one renter hired an attorney to break their lease, vehicle break-ins, and homeless encampments bordering the property. Most of that predates the current Ryse management team. But the building’s infrastructure problems don’t reset with a new logo. I’ll break it all down below.

Best For

You need income restricted housing near the Mueller development. The Lowell has units set aside for renters who earn under certain income caps. If you qualify, one bedrooms start at $805 and two bedrooms at $846. That’s well below market rate for this part of Austin. Call the leasing office for current income cap numbers based on household size.

You have pets and a tight budget. No weight limit. No breed restrictions. Two pets allowed. The $400 one time fee per pet and $20/month pet rent is reasonable compared to properties that charge $500+ deposits plus $50/month. If you have a larger dog that gets rejected at 80% of Austin communities, this is one of the few budget options that won’t turn you away.

You’re looking for a one bedroom under $1,000 with a big concession. Market rate one bedrooms start at $949 before the 8 weeks free special. After you factor in that concession, the net effective rent drops below $810. I’ll show the math in the pricing section. Around this part of Austin, that number is hard to beat right now.

Spanish speaking residents who want bilingual leasing support. A big chunk of the Google reviews are in Spanish, and the residents who wrote them go out of their way to praise the bilingual staff. The leasing team has had Spanish speaking agents on staff for a while now, and that’s not something every property offers.

Skip If

You need in unit laundry. Units have washer/dryer connections, but not all come with machines. Some floor plans list “Fullsize, Connection” which means you’re buying or renting your own. Ask leasing if the unit you want comes with machines or just hookups.

You’re sensitive to pest issues. Reviews across Google and Yelp mention roaches. This is a 1969 building. Older construction with shared walls means pest control is a constant battle, not a one time fix. If this is a hard no for you, look at newer builds like Travis Flats or Solomon nearby. We have a full breakdown of 69 new apartment complexes in Austin if you want to compare.

You want a property with stable, long term management. The Lowell has cycled through Heritage at Hillcrest, Greystar, RPM Living, and now Ryse Management. Each transition brought billing confusion, staff turnover, and inconsistency. The current team is improving, but if management stability matters to you, that history is worth thinking about.

You need fast, consistent office communication. Reviews mention difficulty reaching the office by phone, missed tour appointments, and slow application processing. The leasing team has gotten better under Ryse, but this pattern hasn’t fully gone away.

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Location: What’s Actually Near 1200 Broadmoor Drive

What’s Nearby

The Lowell sits on Broadmoor Drive just off Cameron Road, east of I-35 and south of Highway 290. You’re on the western edge of the Mueller development area. That gives you access to the retail and restaurants that have grown around the Mueller master plan without paying Mueller pricing.

H-E-B Mueller is about 1.5 miles south on Mueller Boulevard. Target, Home Depot, and a cluster of restaurants at the Mueller Shopping Center are about the same distance. Epoch Coffee on North Loop? Roughly 2 miles southwest. Bartholomew District Park (pool, splash pad, disc golf, basketball courts) is about 0.7 miles south. Mueller Lake Park with the amphitheater and jogging trails is roughly a mile past that.

Fair warning on the immediate surroundings: Cameron Road is more functional than scenic. Gas stations, laundromats, and auto shops line the corridor. It’s not the walkable, polished Mueller that marketing photos suggest.

Commute Times

I-35 access is a block west. That’s a double edged sword: quick highway access, but also highway noise if your unit faces west. Ask about building placement when you tour. If you work downtown, the 12 minute off peak drive is hard to beat at this rent level.

Neighborhood Realities

This stretch of Cameron Road is still changing. Mueller to the south and east has brought investment, but the blocks right around the property still have the working class feel of Windsor Park. That’s not a negative. It’s just not the curated Mueller lifestyle the property name implies.

The bus route on Cameron Road connects to Highland Station (CapMetro Red Line), about 2 miles away. If you rely on public transit, it works but it’s not fast. You’ll want a car. For better transit access at similar price points, check out options in Central Austin closer to the Red Line.

Pricing and True Monthly Cost

Floor Plans and Base Rent

Income Restricted Units:

Market Rate Units:

Net Effective Rent: The Real Number

Right now the special is 8 weeks free (56 days) on a 12 month lease. Here’s the math using the daily multiplier method:

Multiplier: (365 days – 56 free days) ÷ 365 days = 0.8466

For a 1BR at $949/month: $949 × 0.8466 = $803 net effective rent Monthly savings: $146

For a 2BR at $1,049/month: $1,049 × 0.8466 = $888 net effective rent Monthly savings: $161

For a 2BR at $1,274/month: $1,274 × 0.8466 = $1,079 net effective rent Monthly savings: $195

That $803 net effective on a 1BR is one of the lowest numbers in the Mueller area right now. Mueller Flats nearby starts at $799 but with smaller concessions. Solomon down the street starts at $1,311 with newer construction and no income restricted options. So the math here does work in your favor if you can live with the building age.

Fee Breakdown

Required Fees (everyone pays these):

Optional Fees:

One thing to ask about: the property website lists valet trash as an amenity with an asterisk. ApartmentFinder doesn’t list it as a separate fee, so it might be rolled into rent or covered by another charge. Ask before you sign.

True Monthly Cost Scenario

A renter in a market rate 1BR at $949/month with one pet:

Here’s something most listing sites skip: the 1969 construction matters for your electric bill. Older buildings have less insulation and aging HVAC systems. Budget higher for electric during Austin summers. More than a few reviews mention AC units struggling in the heat, and one resident went weeks without a working unit.

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I can pull current pricing and availability for your situation. That includes whether income restricted units are open and which floor plan gets you the best value after the concession.

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Screening Criteria

The Lowell doesn’t list specific credit score minimums or income requirements on major listing sites. Some units are income restricted, so what you qualify for depends on your household size and the income caps the program sets.

What I Know

Here’s what I can tell you based on what I know about this property:

Income restricted units have income caps based on household size. On UMoveFree, the limits are listed as roughly: 1 person at $56,220, 2 people at $64,260, 3 people at $72,300, 4 people at $80,760. Those numbers can change every year. Check with the leasing office before you apply.

Market rate units likely follow standard screening for a property at this price point and age. Based on what I see at similar communities, here’s what to expect:

Income Requirement Table (Estimated at 3x)

If you qualify for income restricted units, the program caps how much you can earn. There’s no minimum income requirement the way market rate units work.

Application Process

1. Apply with $50 application fee (non refundable)
2. Turn in income documentation, ID, and sign off on the credit/background check
3. Wait for approval or denial (some reviews note this process takes longer than expected here)
4. If approved, sign the lease and pay the admin fee ($200) plus any deposits

A handful of reviews mention the application being slow or needing the same documents turned in more than once. If you’re on a tight move in timeline, start early and follow up often with the leasing office.

Where a Locator Helps Here

I check your situation against what this property actually looks for before you spend $50 on an application. If the Lowell doesn’t fit, I’ll tell you upfront and point you toward East Austin apartments that match your income, credit, and timeline. If it does fit, I can coordinate with the leasing team so you’re not stuck in a phone tag loop.

Resident Reviews: What 400+ Reviews Across Five Platforms Actually Tell You

I pulled reviews from Google (281 reviews, 4.1 stars), ApartmentRatings (78 reviews across the Lowell and Heritage listings), Yelp (34 reviews across three listings), and ApartmentHomeLiving (about 8 reviews). The picture changes depending on where you look.

What People Are Saying (and How Often)

The Staff Story

What jumps out first is the staff praise. Diego Rodriguez appears in roughly 20 reviews from the past year, almost all 5 stars. Residents call out his patience, his helpfulness, and the fact that he speaks Spanish. Kristy and Ashley/Ashlee get consistent mentions too. For a 286 unit property, that kind of repeated, name-specific praise is unusual. It tells you something real about what it’s like to live there.

But here’s the other side. A previous resident specifically warned that the leasing office offered incentives for positive reviews. When you know that, those 56+ staff praise reviews hit a little different. The 4.1 rating is real. But the volume of brief 5 star reviews with no text inflates the average.

The Pest History Is Worse Than Google Shows

Google reviews mention roaches in about 6 posts. But pull up the ApartmentRatings reviews under Heritage at Hillcrest and the Yelp listing under RPM Living, and the picture gets much darker. One ApartmentRatings reviewer from 2021 described cockroaches falling out of electrical outlets and mice in the attic eating groceries. The same person dealt with a flea infestation bad enough that they stopped using their living room. They spent $2,000 and hired an attorney to break their lease. On Yelp, a reviewer under the RPM Living listing said exterminators told them the roaches were “so rampant in the walls that there was no way to remove them.”

Those are old management era reviews. But here’s the thing: roach infestations in 1969 construction aren’t a management problem you fix with a new logo. Old pipes, shared walls, aging foundations. New management can treat units, and they do. But people keep reporting the same issue year after year, on Google, on Yelp, on ApartmentRatings. That pattern matters more than any single review.

The Management Turnover Reality

Read the reviews in order and a clear timeline comes through. Under Greystar (pre-2022), you see neglect, repairs that never got done, and management that didn’t seem to care. RPM Living did better but couldn’t stay consistent. Under Ryse Management, the 2024 and 2025 reviews tell a different story: better grounds keeping, a stronger office team. Long term residents (3+ years) say this is the best crew they’ve had.

One resident who’s lived there since the Heritage days wrote that the property is “going through a revival.” That lines up with what I’m seeing in recent reviews. And a Google reviewer said the homeless camp that used to border the property is gone.

Management Response Patterns

On Google, management responds to nearly every review, positive and negative. Positive review responses are mostly boilerplate. When someone leaves a negative review, the reply usually goes like this: address the concern, invite them to call, and sometimes push back. They’re active but not always helpful in a concrete way. On ApartmentRatings and Yelp under the old names, responses were less frequent and sometimes got defensive.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section.

A 1969 Building With Pest Problems on Every Review Platform

The 2009 renovation updated finishes, but it didn’t replace plumbing, HVAC systems, or soundproofing. Reviews mention AC units that struggle during Austin summers, and at least one resident went weeks without air conditioning. But the pest issue is the real story here. I found cockroach complaints on Google, Yelp, ApartmentRatings, and ApartmentHomeLiving going back to 2002 and as recent as 2025. One ApartmentRatings reviewer described roaches living inside electrical outlets. A Yelp reviewer said exterminators told them there was no way to get rid of the roaches. An ApartmentHomeLiving reviewer just wrote “roach infested.” These aren’t one bad manager’s fault. They’re baked into the building: 55 year old walls, pipes, and foundations give bugs ways in that no renovation can seal for good. The current team can treat units, but the building is the problem. Newer builds in North Austin around the same rent avoid this entirely.

The Review Incentive Pattern

One reviewer directly stated the leasing office offers incentives (free rent, gift cards) for positive reviews. This doesn’t mean the 4.1 rating is fake. Plenty of residents are genuinely happy. But it means you should give more weight to detailed negative reviews than to brief 5 star entries with no text. The reviews that describe specific experiences, positive or negative, are the ones worth reading.

Your Application Might Take Longer Than Expected

I keep seeing the same story in reviews: people show up for a confirmed tour and the office is closed. Others say the application dragged on for weeks, with the office asking for more paperwork each time. One person said they went back eight times. The current team may have fixed this, but the pattern shows up in both 2024 and 2025 reviews. Give yourself extra time and follow up often.

Income Restricted Units Have Limits You Need to Understand

Income restricted housing means income caps, not just income minimums. If your household earns above the threshold, you won’t qualify for the lower rents. And if you start earning more after you move in, that could affect what you pay at renewal. Ask the leasing office how they handle income changes.

Vehicle Break-Ins and Security Were a Real Problem

No gate. No security guard. Reviews on Yelp, ApartmentRatings, and Apartments.com mention vehicle break-ins during the Heritage and Greystar years. One Apartments.com reviewer came back a year later to update their post, warning about three crimes against them in two weeks. That homeless camp that used to border the property? A Google reviewer said it’s been cleared. Ryse seems to have cleaned up the worst of it. But with open lot parking, your vehicle security still depends on the surrounding area. When you tour, check the parking lot lighting and ask what’s changed.

Not Sure If The Lowell Fits Your Situation?

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FAQ

Does The Lowell at Mueller have income restricted apartments?

Yes. Some floor plans are income restricted. Whether you qualify depends on household size and income. Call the leasing office for current income cap numbers.

What is the pet policy at The Lowell at Mueller?

Two pets maximum. No weight limit. No breed restrictions. There’s a one time $400 fee per pet and $20/month pet rent. No pet deposit.

How much is rent at The Lowell at Mueller after the special?

With 8 weeks free on a 12 month lease, a market rate one bedroom at $949 drops to about $803/month net effective. A two bedroom at $1,049 drops to about $888/month net effective.

What was The Lowell at Mueller called before?

Heritage at Hillcrest. It was also run by Greystar and RPM Living before the current Ryse Management team took over.

Does The Lowell at Mueller accept Section 8?

Based on listing data, the Lowell does take Section 8. Call the leasing office to make sure they’re still accepting vouchers right now.

Is The Lowell at Mueller near public transit?

The nearest CapMetro Red Line station is Highland Station, about 2 miles west. Bus routes run on Cameron Road. You’ll want a car for most daily stuff.

Does The Lowell at Mueller have in unit washer and dryer?

Units have full size washer/dryer connections. Some units come with machines, some don’t. The property also has laundry rooms on site. Ask leasing if your specific unit comes with machines.

What school district serves The Lowell at Mueller?

Austin ISD. Zoned to Blanton Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and Northeast High School.

How old is The Lowell at Mueller?

Built in 1969 and renovated in 2009. Three stories, 286 units.

The Bottom Line

Here’s where I land on this property. The Lowell offers one of the lowest net effective rents in the Mueller area: $803/month for a one bedroom after the 8 weeks free concession. Add income restricted units starting at $805, no breed or weight restrictions on pets, and a leasing team that’s earning better reviews than its predecessors. Those numbers are real.

But so is the trade off: you’re living in a 55 year old building with 55 year old infrastructure problems.

This property makes sense if:

You qualify for income restricted housing near Mueller and want access to the area’s retail, parks, and transit at below market rates.

You have a larger dog and need a budget option that won’t auto reject your pet based on weight or breed.

You’re okay with older construction and want the lowest possible rent in this part of Austin, especially with the current concession.

You want bilingual leasing support and a team that people keep praising by name in their reviews.

This property doesn’t make sense if:

You’re sensitive to pests and older building conditions. The roach complaints come from the building itself, not the management.

You need predictable, fast office communication for your application or maintenance requests.

You want new construction finishes and in unit laundry included. The 2009 renovation updated kitchens and flooring, but this isn’t a 2020s build.

You’re uncomfortable with a property that has changed management four times in recent years, even if the new team is doing better.

The Lowell is a budget option in a part of town that’s getting more expensive around it. If the numbers work for your income and the building age doesn’t bother you, it’s worth a tour. Just go in knowing what a 1969 property can and can’t give you.

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My service is free to renters. I’m a licensed Texas real estate agent (License #679806) and I work with over 1,000 Austin apartment communities. I can check your income, credit, and background against the Lowell’s actual screening criteria before you spend money on an application. If this property isn’t the right fit, I’ll tell you that and point you to communities that are.

Go Solo

If you’d rather apply on your own, 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.

Call The Lowell at Mueller directly: (737) 264-7280 | thelowellatmueller.com