I’m Raul, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Austin. After living in Austin for more than 10 years, I’ve seen firsthand how the short term rental scene has changed in the live music capital of the world. These days, the best short term rentals are not just close to downtown, but spread throughout the city, giving access to unique neighborhoods that used to require a drive to explore.
The five Austin neighborhoods in this article provide the most abundant short term rental opportunities in the city and each has its own unique vibe.
Congress Avenue
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,772 | $991 | $3,123 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,840 | $1,150 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,972 | $649 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $7,414 | $950 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,441 | $899 | $2,138 |
This iconic street corridor is one of Austin’s most popular spots, so it’s no surprise the area is a natural fit for Congress Avenue short-term rentals.
Residents staying in this area have a convenient, central location with easy access to every corner of Austin.
This is where I took my family the first time they visited because it gives people a quick feel for the history, nightlife, food, and attractions the city has to offer.
Amenities
Congress Avenue stretches all the way from the state’s capital building down to the south on Highway 290. Depending on where you stay, you could be right in the middle of downtown, nestled along Lady Bird Lake, or in the middle of the popular South Congress.
The main issue with parts of Congress Avenue is the lack of convenient grocery stores. You’ll have to head over a few streets in order to access what you need.
That being said, the area is filled with coffee shops, restaurants, live music spots, and shopping stores.
Accessibility
Geographically, Congress Avenue pretty much splits the city in two. It’s right in the middle, making it ideal for connecting you to almost any area of the city.
You can easily reach business districts, entertainment areas, parks, and restaurants without ever driving more than 15 minutes.
As someone who has sat through plenty of Austin traffic, the location is worth it just to cut down on drive times.
Local Vibe
Short-term renters who pick Congress Avenue are going to get the quintessential Austin vibe. You get a taste of everything depending on where you’re located. The polished feel of downtown that transitions into the playful energy of South Congress.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Austin or just want to see what the city is all about, I highly recommend checking out this area. You will have to pay a premium on rent rates because of the amazing location, but you surely won’t regret the choice.
East Cesar Chavez
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,473 | $684 | $5,227 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,300 | $675 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,033 | $624 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,823 | $685 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,631 | $575 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $5,104 | $1,335 | $10,000+ |
Not long ago East Cesar Chavez was the part of town many local residents didn’t visit very often. It was known for it’s live music and somewhat dingy bar scene. But today, the area has become a bustling hangout spot filled with renovated coffee shops, restaurants, and newly built East Cesar Chavez apartment buildings for rent.
The identity is completely unique compared to downtown and I spend a good amount of time here because it’s a more relaxed community with less traffic.
Amenities
East Ceasar Chavez is a recently renovated area still has an old Austin feel but with plenty of amenities to keep it convenient for locals.
You’ll find popular local coffee shops, restaurants, and some venues for live music. It feels like a much less crowded South Congress with more homes mixed between the establishments.
Unlike South Congress, there is a newly built Whole Foods Market a few streets away. Even though the area is filled with entertainment and restaurants, you still get quick access to your everyday essentials.
Accessibility
East Ceasar Chavez is located right off the highly traveled I-35, making it easy to get around without too much trouble. The only trouble you’ll run into is the traffic. During rush hour and weekends, cars will be lined up on the two-way street, making it difficult for you to get around.
But the area has accommodated for that problem too. I’ve rented many scooters here to get around quickly, and you can always find a rideshare option close by. The area is a convenient home base while keeping it’s original neighborhood feel.
Local Vibe
The local vibe in East Ceasar Chavez is creative and social. It’s where you’ll find several libraries and beautiful murals. Despite all the recent renovations and home updates, it’s distinctly Austin and you’ll enjoy the culture here. Right next to a newly built apartment will be a home that has been around for the last 50 years.
Residents who want to still have an authentically Austin environment without all the foot traffic of places like South Congress will want to choose this area. It still remains one of my favorite parts of the city and East 6th is right down the street. You’re right in the middle of the pulse of the city staying in East Ceasar Chavez.
West University
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,536 | $749 | $2,340 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,391 | $750 | $2,279 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,505 | $624 | $4,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,339 | $809 | $3,176 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,497 | $700 | $5,000 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,088 | $830 | $1,335 |
As the name implies, West University is located right off the University of Texas campus. The reason it has so many Austin short term rentals is because college kids who move to the area during the summer are all looking for a place to stay. Because of this, you won’t find luxury short term rentals here but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a short term place without having to commit to a long-term contract. You always know someone is going to be interested in renting.
Amenities
Shaped by campus life, most of West University is filled with bars, quick-service dining, and shopping stores. The nice thing about the amenities near campus is that everything is tightly packed together, so most of the places are within walking distance.
You’ll get an occasional live music venue on West University and some smaller grocery stores. Everything here is designed to be easily accessed and highly affordable. The only downside is most of the places are always packed when college is in session.
Accessibility
The biggest advantage for West University is that it’s located right next to Downtown and adjacent areas. You can get to the infamous 6th street pretty quickly and bus routes are always active here. The real problem is the parking situation since you’ll be competing with an entire campus of students.
Also, the traffic can get really backed up here, especially during parents’ weekend or a big football game. Getting in and out of campus may become an issue, but when summer ends you have the entire area to yourself.
Local Vibe
The energy of West University is unmatched. When school is in session, you’ll have waves of students who crowd the streets in between classes and an hour long quiet period until the next class ends. You’ll also notice a huge shift in energy when a big game is about to go down or when the popular SXSW music festival takes over the city.
It’s a younger area meant for students but I think it’s ideal if you're visiting your kid who attends UT or just looking to check out campus before enrolling. I used to work at a coffee shop off the famous Drag street and enjoyed the constant buzz in the air.
Rosewood
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,483 | $658 | $5,227 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,176 | $702 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,906 | $624 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,661 | $830 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,802 | $880 | $10,000+ |
The renaissance of East Austin is what increased the amount of short term rentals in this part of the city. I lived off 51st street and saw everything change from older Austin homes to newly renovated modern luxury homes. Rosewood is just far enough away from the tourist hot spots of East 6th and East Cesar Chavez so you still get a legitimate neighborhood feel.
This is the kind of area I recommend if you’ve already experienced the downtown trip and want to see the city in a more relaxed, grounded way.
Amenities
You don’t get nearly as many amenities within walking distance as some of the other neighborhoods on this list, however, everything you need is only a short distance away.
Rosewood is close to popular spots like East 6th and East Ceasar Chavez, so you can always have a fun night out at a local bar or entertainment spot.
You also have plenty of smaller grocery options, parks, and restaurants nearby but very few options are within walking distance. You’ll need a car or plan on taking the bus if you more amenities.
Accessibility
Rosewood is right in the middle of the burgeoning East Austin area. You have quick access to Manor, Lower East Austin, and the newly built area of Mueller. Its still close enough to I-35 that you can access other parts of the city without taking a long drive.
There are also many expanded bike lanes in this area of town that makes transportation more convenient for bike riders. Something to consider since you’ll definitely need some form of transportation if you’re staying in Rosewood.
Local Vibe
I rented a home with some friends off MLK and Airport and this is the most down-to-earth area of the city. It’s probably the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re living in Austin 10-15 years ago.
This is the type of place where you can stay connected to the creative and high energy of lower East while still relaxing in calm, family-friendly neighborhoods. This isn’t the part of town where tourists are going to gather, so it’s perfect for staying under the radar until you want to explore more of Austin.
South Manchaca
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,157 | $710 | $1,613 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,557 | $784 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,900 | $995 | $6,688 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,944 | $1,304 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,100 | $1,800 | $2,400 |
Similar to Rosewood, South Manchaca was another one of those neighborhoods that investors focused on to renovate homes and offer short term rentals. Reason being, it’s just close enough to the highlights of the city while still remaining relatively quiet and unassuming.
The area feels local and residential but gives you close access to the popular South Austin spots that the city is known for. I lived right across the highway from South Manchaca for a few years and absolutely loved what this area had to offer.
Amenities
You get all the everyday amenities that make life easy like casual restaurants, coffee shops, neighborhood bars, grocery options, and local businesses. Unlike more touristy areas of the city, you’ll need a car because it’s not all within walking distance.
This neighborhood is particularly family-friendly with lots of front and backyards for dog owners. You get a slightly slower pace of living, which is welcomed if you’ve ever stayed in downtown or South Congress.
Accessibility
South Manchaca is across the highway from major Austin streets like South Lamar, South Congress, and South 1st. If you’re looking to spend time in the South of the city, this is one of the best locations to do it from. You don’t get the major foot traffic and car traffic from the city, but can still access everything within minutes.
You’ll definitely need a car if you’re planning on staying here. Even the grocery stores and retail businesses are a short drive away. Highway 290 is the natural end of this neighborhood, so you can access the Central, North, West, and East parts of the city without a problem.
Local Vibe
After living close to South Manchaca for a few years, I believe this area of Austin is the most family-friendly. You still get the Austin weird vibes, but it’s way more relaxed and welcoming. It’s the time of place where you go to unwind rather than catching a music or art show.
South Manchaca is for guests who are looking for comfort and convenience over being in the middle of the action. You’ll also get better prices on short term rentals compared with other parts of the city.
The Austin Short Term Rental Landscape
The nice things about Austin’s short-term rental landscape is you can really get any type of environment you’re looking for. With so many options in the city, you have your pick between high-energy locations, highly convenient spots, or places where you can unwind after a day of activities.
Investors should considers the areas that have fewer amenities but still offer close access to the city. Renters should focus on spots that put you right in the middle of entertainment and nightlife so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
