Big layouts for renters who are leaving a house
Many of our downsizers are leaving a Westlake, Tarrytown or Cedar Park house after decades. They want maintenance-free living and a lake view, but they aren’t ready to give up space, a reserved parking spot, storage or a sense of security. Most high rise apartments in Austin are studios to 2 bedrooms. The large layouts are a small slice of each tower, and they move fast.
We match downsizers to the biggest layouts in our inventory:
| Tower | District | Largest layout | Bedrooms | Rent range | Concession |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexan Waterloo | East Downtown | 4,064 sq ft | 1–3BR | $1,804–$14,593 | 2.5 months free |
| Hanover Brazos Street | East Downtown | 3,309 sq ft | 1–3BR | $2,409–$15,316 | 2 months free |
| Ashton Austin | Congress Avenue | 3,218 sq ft | 1–3BR | $2,979–$14,725 | 2.5 months free |
| 700 River | Rainey Street | 3,194 sq ft | 0–3BR | $1,823–$19,620 | 2 months free |
| The Modern Austin Residences | East Downtown | 5BR units | 1–5BR | $2,850–$25,000 | None advertised |
Parking, storage and security come first
For downsizers, the layout is only half the decision. The other half is what a house gave you for free:
- Parking. Reserved garage spaces commonly run $175–$250 a month downtown. Tandem parking and second spaces are limited, and guest parking for visiting family varies by building.
- Storage. Many towers offer storage units for a monthly fee, in limited numbers. Climate-controlled wine storage exists in some top-tier towers.
- Security. Key fob access, a 24-hour concierge in some towers, controlled garage entry and staffed package rooms.
- EV charging. Level 2 EV charging is common, but availability per space varies.
We confirm each of these before a unit makes your shortlist, because a perfect layout with no second parking space doesn’t work for a two-car household.
What a downsizer told us
After 24 years in Westlake, the Hanover Brazos 3-bedroom with tandem parking was the first place that felt like it could replace the house. It never appeared on a portal. (Illustrative renter scenario.)
What changes when you move from a house
Space planning is the big one. Measure your favorite pieces before you tour, and decide what you’ll store, sell or give to family. Daily life shifts too: no yard, no roof repairs, no HOA, but shared elevators, move-in reservations and parking rules. Most downsizers tell us the trade is worth it within a month, especially once they’re walking to dinner or the Butler Trail. Our guide to downsizing from a house to an Austin high rise covers the full checklist.
Qualifying without a paycheck
Many downsizers live on retirement or investment income. Standard screening asks for 2.5×–3× monthly rent in income, but many buildings accept asset-based qualification, bank statements or a larger deposit. We tell you which towers accept what before you apply, so the application isn’t a surprise.
If you need even more space or a top-floor terrace, compare penthouse & ultra-luxury apartments and the 4- and 5-bedroom high rise residences guide.
