Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent for a set dollar amount in various Austin neighborhoods. Is one person's studio another person's alley flat? Let's find out! Today's price: $1,500
↑ It comes as no surprise that a "teeny tiny studio" (hey, they said it) in the brand-new Corazon apartments would come in at the top of the price range. The self-aware description of the 503-square-foot apartment, positioned at hip East Austin ground zero, was a fun surprise, though. "If you're going to overpay because Austin is super gentrified and expensive—you might as well overpay for the best," reads the Craigslist description. With concrete or wood-styled floors, in-unit washer/dryers, granite-and-stainless kitchens, a rooftop deck with stunning views, and an all-breed dog approval program through Austin Pets Alive, it definitely sets a bar. Of course, the nightlife below and years of construction to come on Saltillo Plaza, across the street, could get on the nerves. That's what earplugs are for, one supposes.
↑ Of course, as Tower of Power taught us, "what is hip" can change from time to time. Not too long ago, the most sought-after type of post-college/pre-family rental was an older house—preferably in South Austin—with lots of character, wooden floors, a scruffy yard and porch or patio, maybe a couple of roommates. You can still come by that in the 78704; this bungalow replaces the descriptor "old" with "retro" but offers the requisite floors, Deco-style bathroom, chill backyard, and plenty of quirk. No dogs, though, what? The cat policy might be a bit looser, if photos are any indication.
↑ Renters seeking more swank a stone's throw from a Dillards would do well to check out these luxury apartments in the Arboretum area. Appointed with up-to-the-minute fixtures and features, these units are part of a community formed around upscale shopping, fine dining, and its shared outdoor kitchen—poolside, of course.
↑ Staying north but moving east turns up a nice 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath house for $1,430/month. With an entrance that brings to mind Tony Soprano's Jersey home (not necessarily a bad thing), it skews more country/classic on the inside. Recently remodeled, with wood floors, large living areas, a big laundry room, and a garage, it looks to pack a lot of suburban-style bang for the buck—maybe due to its Rundberg-adjacent location, or maybe just because it's in an area that's not on a lot of radars.
↑ Compare, for instance, this Tarrytown 1BR, which doubtless benefits from its retro charm and that of its traditionally monied-but-modest neighborhood. For $1,275, you get some classic features: wood-style floors, exposed brick walls, cute vintage bathroom tiles, and a general sort of aspiring-1950s-actress vibe—plus the compound accepts dogs with no breed restrictions. But, yeah, a lot of the appeal is in the address. And that's okay.