Austin rent: What $4,200/month will get you

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 townhouse? Let's find out! Today's price: $4,200.

Why did we pick a price well above what many Austinites pay in rent (average price for a one-bedroom in the city consistently hovers around $1,100/month)? Partly for variety; if we stay near average rent amounts, the same properties turn up week after week. Then there’s the opportunity for voyeurism, outrage, envy, or a little each. For some, these listings could even be aspirational.

There’s also the fact that people do rent homes at this amount, and far above, and they’re a fairly diverse group: some are large families, some are in town only part of the year, some aren’t ready to put down roots, some might have specific needs in terms of features or locations, some are looking for group living, and, yes, some can simply afford to live in relatively high style in pricey neighborhoods.

↑ 3402 River Road, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom house, 2640 square feet, $4,200/month. The midcentury home nestled on a forested, hillside on prestigious lot in Tarrytown has lots of of spiffed-up original features, including original St. Charles kitchen, and is adjacent to Lake Austin and Scenic Drive.

↑ The Bowie, 311 Bowie Street Apt. 1305, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, 1,369 square, $251/month. Located in one of Downtown’s definitive new(ish) high-rises, the apartment is a short walk to Town (Lady Bird) Lake and comes with many luxury amenities, including a rooftop swimming pool.

↑ 12604 Capella Trail, two-story, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom house, 3,568 square feet, $4,200/month. A fully furnished house with lawn maintenance and housecleaning thrown in, this Steiner Ranch home backs to green space and has access to a community dock in South Austin.

Via Zillow

↑ 801 Post Oak Street, two-story, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house, 1,650 square feet, $4,000/month. An treehouse-style home in Bouldin Creek with spiral stairs, a big porch, and downtown views.

↑ 806 East 46th Street #A, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom condo, 2,422 square feet, $4,000/month. This looks to be a newer Hyde Park home and hand-scraped tile/wood floorings, Carrera marble and quartz counters, as well as energy-efficient features.