Viva Riata!

At just over 2000 units, Riata is certainly the Big Daddy of the Austin apartment family. It's also my personal favorite (I lived there for years) because of its outrageous list of conveniences. Some of the top spoilers: an 11,000 sq ft private gym that's included in the rent; summer intramural volleyball league; nine pools; raquetball *building*, private mini-lake with soft gravel jogging track, and on and on.

The large number of units online is off-putting at first but Riata divides the 2000+ apartments into eight villages, each with its own village manager for rent drop, maintenance issues etc. Pricing for 1BR's starts in the low $600's, mid-$800's for 2BR's.

Location: Research Blvd and Oak Knoll exit
Within walking distance: Riata Bar & Grill, nail salon, dry cleaners, Tuscany Market and Vineyard (think mini-Whole Foods.)
Nearby: Arboretum, 'nuff said.
Word to the wise: Pavement material changes from the Research access road to Riata Trace Parkway. Take this turn SLOWLY in the rain. Many a rear-wheel drive vehicle has found itself in the bushes on soupy weather days.
More information: BradleyPounds@aol.com