The Willows

My rent is being raised 25% at the end of my lease. There's not many people who can afford a $325 increase on rent, and I'm definitely not one of them so I am being priced out of the place I've lived for the last 2 years. It's been sad seeing what's happened to the city I love. There's no rent real tenant protections or any sort of rent control in Austin so these companies (many based out of state) can come in and raise rent to whatever they want with no recourse for those of us who desperately... need a place to live. Lee mas

The thing that makes this apartment great and one of the reasons that I've lived here for 8 years is the community. If you ever feel like hanging out or having a beer you literally just have to walk out the front door. There is always someone BBQing in the courtyard, listening to music with the door open and football season is the best cause they'll bring a TV out back and all watch the game together. There is a guy that has lived there for 20 years and he'll tell you all sorts of stories about... Willie Nelson and other musicians that use to live there. Second, the location is unbeatable. It's within walking distance to downtown, auditorium shores, Barton Springs, ACL festival, and tons of drinking holes and restaurants. Now for the downside - I've never had such a terrible experience with management than I've had with Rainer. They have taken away every amenity that you look for in an apartment, but insist on charging the most on market value. When I brought this up to management they said that they were discussing putting in a computer room!!!! This is not the clientele that needs a computer room-and doesn't want to pay for it either. I consider myself an ideal tenant - I pay my rent on time, pay any additional fees, pick up after my dog and I'm not confrontational. However, the manger will not listen to any suggestions and I'm always very upset when I walk away from speaking with her. I'm an early 30's professional and I feel like the manager is addressing a child when I speak with her. The "upgrades" are purely cosmetic and issues like mold, flooding, rats and the building falling apart are all very real issues. With all the new apartments being built, Rainer should make customer service their number 1 priority because the apartment itself is not worth very much. In a nutshell, I've lived here for 8 years and love the location and my neighbors. They're phenomenal! When you have to deal with management (hopefully not too often) just be prepared to have a drink and someone to vent too afterwards. Lee mas

I know most of the reviews are bad about this place, but I never really had a problem other than parking. During certain times of the year (SXSW ACL NYE...) you are unable to request a parking pass for your ONE visitor. You get one pass per apartment, it's good for 5 days, and they do enforce towing. Other than that, I loved this place. Management was a little slow, but they do get to you. There is water shut off time, once a week, but I never found that to be a problem because I was at work.... Location is awesome, never had any problems with the neighborhood, felt safe etc. Walking into town is a huge plus for me personally. Some people said the noise is an issue here, but I'm a heavy sleeper. (Trash pickup is around 3AM.) Overall, I wish I could stay here but its a little on the pricey side. Lee mas