Austin’s skyline has changed dramatically over the years, and renters now have an impressive selection of upscale apartment towers to choose from. For anyone searching for Austin high rise apartments, the appeal goes beyond simply living several stories above street level.
High-rise living can put you close to downtown offices, restaurants, entertainment, Lady Bird Lake, the University of Texas, and some of Austin’s most active neighborhoods. Many properties also pair their locations with amenities such as rooftop pools, fitness centers, resident lounges, contemporary interiors, and impressive city views.
The challenge is narrowing down the choices.
Some renters want to be steps from the 2nd Street District. Others prioritize lake access, Rainey Street nightlife, proximity to UT Austin, or a quieter location just outside the downtown core. The best option depends on how you actually plan to live.
Below are 15 Austin high rise apartments worth considering when searching for a luxury rental.
Austin High Rise Apartments at a Glance
| Apartment | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| AMLI on 2nd Street | Downtown / 2nd Street District | Walkable downtown living |
| Ashton Austin | Downtown | Upscale urban lifestyle |
| Sienna at the Thompson | Downtown | Modern interiors and skyline views |
| The Catherine | Near Lady Bird Lake | Downtown access with outdoor recreation nearby |
| The Monarch by Windsor | West Downtown | Convenience and spacious apartments |
| Windsor on the Lake | Rainey Street | Lake views and entertainment access |
| Whitley Apartments | Downtown | Central city living |
| The Bowen | North Austin | Luxury living outside downtown |
| Alexan Waterloo | Downtown / East Side | Downtown convenience |
| The Bowie | Downtown | City and lake views |
| The Callaway House Austin | West Campus | Students seeking upscale housing |
| Northshore Austin | Downtown / Lady Bird Lake | Waterfront-oriented luxury living |
| Berkshire Riverview | East Riverside | Downtown access with a less central location |
| Union on 24th | West Campus | Students and professionals near UT |
| Signature 1909 | West Campus | Upscale living close to campus |
1. AMLI on 2nd Street
Address: 421 W. 3rd Street, Austin, TX 78701
AMLI on 2nd Street places residents directly in one of downtown Austin’s most active areas.
Its location in the 2nd Street District makes it especially attractive for renters who value walkability. Dining, shopping, entertainment, downtown employment centers, and Lady Bird Lake are all relatively close, reducing the need to drive for every outing.
Apartments feature elements such as hardwood floors, walk-in closets, modern kitchens, and spacious layouts. Community amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, and resident lounge.
AMLI on 2nd Street is particularly appealing to renters who want the full downtown experience rather than simply a high-rise building with a downtown address.
2. Ashton Austin
Address: 101 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701
Ashton Austin combines a central downtown address with interiors designed around modern luxury.
One of its biggest draws is the use of floor-to-ceiling windows, which can make Austin’s skyline part of the everyday living experience. Apartment interiors include upscale kitchens, contemporary finishes, and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Residents also have access to community amenities that include a resort-style pool, fitness center, and concierge services.
For renters who want to live in a polished downtown environment and place a high priority on views and sophisticated interiors, Ashton Austin deserves a close look.
3. Sienna at the Thompson
Address: 501 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Sienna at the Thompson offers a contemporary high-rise option in the center of downtown Austin.
The property includes studio through two-bedroom residences with sleek finishes, modern appliances, and walk-in closets. Its rooftop pool is another major attraction, particularly for renters who want to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding skyline.
A fitness center and resident lounge provide additional spaces outside the apartment itself.
Because of its Brazos Street location, Sienna can work particularly well for someone who wants restaurants, entertainment, and downtown activity within easy reach.
4. The Catherine Apartments
Address: 214 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
The Catherine Apartments offer something slightly different from many Austin high rise apartments located directly inside the downtown grid.
Situated near Barton Springs Road and Lady Bird Lake, The Catherine gives residents convenient access to central Austin while keeping outdoor recreation close by.
Apartment interiors include hardwood flooring, modern kitchens, spacious closets, and contemporary finishes. Residents also have access to a rooftop pool, fitness center, and concierge services.
The location may be particularly attractive to renters who want downtown nearby without giving up easy access to the lake and surrounding trails.
5. The Monarch by Windsor
Address: 801 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78703
The Monarch by Windsor sits along West 5th Street, placing residents near downtown while offering convenient access to surrounding neighborhoods.
Apartments include high ceilings, hardwood flooring, spacious layouts, and gourmet-style kitchens. Community amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, and resident lounge.
Its location is one of the strongest reasons to consider the property.
Residents can reach downtown dining and entertainment while remaining positioned toward the western side of the city center. That balance may appeal to renters who want an upscale high-rise environment without necessarily living in the busiest part of downtown.
6. Windsor on the Lake
Address: 43 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Windsor on the Lake combines two of Austin high-rise living’s biggest attractions: proximity to Lady Bird Lake and access to the Rainey Street area.
The apartments offer spacious layouts, walk-in closets, contemporary finishes, and lake or city surroundings depending on the residence.
Community amenities include an infinity-edge pool, fitness center, and resident lounge.
Location is the property’s defining advantage. Residents can enjoy outdoor recreation around Lady Bird Lake while remaining close to restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment along Rainey Street.
For renters who want Austin’s outdoor and urban lifestyles within the same neighborhood, Windsor on the Lake is an option worth considering.
7. Whitley Apartments
Address: 301 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Whitley Apartments provide a central downtown location with modern apartment interiors and high-rise amenities.
Residences include hardwood floors, spacious closets, and clean contemporary finishes. Outside the apartment, residents have access to a rooftop pool, fitness center, and lounge areas.
Whitley’s Brazos Street address makes it particularly convenient for renters who prefer to spend less time commuting between home and downtown destinations.
Rather than treating downtown as somewhere to visit, living here puts residents directly inside it.
8. The Bowen
Address: 3000 Gracie Kiltz Ln, Austin, TX 78758
Not every luxury high-rise renter wants to live downtown.
The Bowen gives renters another option, offering modern high-rise living in North Austin.
Apartment residences feature contemporary finishes, walk-in closets, and spacious floor plans. Residents can also use amenities such as a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, and resident lounge.
The Bowen can make sense for renters who appreciate the design and amenities associated with Austin high rise apartments but prefer North Austin over the downtown core.
That distinction is important when comparing properties. The best apartment is not always the building closest to Sixth Street or Lady Bird Lake; sometimes location relative to work, shopping, and daily routines matters more.
9. Alexan Waterloo
Address: 700 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
Alexan Waterloo offers upscale living near downtown Austin with convenient access to the eastern side of the city center.
Residences include spacious layouts, walk-in closets, and modern kitchens. Community amenities feature a rooftop pool, fitness center, and resident lounge.
Its location is especially useful for renters who want downtown close at hand while being positioned near East Austin and the area around 11th Street.
For someone comparing several central Austin apartments, Alexan Waterloo offers a different geographic advantage from properties clustered around West 5th Street, Rainey Street, or the 2nd Street District.
10. The Bowie
Address: 311 Bowie St, Austin, TX 78703
The Bowie is another recognizable option for renters seeking high-rise living near downtown Austin.
The building combines apartment interiors featuring hardwood flooring, walk-in closets, and gourmet-style kitchens with views of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake.
Residents also have access to a rooftop pool, fitness facilities, and concierge services.
Its location near the western edge of downtown puts restaurants, entertainment, employment centers, and outdoor destinations within convenient reach.
For renters who consider views a major part of the high-rise experience, The Bowie should be included on the shortlist.
11. The Callaway House Austin
Address: 505 West 22nd Street, Austin, TX 78705
The Callaway House Austin serves a somewhat different audience than many of the downtown properties on this list.
Located near the University of Texas, it provides upscale housing with convenient campus access. Apartments include modern finishes and spacious layouts, while common amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, study areas, and social spaces.
That combination makes the property particularly relevant to students looking for an elevated residential experience close to UT.
When comparing Austin high rise apartments, renters should pay attention to the intended lifestyle of each property. A downtown professional and a student attending UT may value completely different locations and amenities.
12. Northshore Austin
Address: 110 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
Northshore Austin pairs luxury apartment living with one of the most appealing locations on this list.
Its position near Lady Bird Lake gives residents convenient access to both downtown Austin and the waterfront.
Apartments feature spacious floor plans, hardwood flooring, walk-in closets, upscale kitchens, and modern finishes. Community spaces include an infinity-edge pool, fitness center, and resident lounge.
For renters who want to experience high-rise living while staying close to Austin’s trails, lakefront recreation, dining, entertainment, and downtown employment centers, Northshore offers a compelling combination.
13. Berkshire Riverview
Address: 1300 East Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Berkshire Riverview offers an alternative for renters who want convenient access to central Austin without necessarily choosing a downtown address.
Located along East Riverside Drive, the property places residents close to Lady Bird Lake and within reach of downtown.
Apartments feature modern designs, hardwood flooring, and walk-in closets. Community amenities include a resort-style pool, fitness facilities, and rooftop lounge space.
Its location may appeal to renters whose priorities include access to downtown and the lake but who prefer the East Riverside area over a property directly within the city center.
14. Union on 24th
Address: 701 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705
Union on 24th caters largely to renters who want upscale housing near the University of Texas.
Apartments feature modern finishes, walk-in closets, and spacious layouts. Residents can also access a rooftop pool, fitness center, and a selection of social and study areas.
Its West Campus location means proximity to UT is one of the property’s primary strengths.
Students and professionals connected to the university may value that convenience more than living several blocks south in downtown Austin.
15. Signature 1909
Address: 1909 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX 78705
Signature 1909 rounds out the list with another upscale option close to the University of Texas.
Residences feature hardwood flooring, walk-in closets, gourmet-style kitchens, and modern interiors. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, and communal spaces for relaxing, studying, or spending time with other residents.
The Rio Grande Street location makes Signature 1909 particularly relevant to students who want to remain close to campus while enjoying the amenities associated with newer luxury apartment communities.
How to Choose Among Austin High Rise Apartments
A beautiful rooftop pool can grab your attention, but choosing an apartment based on amenities alone can lead to a poor fit.
Start with location.
Ask yourself where you expect to spend most of your week. A downtown apartment may be ideal if you regularly work or socialize downtown, while a West Campus property makes considerably more sense if most of your time revolves around the University of Texas.
Then compare the features that actually affect everyday life.
Location and Walkability
Consider your normal destinations rather than simply looking at how close the property is to downtown on a map.
Think about:
- Your workplace or school
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants and coffee shops
- Parks and trails
- Entertainment
- Public transportation
- Regular errands
A slightly less central apartment could ultimately be more convenient if it better matches your routine.
Apartment Layout
Square footage alone doesn’t tell you whether an apartment will feel comfortable.
Look carefully at bedroom dimensions, closet space, kitchen configuration, natural light, storage, and how easily your existing furniture will fit.
A well-designed smaller apartment can sometimes function better than a larger residence with an awkward floor plan.
Views
Views are one of the reasons many renters specifically seek Austin high rise apartments.
However, don’t assume every apartment in a tower has the same outlook.
The experience can vary depending on the floor, orientation, surrounding buildings, and exact unit location. If a skyline or Lady Bird Lake view matters to you, verify what the specific apartment you’re considering actually overlooks.
Amenities You Will Actually Use
High-rise communities frequently advertise long lists of amenities.
Focus on the ones that genuinely improve your routine.
For one renter, a quality fitness center might eliminate the need for a separate gym membership. Someone else might care much more about the pool, resident lounge, study space, or proximity to walking trails.
Amenities only provide value when you use them.
Overall Location Versus Building Features
It is easy to fall in love with a property during a tour.
But remember that you live in the neighborhood every day, too.
A spectacular apartment may not compensate for a location that makes your commute or regular errands inconvenient. When two properties offer similar interiors, location can become the deciding factor.
Downtown, Rainey Street, or Near UT?
The properties on this list generally fall into several different lifestyle categories.
Downtown Austin may work best for renters who want restaurants, entertainment, offices, and urban conveniences close by. Properties such as AMLI on 2nd Street, Ashton Austin, Sienna at the Thompson, Whitley, and The Bowie fit naturally into that search.
Lady Bird Lake and Rainey Street can appeal to renters who want a combination of outdoor recreation and city life. Windsor on the Lake, Northshore, and The Catherine stand out when lake access is important.
West Campus and the UT area offer a different experience. The Callaway House Austin, Union on 24th, and Signature 1909 are especially relevant for students or renters whose routines center around the university.
Meanwhile, The Bowen and Berkshire Riverview demonstrate that luxury apartment living in Austin is not limited to the central downtown grid.
Finding the Right Austin High Rise Apartment
There is no single best high-rise apartment for every renter.
The right choice depends on what matters most to you.
If walkability and downtown energy are priorities, a property in the center of Austin may rise to the top of your list. If you’re drawn to trails, water views, and outdoor recreation, buildings near Lady Bird Lake could make more sense. Students may find considerably more value in properties near UT than in a downtown tower several neighborhoods away.
Start by identifying two or three neighborhoods that realistically fit your lifestyle. Then compare apartments within those areas based on floor plans, available amenities, views, and the features you will use every day.
That approach makes a long list of Austin high rise apartments much easier to navigate.
Final Thoughts
Austin offers high-rise rental options for several different lifestyles, from downtown professionals and city-focused renters to students and residents who want to stay close to Lady Bird Lake.
The 15 properties above illustrate just how varied the market can be. Some emphasize central downtown access. Others provide proximity to UT, Rainey Street, East Riverside, North Austin, or outdoor recreation.
Rather than choosing an apartment based solely on photographs or an impressive amenity list, think about how the property fits into your daily routine.
Compare the location. Review the floor plan. Decide which amenities actually matter. And whenever possible, tour your strongest options before making a final decision.
If you’re ready to compare more choices, explore additional apartments for rent in Austin or find the perfect home to match your needs and preferences.
The right Austin high rise apartment isn’t necessarily the tallest building or the one with the longest amenity list. It’s the one that makes living in Austin work better for you.
