Best Apartments on South Congress in Austin (2026)

South Congress — or SoCo, as locals call it — is one of the most iconic strips in Austin. From boutique shops and food trucks to live music and the famous "I Love You So Much" mural, SoCo has a character all its own. Here's what to know about finding an apartment in the area.

Why South Congress?

SoCo offers a uniquely Austin lifestyle. It's less urban than downtown but still walkable, with a strong community feel and no shortage of things to do.

• Culture — vintage shops, local boutiques, and iconic Austin landmarks line the avenue
• Food — Home Slice Pizza, Torchy's Tacos, and countless food trucks
• Proximity — just across the Congress Avenue Bridge from downtown, with easy access to Zilker Park and Barton Springs
• Vibe — it's the Austin that people picture when they think of Austin

What to Expect on Rent

South Congress proper has limited apartment inventory since much of the area is single-family homes and commercial. The apartments that do exist tend to be newer builds with higher price points:

• Studios: $1,300 – $1,800/month
• 1-bedroom: $1,500 – $2,200/month
• 2-bedroom: $2,000 – $3,200/month

Expanding your search slightly to include South First, 04 (South Lamar), and Travis Heights opens up more options and often better value.

Tips for Renting Near South Congress

1. Broaden your radius — "SoCo" is really just one street. The best deals are often a few blocks east or west on parallel streets like South First.
2. Check transit options — SoCo is bikeable and has decent bus routes. If you work downtown, you may not need a car.
3. Visit on a weekend — South Congress gets busy on weekends. If you're noise-sensitive, tour on a Saturday to get a realistic picture of what living there sounds like.
4. Act fast — inventory is limited in this area. When a good unit opens up, it goes quickly.

Let Me Help You Find the Right Place

I'm Alex Wilton, a licensed apartment locator with Relive Realty. I can help you find the perfect apartment near South Congress — completely free to you. The apartment complex pays my commission, so there's zero cost on your end.