West 21 Apartments

If I give them no stars I definitely would. This is by far the worst student apartment I have ever lived in. During the very first week of classes, none of the outlets in my apartment worked, and I didn’t receive a maintenance response for three weeks. On top of that, during finals week, I was left without cabinets in both my kitchen and bathroom for several days due to renovations, which was incredibly disruptive and poorly timed. To make matters worse, the new management has been unprofessional and unhelpful. I was told by a front desk staff member to turn off my electricity on July 1st, prior to a new resident being added to my apartment. Instead of taking responsibility for this misinformation, management held me accountable for paying another person’s electricity charges, since the account was in my name and split through the City of Austin’s electricity company. I would strongly advise against living here, whether you are a freshman, sophomore, or any college student. The transition to college life is already challenging, and this apartment complex does nothing to support its residents.

I would recommend living here if you’re a student looking for an affordable and spacious option in West Campus. It’s not the most modern or the closest to campus, but it offers more space than the luxury apartments nearby, plus it has a balcony, which is rare! If you don’t mind some outdated features and thin walls, it’s a great budget-friendly choice. (longer more detailed review below) I'm an exchange student and have been living here for a month now, and overall, it's been a good experience—definitely not perfect, but it has many upsides. Location & convenience The apartment is about a 10-minute walk to Guadalupe St where many buses stop and 10-20 minutes to UT Austin's campus, depending on your department. It's on the outskirts of West Campus, which has pros and cons. It doesn’t feel as lively or secure as the complexes closer to campus, because there are fewer people around, but I wouldn’t call it unsafe—just a little emptier. Price & value West Campus is expensive in general, and this place is on the more affordable side compared to other options in the area. It’s still pricey, but if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative in this part of Austin, this is a good option! I have found cheaper places where you share a unit with 4-6 people, but for a two-person apartment, this is one of the cheaper options available. Apartment quality & features Condition: The apartment is a bit outdated and has a slightly run-down feel. There are uneven floors and visible paint spots from what seems like rushed renovations. Room & furniture: My room is very spacious and has two big closets. However, it varies, as my roommate has a much smaller room. The rented furniture is fine—it's the standard grey laminated wood and leather couches like in most other West Campus apartments. Appliances: Everything works, but they’re all really loud—AC, dishwasher, washer/dryer, fan, and especially the stovetop vent. Also, the shower water pressure is pretty weak. Noise levels: The street itself is quiet, but being near the frats means you’ll hear loud music at times. Walls between units are thin, so I can hear my neighbor gaming and the one below me playing music. Inside the apartment, the walls are even thinner—my roommates and I can hear each other really clearly even with the doors closed. Internet: Surprisingly good! No complaints here. Common areas: Super clean, well-decorated, and actually a great spot to study or hang out! Management & maintenance The management team is super nice and responsive. They answer emails quickly and are helpful both in the office and over the phone. When I submitted a maintenance request for a broken kitchen shelf, they fixed it fast. Community & atmosphere Mostly students, quiet overall, and not a party-heavy place. Management hosts occasional free pizza and breakfast events, which is a nice touch. Security & lease terms Security: The building has controlled access (gates with key fobs + door code), and I’ve always felt safe. No issues with theft or break-ins. Lease process: Breaking or renewing the lease is a bit complicated and includes fees, but that’s standard for West Campus in Austin. Management is helpful in guiding you through it though! Recent renovations & smart features 21Pearl is trying to compete with the newer, more modern apartment complexes by renovating the courtyard and adding a bunch of sophisticated smart home features. Unfortunately, I'll be moved out before these are completed, so I only got to experience the construction noise. But it’s clear they’re putting in the work to improve the place!