As our staff and residents look forward to next spring, we thought now would be a great time to share some of our favorite outdoor activities available within minutes of our luxury apartments. South Austin is an ideal place to spend time outdoors, with multiple greenbelts, campgrounds, and walking trails just minutes away. When you need time to relax, blow off steam, or grab some sunshine, there’s plenty to do near home. These outdoor activities are just the beginning; we’re sure you’ll discover many more favorites while living at our luxury apartments in Austin.

Grab a Kayak for an Hour on Town Lake

If you’ve never kayaked in Austin before, we highly recommend that you soak in the views of Downtown from Town Lake. Whether you’re new to Austin or a city native, few things will make you feel more like an Austinite than kayaking or paddleboarding on Town Lake. Plus, with the downtown skyscrapers rising above you, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for a photo on the lake (just hold on tight to your phone!). You can rent a paddleboard or kayak for $10-15 an hour at the rental stand behind the Hyatt hotel on the south side of the river.

Bike or Jog the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk

While some of our luxury apartments in Austin feature amazing Downtown views, nothing beats the downtown views you get when you visit the Lady Bird Lake boardwalk. Whether you plan on actually exercising or you just want to snap some pics, you’re sure to enjoy your experience at the boardwalk. This spot doubles as the perfect place to take your dog for a scenic walk by your side.

Take a Rock Climbing Class in the Greenbelt

You don’t have to go way out to Enchanted Rock to experience outdoor rock climbing. You also don’t have to be an experienced rock climber to enjoy climbing or bouldering in Austin. Rock-About offers rock climbing classes right on the Greenbelt, a few miles down from the Spyglass entrance.

Camp In McKinney Falls State Park

Camping for a weekend at McKinney Falls can provide the perfect natural getaway that will make you feel like the worries of daily life are miles away. While there, you can hike some of Austin’s most beautiful trails and grab a photo by the iconic Falls. What could be more Austin than that?

That’s it for our top outdoor recommendations! If you want to shop our luxury apartments in South Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Looking for your next DIY project? Whether you’re a DIY pro or a complete novice eager to get started, there’s nothing quite like the experience of creating your own apartment decor. Using upcycled items or affordable raw materials, these four easy projects can be accomplished right at home in your apartment. These projects are so simple you can finish them in a single day or weekend, so you’re soon ready to enjoy that awesome new addition to your apartment.

DIY Planters

Got dreams of being a green thumb? Why not add some flare to your planters without overpaying for a stylish pot? There are many ways to create your own planters, whether you paint your own design over a simple terracotta pot, apply some metallic copper paint to a coffee tin for a gorgeous two-toned option, or upcycle a simple wooden crate into a spot for your herb garden. Just ensure that your planter is well-suited for the plant that will inhabit it by adding drainage holes if needed.

DIY Shoe Organizer

There are multiple ways to build your own shoe organizer from wooden crates, PVC pipe, or even used oat or coffee tins. All you need is some hot glue, wood glue, double-sided tape, and potentially a hand saw depending on your method. Regardless of the strategy you choose, you’ll have a simple shoe organizer in a matter of hours.

DIY Cat Scratch Post

It couldn’t be easier to make your own cat scratching post or incline so your beloved pet doesn’t resort to scratching furniture or doors! Simply get some heavy-duty braided rope and wrap it tightly around a wooden board, pole, traffic cone, or PVC pipe, stapling in place carefully at intervals with a staple gun (or by hammering a staple into place). Then mount your creation on a stable platform and voila! Your pet has its very own scratcher made with love.

DIY Coat Rack

Creating your own coat rack is easier than you might think. Just get a few rods (three to four should suffice) and arrange them so they’re resting together towards one end like the legs of a tripod. Secure the rods to one another with a rope or other fastener, leaving some room at the top for the rods to diverge and provide room for individual hats, scarves, coats, or anything else you want to hang from them.

That’s it for our DIY ideas! If you found this post useful or interesting, we encourage you to share it with your friends and colleagues! If you want to find your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

As a property management company, our on-site team members across the US have talked to many potential residents needing to move in quickly. No matter where you want to live, a short timeline adds stress and complexity to any apartment search. Luckily, there are some key steps you can take to find an apartment in as little as a month or sooner depending on your needs. Here are our top tips for finding your ideal apartment on a short timeline.

Do Your Research (and Keep It Organized)

Every apartment search begins with identifying your options. Regardless of where you want to live, go ahead and start with a Google Search, but don’t stop there. You’ll discover the widest variety of options by perusing Google as well as apartment-specific ILSs like Apartments.com and Apartment Finder. As you come across potential apartment communities, be sure to click through to their website for more information like a list of their amenities and available floor plans. This will help you compare your options and rule out communities that don’t have what you need.

While you’re at it, we highly recommend keeping a spreadsheet or similar document to help log your options and compare apples to apples as you move through the apartment search process. That way you won’t forget which community had the most spacious 2-bedroom apartment or the newest appliance package.

Call To Schedule a Tour Appointment

Especially during the pandemic, you’ll save yourself time and effort by calling ahead to schedule a tour instead of just dropping by. In some cases, apartment communities may be able to take you on an impromptu tour, but often leasing office staff are busy with other obligations, meaning you may waste time waiting in the lobby or have to leave and come back another day. Scheduling your tour ensures you don’t waste time and you get the best tour experience possible.

When you’re scheduling tours, try blocking off an entire weekday morning or afternoon to see multiple apartment communities at once. This helps expedite the process and improves your ability to compare the options while they’re all fresh in your mind.

If you’re out of town or otherwise unable to tour in person, check to see if the community has virtual tours on their website or email to see if they have video tours they can send you.

Get Your Documents Together Ahead of Time

Once you know where you want to apply, you’ll need to gather the required documentation to submit with your application. Streamline the process by having these documents ready ahead of time. You’ll need at least one form of official photo identification as well as recent pay stubs and/or bank statements proving your income. You’ll also want to gather the contact information of any past landlords so that leasing staff can verify your tenant history. Other documents you’ll need could include your vehicle registration and insurance info, proof of renter’s insurance, and pet vaccination dates.

Consider Using a Real Estate Agent

Finding an apartment on your own is doable, but working with a real estate agent can help expedite the process. That’s because an agent is likely to be up to date on which communities are well reputed and have availability. And they can help you coordinate tour appointments and other communication with the apartment communities you’re interested in.

Plus, in many cases, real estate agent services are free for potential residents because their time is actually paid for by apartment communities who partner with them to help fill vacancies, essentially paying them a commission when they connect you with their community.

That’s all our top tips for finding an apartment quickly! We wish you the best of luck in your next housing search. If you want to shop RPM communities across the US, make sure to check out our Communities page!

Apartment Touring 101: 3 Types of Tours You Can Take

The apartment search can be overwhelming. We know your time is valuable, so we have created multiple ways to view your future apartment that fits your schedule, and safety levels.

The first step is to find the area you’re most comfortable with. We recommend starting near your work, friends, or favorite shopping centers. Then, search for apartment complexes that fit your needs, have a pool you can imagine yourself lounging next to, and a workout room that is up to your standards.

One great way to decide what works for you is to take an apartment tour. But there are actually a few different types of tours you can take! Not sure what the touring options are or what will work best for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our tips and tricks for choosing the right apartment tour below.

1: In-Person (Traditional) Apartment Tour

The in-person tour is probably the one you’re the most familiar with. You’ll set up a tour on the apartment’s website or call to speak to a leasing agent. You will then meet the property manager onsite before starting your tour. During the tour, you will explore the amenities the community has to offer and model unit or vacant apartment available to lease. The leasing agent will be able to answer questions and you’ll get a more intimate feel for the community when you are able to walk it in person.

Make sure to open all the cabinets, check the closets, and measure each room when you are viewing the unit. There’s nothing worse than showing up on move-in day to find that your furniture doesn’t fit. With an in-person tour, you have the benefit of getting a physical, visual, and audio feel for your potential new home. You should pay attention to any potential noise from your neighbor, outside traffic, or anything else that may affect your comfort in a home. Just remember, an empty apartment will carry much more noise than a fully furnished one with your treasured belongings.

Tour Type 2: Virtual Tour

Virtual tours of apartment rentals aren't exactly new, however, they have become quite popular in recent years. At most apartment complexes, you’ll set up a virtual tour in a similar way to scheduling an in-person tour. If you are interested in a live video tour, you can usually reach out to the leasing office via email or by phone. Then you can tour from anywhere as long as you have reliable service or internet access. Most leasing offices will have a variety of video apps like FaceTime to communicate with you, to accommodate all prospects.

Taking a video tour of an apartment means you get the best of both worlds. You can ask questions to the leasing team in real-time, but you don’t actually have to be located in the same city or state. Video tours are perfect if you are moving for work or do not have time to make an in-person tour.

Tour Type 3: Self-Guided Tour

Want to walk the property but can’t make it to a leasing office during hours? Self-guided touring options are a great alternative! This type of tour gives you the ability to see an apartment in person without having to find a time during normal office hours to stop by. Usually, scheduling a self-guided tour is pretty straightforward; you'll likely find a link on the apartment’s website. Upon scheduling your tour, you'll receive instructions on how to access the apartment on the day of your tour.

When it’s time for your tour, you’ll arrive at the apartment community and head to the specific unit you’ll be touring. There will likely be a smart lock on the door, where you’ll use a code you previously received to unlock it. You’ll want to make sure the door is closed and locked when you leave. After you see the unit, you’ll take the tour and look at any amenities and community spaces the complex has to offer. This is a great hybrid way to tour. You can tour the community at your own pace but since there is no leasing agent you will want to make sure you write down any questions you have, in case you need more information.

Other Touring Tips

• What to bring for an apartment tour?
  • You should bring any brochures the property has; these will give you information on the property that you can refer to. Brochures are very helpful because they can remind you of questions to ask or answer for you! Having a list of questions, notepad, and pen is also recommended. If you are a pro, you will want to take photos so you can remember the little things. After you tour a couple of units they can sometimes blur together.
• If you need some help with what questions to ask, take a look at our list below of the best questions to ask when touring.
  • How much is required upfront?
  • What are the terms of the lease?
  • How is rent paid?
  • Is renter’s insurance required?
  • Is there a guest policy?
  • Are pets allowed? Is there a breed restriction?
  • Are there plans to renovate?
  • How is maintenance requests handled?

Reminders

Here are a few helpful things to know regardless of the tour style you choose.

• Know your must-haves and come with a list of needs and wants in your next apartment. You can compare that list to what you see during the tour.
• Know the common lease terms. If you’re new to renting or just haven’t rented in a while, make sure you know the lingo and can ask questions about anything in the lease that isn’t clear.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things that may not be obvious! There may be perks that you haven’t thought of.

No matter the type of tour you choose, you will get a sense of both the apartment and the neighborhood.

Want to see how you can tour in-person, virtually or self-guided at an RPM Living Community? Check out our communities and start your search here.

As a property management company in Austin, TX, we’ve heard a lot of conflicting opinions about who has the best BBQ in Austin. Luckily, our luxury apartments in North Austin, South Austin, and East Austin are all just minutes from some of the most acclaimed BBQ spots in town. We’re rounding up our top five so you can visit all the heavy hitters.

Franklin’s

You can’t talk about Austin barbecue without talking about Franklin’s. This BBQ spot is best known for having a massive line that extends well beyond the front door as people camp out to get a taste of what many say is the best BBQ in town. If you’re not into standing in lines, you can also reserve Franklin’s BBQ for pickup as long as you plan it well in advance.

Valentina’s

Way down south on Manchaca, you’ll find one of the relatively hidden gems of Austin BBQ: Valentina’s. This food truck is well worth a visit, especially with their convenient outdoor seating. If you’re a taco lover, this spot may be your top pick, because the Tex-Mex influence is strong here; tortillas are provided with your order, and the queso, chips and roasted tampiquena make the perfect sides, even if it’s a little untraditional.

Terry Black’s

Another must-visit BBQ spot, Terry Black’s is located on Barton Springs Road next to Auditorium Shores. Its venue is spacious, so you can usually find a spot to settle in, even when it’s busy. They have all the classics like brisket and beef ribs, but even the less beloved meats like sausage and turkey are delicious. Plus, they have a peach cobbler you shouldn’t pass up.

la Barbecue

La Barbecue is a delicious hot spot in East Austin, located on Cesar Chavez. Folks rave about their brisket and beef ribs and say it has the best coleslaw in town. This is another place that often has a long line, but you can also call ahead to place your order and skip the line.

Salt Lick

Although its flagship location is technically outside of the Austin city limits (in Driftwood, TX), Salt Lick is well worth the trip. We decided it had to be included even though the only location actually in Austin is at the airport (which we highly recommend as your first dinner when you arrive home after a trip). Salt Lick has one of the best BBQ sauces you’ll find anywhere and of course the brisket and ribs are to die for. Plus, you can catch live music in their outdoor seating area. Just be aware this is a cash-only, BYOB spot.

We hope you found this post informative and helpful! If you want to shop our luxury apartments in North Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

One of the perks of living in our luxury apartments in North Dallas is being surrounded by great shopping, from bustling malls to mom-and-pop shops. Whether you need something specific or you’re just after a bit of retail therapy, you’ll find something within minutes of home. Here are a few of our favorite places to shop for gifts, home decor, fashion, and more near our North Dallas apartments.

Galleria Dallas

Galleria Dallas is a popular shopping destination in North Dallas at the intersection of I-635 and the Dallas North Tollway. You’ll find a huge variety of shops like Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, Old Navy, and Macy’s. Plus, if you need a break from shopping you can stop by the ice rink for a nice change of pace.

The Shops at Park Lane

Dining, retail, and services converge at the Shops at Park Lane, making it one of the most popular shopping districts in Dallas. You’ll find tons of top retailers and eateries, including Eddie Bauer, DSW, HomeGoods, Lands’ End, and ULTA. You’ll even find Project Panic Escape Rooms here, to take a break from shopping and test your puzzle-solving skills.

Mockingbird Station

Located on Mockingbird Lane near Southern Methodist University, Mockingbird Station offers shopping, dining, and cinemas. Although it’s outside of North Dallas, an easy drive along Highway 75 will have you there in just a few minutes. It’s shops include Bath & Body Works, West Elm, Victoria’s Secret, and Urban Outfitters, as well as The Woodhouse Day Spa, 9Round Fitness, CorePower Yoga, and the Angelika Film Center & Cafe. While you’re at it, grab a sweet treat from Pure Milk & Honey to snack on while you shop.

West Village

West Village is located in Uptown, so it’s a bit farther away but still within an easy drive from our luxury apartments in North Dallas. Here, you’ll find an open-air retail complex with fashion boutiques, fitness studios, restaurants, and a movie theater. While there are top retailers in West Village, the main draw is the boutique feel provided by many of its smaller shops.

The Plaza at Preston Center

Located just off Northwest Highway, this sprawling shopping center has everything from clothing retailers to service providers and eateries. It’s an especially great spot for health food and New American restaurants, which you’ll find nestled among a CrossFit gym, spa, medical providers, and beauty salons as well as top retailers like Target, Marshall’s and DSW.

That’s it for our top shopping destinations in North Dallas! If you found this post useful or interesting, we encourage you to share it with your friends and colleagues! If you want to shop our luxury apartments in North Dallas and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

We like to make it easy to move into our East Austin luxury apartments because we know moving can be a major undertaking. Heavy or awkwardly shaped furniture can be difficult to get through doors or even up a flight of stairs! Luckily, there are a lot of steps you can take to make moving can be difficult easier and keep both your furniture and apartment protected along the way.

Buy or Rent a Furniture Dolly

“Lift with your legs and not with your back” is great advice, but “put it on a dolly” is even better. You’ll exert less energy and protect your floors by rolling your furniture instead of lifting it or dragging. You can easily buy or rent a dolly at a store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Uhaul will also rent out dollies and other moving supplies.

Buy or Rent Lifting Straps

Where a dolly won’t cut it, lifting straps can help. These straps wrap around your body and the object being lifted to provide extra support and stability during the lift. They’ll also help you find the most comfortable position to grip your furniture and so you can focus on keeping the object stable.

Disassemble Furniture

Taking the legs off a table or sliding the drawers out of a dresser can turn a challenging lift into a doable one. Not only does this make the object lighter, it can also make it more compact to easily carry through doorways, narrow hallways, or around tight corners.

Protect Floors and Doorways

Moving can result in accidental scrapes and scuffs to your apartment and belongings. Lay down plastic tarps, wrap blankets around sharp corners, or use moving blankets to protect your furniture and help you move safely and without accidental damage.

Furniture sliders under heavy furniture can also help protect your floors while you move in or out of your East Austin luxury apartment.

Get Help

This one may be obvious, but whenever possible, don’t move furniture alone. Whether you decide to hire movers or ask a friend or to help, you’ll save yourself a lot of strain and potential damage. Some movers can even be hired by the item, which helps keep costs low while still ensuring you have the help you need for your heaviest and most awkward items.

That’s all our tips for moving awkward furniture! We hope you found this post informative and helpful! If you want to shop our East Austin luxury apartments and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Looking for date night ideas near our luxury apartments in Midtown? Houston is full of engaging places for a date, whether it’s a first date scenario or a night out with your long-term partner. We’ve gathered a list of some of our favorite date spots in Midtown and beyond for the next time you’re planning something fun for two. From super casual and affordable to special and planned, there’s something for everyone.

Take In a Show At a Local Theater

There are plenty of places to support the local arts in Midtown, including some great local theaters! Plan a visit to The Ensemble Theatre or MATCH (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston) to catch a show, then enjoy dinner or drinks. This should give you plenty to talk about and is a great way to get to know each other better.

Take a Class at Painting with a Twist

You don’t have to be skilled at painting to enjoy some creative time with your date! Taking a painting class together can be a great way to break the ice or laugh together over your minimal skills. Painting With A Twist also sells at-home paint kits if you prefer to spend an evening with just the two of you, or you can visit their studio just across the street from HCC. Be sure to schedule your class ahead of time to make sure you and your date have spots reserved.

Talk A Walk Through Buffalo Bayou Park

If stunning views, fresh air, and walking trails are your idea of a good time, a walk through Buffalo Bayou Park is hard to beat. You could even bring your dog(s) along for the fun, keeping it super casual and comfortable.

If you’d rather have the convenience of staying close to home, Midtown park is also a great place to enjoy a picturesque stroll near our luxury apartments in Midtown.

Explore Art in the Museum District

The Museum District is just minutes from our luxury apartments in Midtown, Houston, so why not take advantage? Invite your date for an afternoon at one of the many Houston museums you’ve been meaning to visit. The Museum of Natural Science is incredible as is the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of African American Culture. Or, stay in Midtown and visit the Station Museum of Contemporary Art or the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

Test Your Puzzle-Solving Skills in an Escape Room

If you know your date likes puzzles, mysteries, and/or timed challenges! There are multiple Escape Rooms to try in Midtown; we highly recommend Escape The Room Texas or PanIQ Escape Room.

If you found this post useful or interesting, we encourage you to share it with your friends and colleagues! If you want to shop our luxury apartments in Midtown, Houston and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

With spacious interiors and modern amenities that add extra privacy and convenience to your home, we have some of the best luxury apartments in San Antonio for hosting. But if you don’t have a guest room set aside, hosting overnight guests in an apartment can be challenging. These five tips can help make it easier to give guest(s) a comfortable place to stay while maintaining your own privacy and peace of mind.

Clear Space For Your Guest’s Stuff

Whether it’s a coat rack by the door, bathroom counter space, or a shelf in the hall closet, make sure your guest has space to put their stuff. This will make your guest feel welcomed and prevent clutter from piling up in your shared living spaces while they’re staying at your place.

We recommend doing this even if it means moving some of your things to a less convenient location while your guest stays with you. It’s more comfortable for you to be slightly inconvenienced in your own apartment than it is for a visitor trying to settle into someone else’s apartment.

Invest in a Pull-Out Couch

A pull-out couch makes hosting overnight guests much more convenient both for you and them. This way, you can relax in your living room during the day but still give your guest a comfy place to sleep at night. Make sure you have spare linens for the pull out bed too!

Pull-out couches can be expensive, so if you’re looking for a little less financial commitment, an air mattress also works. You might even be able to borrow one from a friend or a neighbor at our luxury apartments in San Antonio.

Take Advantage of Collapsible Furniture

Drop-leaf tables, nesting coffee tables and end tables,and folding chairs, help you expand space to suit more people without adding permanent clutter to your luxury apartment in San Antonio. In fact, this tip is useful whether your guests are staying overnight or not. Being able to expand the table for a shared dinner, then collapse it to make more room in the living area is a great option to have up your sleeve whenever you want to host friends or family.

Get a Folding Screen for Privacy

If your overnight guest is staying in your living room, offering a little extra privacy can make a huge difference to their comfort and yours as you move through each other’s space. A folding screen can be just the thing to give your guest a little of their own space within your apartment. You can easily store a folding privacy screen in a closet for the next time you have guests.

Spend Time Outside of Your Apartment

There’s no need to spend all your time inside your apartment! Plan some excursions to your favorite places in town, or enjoy a COVID-friendly afternoon in a local park. The more time you can spend outside of your apartment, the less frustrating it will be to have limited space to share when you’re both at home.

That’s it for our tips for hosting overnight guests! We hope you found this post informative and helpful! If you want to shop the best luxury apartments in San Antonio and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.