Author: Mckinlie Ganong

Your Ultimate Guide to Austin, TX

If you are new to Austin or looking to fall in love with Austin all over again, this blog is for you. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to Austin, TX, and we can’t wait for you to try our recommendations.

Music in the Live Music Capital of the World

6th Street - Dirty 6th

Austin’s version of Bourbon Street is located on 6th Street between Congress Avenue (to the west) and I-35 (to the east). Here you’ll find a collection of eclectic dive bars, restaurants, food trucks, and lots, and we mean LOTS of live music.

6th Street - East Side

Find a refreshing variety of live music venues In historic Old East Austin on East 6th Street, where live music is featured every night.

Hotel Vegas
The White Horse
Whisler’s

Continental Club

They don’t call themselves “the granddaddy of all local music venues” for nothing. The bands they book lean towards blues and country, and are something any Austin local or visitor should see.

Rainey Street

Another collection of unique bars and dining, similar to Dirty 6th, but for a less grunge, more classic clientele. Check out some of our favorites:

Banger’s
Lucille
Half Step
Geraldine’s located in the Hotel Van Zandt

The Broken Spoke

If you’re in the mood to visit an iconic old honky tonk & dance hall, this is the place to be. When you enter, it feels like stepping back in time to the ‘60s. The venue includes a mini museum of the country music royalty that has performed there. Bonus: we have it on good authority that they have the best chicken fried steak in Austin.

Activities and Sights

Alamo Drafthouse

The Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse is a great choice if you’re looking for a unique activity. They show old & new features and serve you drinks and food during the show.

Austin’s Central Public Library

The Library features an amazing design, great art, green roof/patio, plus a bar and restaurant with literary-inspired cocktails. Can it get any better than that for a lit-lover?

Barton Springs

Barton Springs is the real star amongst Austin’s natural gems. It’s a spring-fed pool that is 68 degrees year round with a natural bottom. It’s really magical.

Congress Avenues Bats

In case you didn’t know, Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world! Every night at sunset they fly out from under the Congress Ave bridge over Lady Bird Lake and create a ribbon in the air as they head downstream to feed on insects at night. Fun fact: farmers love them!

Tacos

Veracruz

Although they are known for their migas tacos, all are amazing! They have a food truck location as well as a permanent location at the Line hotel. The Linel’s lobby features artwork by Austin artists if you’re looking for a 2-for-1 kind of thing.

Torchy’s Tacos

Absolutely the best Austin-based taco chain. It’s something special that everyone in Austin should experience for themselves. We promise it will become a favorite in your Austin rotation!

Eats

Easy Tiger

This German beer garden and bakery offers great outdoor seating at multiple locations across Austin, and is one that should definitely be on your bucket list.

Juan in a Million

If you’re looking for great Mexican-inspired breakfast options in Texas-sized portions, Juan in a Million is sure to check all of your boxes.

Loro

Two of Austin’s top chefs collaborated and had a baby to create this Asian Smokehouse, with such a variety of choices, your hardest decision will be picking just one.

Drinks

P6

P6 is located on the top floor of the Line hotel’s parking garage, and includes great drinks and snacks, and a killer view of Lady Bird Lake. Also, the elevator ride up is an experience to try in itself!

Tiki Tatsu-Ya

This tiki-themed bar (they serve food, too!) is an immersive experience where you can sip elaborate cocktails…some of which are served with a sound and light show. Reservations book out about a month but you can often pop in and grab a spot at the upstairs bar.

Meanwhile Brewing

If you’re looking for an extensive drink menu for options that everyone will love, a great location and atmosphere, and some of the best taco trucks in Austin, Meanwhile should be your first stop on this list.

If you’d like a few more recommendations on local Austin life, here are a few other blogs we’ve created.

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Fall Apartment Cleaning Checklist

Seasonal cleaning doesn’t have to be the stressor many think it is! We hope these tips will keep your regimen in check this fall season.

Turn Mattresses

It’s a good idea to turn your mattress front to back a few times a year. While you’ve got the sheets off and are in the process of moving your mattress around anyways, another tip for the cleanest and most comfortable mattresses is to sprinkle baking soda across your mattress. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and vacuum it up when you’re done. This helps remove any lingering odors from your mattress, and will increase its life substantially.

Baseboards + Fans

Use a damp rag or towel to wipe down your baseboards and ceiling fans, as they are the 2 top dust collectors in your home that are not usually considered a part of a regular cleaning rotation. Even if you don’t think they look dusty or dirty, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see a difference when you’re done. It’s the little things that really help to spruce up your apartment.

Wash Holiday or Seasonal Dishes

Whether you’re hosting during the holidays or are just swapping out your typical dishes for some seasonal fun, be sure and give them a good wash. Though it can be tempting to believe your dishes are still clean from when you washed and packed them away last season, don’t let a lack of dust or grime deceive you - wash those dishes, and thank us later.

Wash Bedding

This is especially true if you are expecting any holiday guests, but even if you’re planning on spending the holidays solo, the changing of seasons is a great opportunity to freshen up all of your bedding, and pillows - yes, the actual pillows, not just the pillowcases this time. This goes for any couch or decorative pillows around your apartment as well.

Clean Storage Containers

As tempting as it can be to throw your storage containers back into storage after a long day of putting up holiday or seasonal decorations, don’t do it! Rinse out and wipe down your containers to keep them fresh, and avoid any buildups of dust, dirt, or other grime. Bonus: it helps keep bugs away longer. No one likes opening up containers that have been sitting for a year and finding dead spiders and other bugs in the bottom of your precious decor.

Plant Love

As we move into the colder months, be sure to keep your plants in check. Avoid keeping plants next to drafty windows that could result in a cold shock, and be sure and give them a little extra fertilizer to make up for the lack of sunshine. You might even consider purchasing a grow light to help keep your plants warm, and supplement that missing Vitamin D.

If you’re looking for more recommendations on cleaning tips, check out some of our past blogs for more inspiration.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

How to Create the Perfect Home Office

The perfect home office means something different to everyone, but we have a few recommendations that will improve any home office, no matter your style.

Find natural light

No matter if you’re someone who spends 8+ hours a day in your home office, or simply uses it on occasion, the right lighting is a necessity for creating the perfect home office. Natural light allows your body to know what time it is and keep your regular pattern on track. Additionally, natural lighting causes far less strain on your eyes, which will allow you to work more efficiently without getting headaches or damaging your vision - especially if you’re looking at screens all day.

Invest in ergonomic furniture

While it may not seem like something you need, believe us - your future body will thank you a million times over for choosing ergonomic furniture for your home office. Allowing your spine, hips, and neck some support while sitting for long periods of time will drastically improve any pain you could be experiencing, your posture, and the longevity of your spine. Not to mention, they’re way more comfortable to sit in than some cute, cheap chair you found at a garage sale (no shade, just the truth).

Add personal touches

Photos, decorations, plants - anything that brings you happiness and motivation throughout your day is a great way to boost your productivity. Creating a space you feel comfortable in is one of the best ways to find yourself enjoying your work more, and getting more done throughout the day.

Choose colors that bring you joy

The colors we surround ourselves with have a direct impact on our mood, productivity, and motivation. Lighter, airier, natural colors are some of the best ways to subtly incorporate mood and productivity boosters into your home office. Easily incorporate your favorite mood-boosting colors in your decor and furniture, and don’t be afraid to change those colors with the seasons.

Find ways to stay organized

We cannot stress this enough - clutter is the antithesis of productivity. Clutter produces anxiety and stress in many people simply because there is too much going. It causes distraction and makes it difficult to focus and/or relax. Keep your desk, drawers, floors, etc. in your home office organized to increase productivity.

Pro tip: always organize your desk at the end of the day, so you have a fresh start the next morning! Believe us when we say this works wonders.

If you’d like a few more tips and recommendations to perfect your home office, check out some of our other blogs!

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Get The Most Out Of Your Apartment

Knowing how to get the best experience out of your apartment may seem easy, but many people look back on their time living in their apartment homes and think, “Why didn’t I do more?” We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Personalize your space

No matter the current design trends or what you see online, your apartment is YOURS, and yours alone, and your decorative style should reflect that. Choose furniture, decorations, and other items for your space that are a direct reflection of your personality, not just what you saw someone do on HGTV. Lucky for you, we have an entire blog dedicated to doing just this! Check out How to Personalize Your Space.

Use those community amenities

There’s a reason that your apartment’s community amenities caught your eye during your apartment search, so take advantage of them. Whether it’s regular visits to the gym, pool, tanning salon, or coffee bar, or even spending time in your resident clubhouse to watch the big game or your favorite TV show on a Wednesday night, your apartment’s community amenities are there for YOU to use.

Use your space wisely

No matter if you’re kicking it solo in a studio, or sharing a 3-bedroom apartment with friends or family, knowing how to use the space you have is something that can take a little practice! Identify the areas of your apartment that you will spend the most time in, and begin there. For example: don’t dedicate time, money, and energy into decorating your home office if it’s only going to be used a few times a year. On the flip side, don’t skimp on your home office if you plan on using it frequently.

Psst - we’ve got a blog about that, too! Read Apartment Must-Haves For Creating a Home Office for more inspiration!

Spend time at home

So many of us are spending significantly more time at home due to the increase in remote work. When you work from home, it can be challenging to want to spend more time in your home. We recommend separating your work space from your personal space to really get the most out of your apartment and enjoy your down-time to the fullest.

Whether you’re in the mood for some alone time or want to entertain friends or family, plan to cook a nice dinner, have a baking night, movie night, any night that suits your fancy. As long as it gives you the opportunity to appreciate and love your space, you’re doing it right.

Not in the mood for entertaining? Your apartment is there for you to de-stress and recharge. Check out our 5 Self-Care Tips To Reduce Your Stress right at home.

Perfect your living area

Even if you wouldn’t say the living room is where you spend the bulk of your time in your apartment, it is one of the rooms you will see the most day in and day out, regardless of your living habits. Perfecting your living area will ensure that the first sight you see when you walk in after a long day is something you enjoy, not a space that stresses you out.

If you’re needing some inspiration on decorating your living room, don’t worry: we’ve got some ideas. Take a look at Interior Design Ideas For Apartment Living Rooms to get a few ideas for your own apartment!

For more inspiration on how to make the most out of your apartment, check out some of our past blogs for tips!

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

How To Establish Credit While Renting

It may seem impossible, but building credit while renting isn't as hard as many would think. Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your routine to see a hike in your credit score, even as a renter.

Report Your Rent Payments to Credit Bureaus

While your on-time rent payments do not impact your credit on their own, you can report your rent payments to credit bureaus to show that you are a responsible tenant who pays your bills on time. This can boost your credit score at up to 40 points! Be sure to check with your landlord or property manager to see if they are already reporting rent payments to credit bureaus.

Use Credit Cards Responsibly

Credit cards can be tempting due to the fact that you don’t necessarily have to pay that money back as soon as you spend it. However, accruing too much credit card debt can have a seriously damaging effect on your credit score, and can end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, more in the long run.

Pay Off Debt Early, If You Can

Whether it’s a personal loan, business loan, credit card, student loan, auto loan, or anything in between - paying off your debts ahead of schedule can greatly impact your credit score, as it shows you are a responsible borrower and can in turn allow you to take our larger loans and credit limits to even further boost your credit score! Two birds, one stone.

Monitor Your Credit Reports

While not overly common, credit report errors do happen! Keeping on top of your credit reports and credit score is a great way to ensure your credit is not being negatively impacted by something out of your control. Oftentimes, your credit reports will even include tips for how to raise your score and eliminate any debt you may have.

Always Pay On Time

Although it’s easier said than done, paying off your loans, debts, and bills is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your credit score, especially as a renter. Many programs today even offer support if you request it for helping to pay your bills on time with little, if any, impact to your credit. Always look for these options before deferring a bill or payment, because oftentimes, that can become a rabbit hole that’s extremely difficult to get out of.

Building your credit, even as a renter, doesn’t have to be scary! Take advantage of these tips and continue to spend responsibly in order to see that credit score shoot up sooner than you may think.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our luxury apartments in Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Upcoming Spooky Activities In Austin

One of the best parts about spooky season is all of the fun local events you can enjoy with friends, family, or even solo! Here’s a few of our recommendations for upcoming spooky activities near our luxury apartments in Austin.

Happy Hour Halloweekend Pub Crawl

October 21, 1-8PM

Coyote Ugly Saloon

Looking to dress up and grab some drinks with folks who are just as spookily-inclined as you are? The Halloweekend Pub Crawl at Coyote Ugly is the place to be! Take advantage of entry into some of the best bars in Austin and exclusive drink specials just for crawlers! While costumes are not required, they are encouraged to embrace the spooky season right!

BARKtacular HOWLoween Dog Fest

October 22, 8-10AM

Round Rock Dog Depot

You didn’t think we’d leave your spooky furry friends off the list, did you? Bring your (leashed) pups, friends, and family alike to the 3rd annual Barktacular Howloween Dog Fest in Round Round, Tx, just a short drive from our apartments in Austin. Your pup will get the opportunity to go trick-or-treating, enter in a costume contest, and a lookalike contest! There will be all kinds of vendors attending for you to shop, eat, and drink while your four legged friends embrace their spookiest desires. Only $5 per dog, so be sure and register ahead!

Spooky Sprint

October 22, 3-5PM

Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Want to get your heart rate up this spooky season? Be sure to mark your calendar for Austin’s Spooky Sprint, held at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park! Bring the whole family and receive not only the satisfaction of completing this spooky race, but also a t-shirt and custom medal! Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Be sure and sign up in advance for their in-person or virtual race options!

Spooky Silent Disco Party

October 28, 10PM-2AM

The Belmont

On the lookout for some pre-Halloween fun? Visit the Belmont on October 28 for their spooky silent disco! Enjoy hundreds of party goers costumes, the chance to dance the night away with your best buds, and drink specials all night long. With 3 different DJ channels, wireless headphones, and the chance to talk as much as you want without having to shout over loud music all while embracing the spooky season is something you won’t want to miss! Be sure and buy your tickets in advance for easy access.

Halloween Drag Bingo Brunch

October 30, 1-3PM

Fairmont Austin

Embrace the Halloween season while overlooking the Austin skyline, enjoying a specialty spooky-themed brunch menu and cocktails, and the chance to win big at bingo with your favorite Extragram drag queens. There will, of course, be a costume contest as well with the chance to win some glamorous prizes, so be sure to dress in your Halloween best!

With so much spooky fun coming up near our apartments in Austin, TX, be sure to mark your calendars to get it all in!

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Fall Decor Ideas For Your Luxury Apartment in Houston, TX

If you’re looking for a fall decor design that is less kitsch, and more stylish, this is the place to be. Keep reading for some of our favorite fall decor items that will add a touch of elegance to your luxury apartment in Houston, TX.

Leaf Wreaths

No matter if you decide to take the DIY route or simply head to Target to buy one premade, leaf wreaths are a tasteful way to let everyone know that fall has entered your home. While many opt for the standard door hanging wreaths, don’t limit yourself to just one location! Mantles, shelves, and event countertops are all great places to incorporate this simple, elegant fall staple that everyone should include in their fall decor.

Wheat Centerpieces

There is a simple elegance to incorporating wheat into your fall (or even your everyday) decor, but it’s one that we love no matter what! The best part about this simple decor is that you can have as much or as little as you desire, and you can choose to display it in any manner of your choosing. Vases and containers that match the color scheme of your fall decor, empty wine bottles, or even a simple clear vase are all tasteful options to add into your fall rotation.

Mini Pumpkins and Gourds

Bonus points if you opt for the real deal! The best part about pumpkins and gourds is that you can find them in any size, shape, variation, or color you could need to incorporate into your fall decor. Simply casting a few here and there around your apartment will add a level of natural coziness that’s sure to make any fall-lover swoon.

Seasonal Plants

Embrace the natural fall vibes by incorporating some orange and yellow foliage into your decor! This is another choice where you can opt for the faux option or the real deal, but either way will take your apartment to the next level! Mums and dahlias are a great place to start if you don’t consider yourself the green-thumb type.

Taper Candles

The best part of incorporating taper candles into your fall decor is the flexibility they pose for your vision! No matter if you choose colored, white, scented or plain, staked or contained - you hold the power. There’s just something about having different sized tapered candles surrounded by the ambiance of fall-centered decor and color scheme that provides an unmatched level of coziness to any home.

Knit Blankets

Even if the temperatures haven’t dropped to tremendously cold levels yet, knit blankets are one of the coziest ways to let fall into your space without inviting clutter into your home as well. Depending on the color scheme of your decor, taupe, champagne, orange, yellow, or brown are all staple colors to be included with your fall decor to add a sense of home to your apartment.

We’d love to see how your fall decor in your Houston, TX apartment turns out this season! Let us know in the comments what else you think should be included as a fall decor staple or tag us in your social posts to show off your beautifully decorated home!

For more recommendations on Houston life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Tips for Maximizing Closet Space In Your Luxury Austin Apartment

Tired of feeling like your closet can’t function the way you need? We’ve created some helpful tips and recommendations to help maximize your closet space, both in your closet and around your bedroom in your luxury Austin apartment.

Closet dividers

Closet dividers allow you to utilize any and all empty space in your closet and repurpose it into valuable space for your clothes, shoes, accessories, and other belongings. Shoe racks, accessory hangers, and similar dividers are all great ways to multiply your space, without having to leave your closet!

Hooks

Whether you have a large enough closet to add hooks to your walls, or you simply add a few on your closet door, hooks are a great space saver. Clothes, bags, necklaces, and more can all be easily contained in a small area, and free up your rack or shelf space at the same time. Plus, you can put your favorite items on display, gaining much easier access for those days you’re running a little behind (don’t worry, we all do it!).

Clothes rack

A clothes rack, whether it is able to fit in your closet, or if it is able to be kept in a corner or on a wall in your bedroom, is a great way to free up small closet space. If you have larger clothes like coats, jackets, sweaters, etc., a clothing rack is a great way to keep those clothes hanging on display, while freeing up space in your small closet at the same time. Plus, another added benefit of utilizing a clothes rack is that they can be seasonal, so show off (and easily access) your coats during the winter and switch them out for breezier outfits during the summer.

Modular shelving

Shelving is one of the best ways to free up space and eliminate clutter. Modular shelving to store clothes, shoes, and other accessories out of your closet is a fantastic way to maximize your apartment closet space. On a wall outside of your closet door or on a bathroom wall are great areas to capitalize on modular shelving. Shoes and bags can be easily accessed, as well as put on display, so have fun when you decide which of your favorite items to showcase!

Seasonal clothes

There’s no reason to keep a parka in your closet in the middle of July, just like there’s little use for tank tops in January. Free up closet space by only keeping out your clothes for the current season, and move out of season clothes to a storage closet or storage tub. This way, you’re not having to look through bundles of sweaters to find your favorite sundress for a day at the beach or pool!

That’s all for now on our tips and tricks to maximize your small closet space! Which one are you going to try out first? Don’t forget, if you want to shop our luxury apartments in Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

5 Self-Care Tips To Reduce Your Stress

You may have heard the term “self-care isn’t selfish” from any number of platforms, events, or postings, and we want to emphasize that. Here’s a list of 5 ways you can incorporate self-care into your daily routine and work to eliminate unnecessary stress.

Meditation

Whether you decide to make meditation a part of your daily routine, or use it as a resource when you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s a great way to regain your headspace and composure. Meditation aids in relaxing you by encouraging mindfulness through focus and breathing exercises. If you’re new to meditation and are looking for a place to start, we recommend apps like Calm and Headspace.

Spend time outside

Our bodies naturally crave sunlight and clean air, so taking a few minutes to step outside can be a great way to calm yourself in those moments of stress. Focusing on your breathing and your 5 senses when outdoors is a great technique to ground yourself and release tension to get you back in the right headspace to continue your daily activities.

Get organized

Lack of organization, whether it be your home, office, or even your agenda, can cause unnecessary added stress to your day to day life. Take time to ensure your space, as well as your mind, is organized and well maintained. As they say, a cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. By regaining that control, your mind will realize a new level of comfort and confidence as you continue on in your daily activities.

Snuggle your pet

There’s a reason animal therapy has grown so popular in recent years, and it’s because it really does work. Engaging the part of your brain that produces dopamine and serotonin when petting, playing with, or even being in the same room as an animal, can cause a significant decrease in your stress levels. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to focus on spending time with your dog, cat, or any other animal in your life that brings you joy.

Be sure you’re getting enough sleep

Even though we can’t always stop what we’re doing to get some rest, working to incorporate an adequate sleep schedule into your daily routine will work wonders for your stress management. Knowing the healthiest amount of sleep for your age group, and finding ways to implement and maintain it throughout your daily routine will keep your mind and body fresh enough to handle any challenge that comes your way.

That’s it for our self-care tips to reduce stress. As always, if you’re looking to live in a community that makes it easy to practice self-care, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Antonio, TX

Our pets are family, so why wouldn’t we want them to tag along whenever they can? Luckily, San Antonio is home to some of the best dog-friendly restaurants and patios. Here are a few of our top picks that are close to our communities of luxury apartments in San Antonio.

Hops & Hounds

Beer, burgers, and pups - does it get any better than that? At Hops and Hounds, you can bring your pooch with you to the bar, enjoy outdoor seating, and let them off leash at their dog park. They have a wide selection of beer, burgers, and other comfort food options. Hops and Hounds is located at 13838 Jones Maltsberger Rd, and is open 7 days a week, so it’s an easy choice for those living in North San Antonio luxury apartments.

The Friendly Spot Ice House

Not far from some of our Downtown San Antonio apartments luxury apartments, you’ll find that kids AND pups are welcome at The Friendly Spot Ice House at 943 S Alamo St. American and Mexican food alike are served here, paired with over 250 brews, margaritas, and cocktails. Open 12pm-12am 7 days a week, so bring the whole family to this dog-friendly location for a delicious variety of food and drinks!

The Cove

Looking to support a San Antonio business that’s sustainable, organic, and buys local? The Cove is just that - celebrating Texas by supporting local ranchers, farmers, and craftspeople. Located just north of our apartments near Downtown San Antonio, The Cove has something for everyone from vegan nachos to burgers to Texas brews. Visit 606 W Cypress St, and bring your pup to hang out on the patio while listening to live music most nights of the week.

The Hoppy Monk

Dogs are always welcome at the Hoppy Monk’s outdoor seating area, as long as they’re leashed! Be sure to check out their wide selection of beers on tap and get a bite of their delicious pub-inspired food. Open 7 days a week, this upbeat local bar is located on N. Loop 1604 E near our North San Antonio luxury apartments.

Tycoon Flats

Home to the best burgers in San Antonio, Tycoon Flats offers 30 specialty burgers! Not only does Tycoon Flats offer a beautiful shaded beer garden, but this long-time favorite San Antonio restaurant is located in the original 1920’s Historic Magnolia Petroleum Service Station, at 2926 N St Mary's St, preserving a little history while serving up the best burgers in town.

The Hangar

Bring your pup to the patio at The Hangar, and enjoy any one of their many choices of wings, burgers, and other pub style food. Come in any day of the week to check out their happy hour, or visit the bar and grab one of their many drink specials. Located at 8203 Broadway, just down the street from our apartments in Alamo Heights.

That wraps up our favorite dog-friendly restaurants near our San Antonio luxury apartment communities! The hardest decision is going to be where to go first. For more recommendations on San Antonio life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.