AUSTIN -- The Austin region has a 96 percent occupancy rental rate and that means people looking for a place to rent are working hard to find affordable housing.
Darryl Thomas met with an apartment locator Friday to find help.
“I’m looking for a reasonable price,” Thomas said. “I definitely don't want to have to spend an arm and a leg just to live.”
Thomas said it has been a challenge finding the right place for the right price.
“I think the economy has a lot to do with it to be honest,” said Thomas.
According to recent census numbers, an average of 88 people move to Austin every day.
“We have people moving from all over Texas, all over the country, and outside the U.S. moving to Austin,” said Elise Vaughn. She is the assistant manager of the Barrington at Park Place Apartments in North Austin.
Vaughn helps potential renters find the perfect unit at the Barrington. So far this year, demand is up.
“I'd say on average we have 25 to 30 phone calls a day, so it's very busy,” Vaughn said.
A+ Apartment Locators manager Natalie Young said several of her clients are also moving to Austin from other states.
“I think it's the job opportunities. I'm helping so many people relocate who have jobs here in Austin,” Young said.
The shortage of rentals means renters have to move fast.
“Now if they see an apartment and they wait until even the next day, the chances of it being there are slim,” Young said.
According to Capitol Market Research, a group based in Austin, a two bedroom two bathroom apartment in Austin will cost on average $1,054.
