If you are moving to Austin, this information can be invaluable.
Very high job growth during the 1990's, and the resulting population growth had been large forces in pressure on rising apartment occupancy and Austin rental rates. To meet this increased demand, building of new apartments increased from 2000 to 2002 by 35 percent. By late in the year of 2001, these additional units, together with a national economic slow down, caused the occupancy level to fall from its highest level in year 2000 (97%). As of Spring 2005, The average price per sf had dropped from $1.01 a square foot in 2000 to about 81 cents psf.
However strengthening of the market between 2005 and 2007 has raised the price per square foot back up to about $1,00 - $1.10per sq ft in early 2008.
Central Austin continues to be the hottest market with prime downtown apartment rents going for an average of $1,900/month. Also central and downtown had Austin's highest occupancy rate .
Northwest This area includes far Northwest , North , Cedar Park, Round Rock and Plfugerville.
Cedar Park- Leander has the area's lowest occupancy rate at 90%.
Far North comes in at 93%
Austin offers something for everyone moving there, boasting a diverse range of neighborhoods within and around the city limits. Newcomers can locate housing options near every employment center in the Austin metro area.
North
A Close-in neighborhood can offer an apartment for rent in Austin Texas with optimal access to the city's north industrial market at an affordable price. Many of the new Austin Texas apartment complexes are located in the North Austin area.
Central
Central Austin is seeing a revitalization in its housing market, with several loft renovations and the introduction of new housing to historical structures such as the Brown Building. You can find many new condominium developments near the Central Business District, the Capitol Complex and the entertainment district, or you can choose to live in the historic communities that surround the University of Texas (UT) , where Victorian and craftsman-style homes are available.
Far Northwest
Newly developed master-planned communities combine elegant new homes with substantial acreage and terrific access to the lakes, the wealth of retailers at Lakeline Mall and new employment centers. Your Austin apartment locator can find you the best values in Austin Texas apartments here.
West
In West Downtown, neighborhoods such as Clarksville and Enfield feature tastefully updated homes as well as renovation projects and student rentals.
East
Diversity among the neighborhoods east of I-35 includes groundbreaking master-planned communities, neighborhoods that sprang up in the first half of the century and homes that reflect Austin's Victorian roots. This area includes the most affordable Austin apartments.
Northwest
This area is one of Austin's fastest-growing sectors, drawing services like Seton Northwest Hospital, as well as considerable retail attention. This is a prime area for an apartment for rent in Austin Texas.
Lake Travis
As the city's first and most exclusive master-planned community, Lake Travis offers residents superior access to lake recreation and numerous golf courses.
Far South
"Bedroom" communities like Manchaca, Buda and Kyle offer country living from large "spreads" to cozy cottages within easy reach of the city.
Southeast
Southeast is experiencing a transformation accompanying the new airport and Advanced Micro Devices new chip plant with affordable Austin apartments for those moving to Austin Texas
South
The entire South Austin sector offers great access via a grid of east-west streets just a stone's throw from downtown. Travis Heights includes older neighborhoods that afford exceptional access to the downtown area. The successful 4,000-acre master-planned community of Circle C Ranch also is located in South Austin.
Southwest
Southwest Austin offers the extraordinary natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the challenges of strict environmental ordinances. Your Austin apartment locator can help you find your ideal home here.
Round Rock and Pflugerville
Two of the fastest growing cities in the area, Round Rock and Pflugerville offer close proximity to new employment centers as well as newly built homes and apartments. Along with Cedar Park, Round Rock apartments & Pflugerville apartments are some of the best values on apartments in Austin Texas metro area.
Telephone & Utilities
Telephone
The area code is 512
Copies of the AT&T telephone books may be obtained by calling AT&T (mailing costs vary) at 1-800-SWB-BOOK
Residential Gas
Southern Union Gas Company,; 512-477-5852 or 1-800-700-2443.
Electric, Water and Wastewater, & Garbage
For electric services & rates, Austin Energy, 512-322-6300.
Water and Wastewater Utility, City of Austin, 512-322-0101.
Solid Waste Services (Garbage collection) City of Austin, P; 512-472-0500.
Private companies handle these services outside the city and the county. Ask your leasing agent or the on-site apt agent for information about the companies servicing your location.
Cable /Satellite Service
Time Warner Cable
Austin/Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto, Granada Hills, Lago Vista, Buda
512-485-5555
Heart land Cablevision
Travis, Williamson, Burnet, Blanco, Hays, Bastrop, Lockhart 
1-800-880-0292
PrimeStar
512-445-4449
Cablevision of Pflugerville serving Pflugerville, Leander 512-930-3085
Futuristic Cablevision Lago Vista, Leander 512-267-3126
Williamson County Cable vision (Georgetown, Leander, Pflugerville)
512-869-1505
Child Care & Education
Child care Locating Service
Services to help you to locate day care, after school care, and more:
Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services -- 834-0162
Extend-a-Care offers infor after school child care at over 50 elem. schools: 472-9402
Austin Families 834-0342
Education
Texas Education Agency 463-9734.
To enroll your child you will need:
A birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate
scholastic records
Proof of tuberculin screening.
physician's certification of immunization
The following list contains school districts in the immediate Austin area. For more information, see the Chamber's Official Guide to Austin or call the Texas Education Agency, 463-9734 or 800-446-3142. For performance reporting, call 463-9704. Note: All area codes are 512 unless otherwise indicated.
Travis County
Austin ISD 414-1700
Pflugerville ISD : 251-4159
Eanes ISD : 329-3626
Del Valle ISD 385-0890
Lake Travis ISD 263-4400
Manor ISD:: 272-5591
Lago Vista ISD: 267-8300
Williamson County
Round Rock ISD : 255-4431
Georgetown Independent School District :: 863-6595
Florence ISD :: 817-793-2850
Granger Independent School District :: 859-2613
Liberty Hill: Independent School District : 515-6088
Hutto ISD:: 759-3771
Jarrell Independent School District :: 746-2124
Taylor Independent School District :: 352-6361
Thrall ISD:: 898-5193
Leander ISD:: 434-5000
Coupland Independent School District :: 856-2422
Bastrop County
BastroP ISD :: 321-2292
Elgin Independent School District 281-3434
Smithville: It 237-2487
McDade Independent School District: 273-2522
Colleges /Universities
ACC - Austin Community College: 223-4ACC
Baylor Univ: 800-583-3622
St. Edward's Univ 448-8400
Concordia Univ: 452-7661
Huston-Tillotson College 505-3000
Texas State Univ San Marcos: 245-2396
University of Texas -- Austin: 499-4201
Southwestern University - Georgetown: 863-6511
Transportation
Airport
The new airport Austin Bergstrom International Airport - opened in May 1999 in south east Austin, is a state-of-the-art transportation . Increased parking facilities, more gates and flight
Bus
The UT shuttle system, operated through Cap Metro, provides city-wide bus services totally free to students
The 'Dillo, provides free service in the downtown, State Capitol, UT and Convention Center areas. 512-474-1200
Train
Amtrak services run through Austin, to with points north and south
Light Rail
Cap Metro light-rail connecting Leander, Cedar Park and North with downtown,begines service in early2008
Automobile
Taxicabs and rental cars are available throughout the area,
New Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days after establishing residence here Texas Department of Public Safety (512-424-2076) for a fee of $24.
Automobiles must be registered (as well as licensed) within 30 days of moving into Travis County at the County Tax A/C Office
Vehicles must receive a safety inspection at an authorized service station or garage. In addition to an inspection sticker, you must also present a certificate of title and proof of sales tax (if bought out of state) plus proof of insurance
Automobile liability insurance is mandatory in the State of Texas, and you are required to carry proof of insurance at all times