Rental Rumblings
Austin renters aren't nearly as happy as they used to be

Austin rents are up, and renter satisfaction is down. That's according to Apartment List's second annual Renter Confidence Survey, released Thursday.
The website surveyed more than 30,000 renters across the country to garner insight into the rental population, which totals 110 million Americans. Respondents rated their satisfaction on key factors ranging from safety to affordability.
While Austin renters gave average or above average scores across most categories, they are significantly less content than a year ago. Austin received a grade of B-plus for overall satisfaction, down from an impressive A-plus last year.
This lack of satisfaction can be attributed to low scores for daily commute (D), public transit (C-minus), and affordability (C). Access to recreation, weather, and pet-friendliness all earned a B-plus, while school quality was given a grade of B-minus.
It's not all bad. Austin earned an A for job opportunities, the strongest predictor of overall satisfaction, according to Apartment List. Other high scores included safety and crime rates (A-minus) and state and local taxes (A-minus).
And Austin renters are among the most satisfied in the state. Fort Worth and San Antonio also received grades of B-plus, while Houston earned a B-minus and Dallas got a C-plus.