As evidenced by the numerous cranes, cement trucks and hard hats roaming our city center, many Austinites and Austin-imports are seeking out urban living spaces. The real estate market has hustled to keep up with the demand, building many apartments and condominium complexes that cater to the more city-inclined.

Although many of these new complexes are summarily surrounded by concrete and asphalt, they all try to capitalize on their proximity to Town Lake, restaurants and retailers in promoting a healthy urban lifestyle. Despite the absence of lawns and cul-de-sacs, downtown apartments give residents reason to head out on foot, save some gas mileage and take a more holistic approach to fitness.

Apartment complexes out of the city-center have also taken a different approach in attracting residents, offering numerous amenities on-site, including pools, basketball and volleyball courts, even group fitness classes in some cases.

A city is comprised of all types, so even if you're not looking for a new pad, hopefully this will help you appreciate the strengths and fitness possibilities in your own digs.

404 RIO GRANDE 404 Rio Grande 391.0100 24-Hour Fitness Center Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub 1 Block From Hike & Bike Trail Walking Distance to Area Gyms Located only a couple blocks from the West 6th St. entertainment district, and mere steps away from the Town Lake Hike and Bike trail, these downtown apartments epitomize the best of pedestrian city living. In addition to a 24-hour on-site workout facility, at least two local gyms—Mecca and Pure Austin—are within easy walking distance. Perhaps most importantly, hungry residents can leave their car keys at home and cruise over to Whole Foods on foot for daily dinner fixins.
AMLI DOWNTOWN 201 Lavaca St. 472.1711 www.amlidowntown.com 24-Hour Fitness Center Large Outdoor Pool 1 Block From Hike & Bike Trail Walking Distance to Area Gyms This newly-constructed complex sits square in the middle of the Warehouse District, which means residents will most likely need to work off a few happy hour specials. The combination of the stunning courtyard pool and well-appointed fitness facility make such a task fairly easy to accomplish. However, the super-close proximity to the Hike and Bike trail, and the availability of bike lockers (considering the recently publicized vulnerabilities of U-locks) give one little excuse to be a homebody.
THE BROWN BUILDING 207 W. 8th St. 476.8415 www.brownbuilding.com 24-Hour Fitness Center Walking Distance to Area Gyms 8 Blocks From Hike & Bike Trail This historic downtown pad has been a fixture in Austin since its construction in 1938. While the Brown Building doesn’t boast a pool like some of its newer counterparts, it does offer a massive roof-top deck and 24-hour fitness center, both of which are very popular with residents. And it is just as easy to waltz to work at the Frost Building as it is to strut out to the Warehouse District for a healthy evening meal.
GABLES WEST AVENUE 300 West Ave 476.9444 www.gables.com 24-Hour Fitness Center Large Outdoor Pool 1 Block From Hike & Bike Trail Walking Distance to Area Gyms Mere steps away from the Hike and Bike trail, these brightly-colored lofts are perfect for outdoor exercisers and dog-lovers alike. Cyclists benefit from plenty of outdoor bike parking, as well as elevators and wide hallways for those preferring to keep their prized wheels inside. Catered rooftop parties literally top off the amenities, which include a smaller, yet well-equipped 24-hour fitness center and cozy courtyard pool.
NOKONAH 901 W. 9th St. 476.4300 www.nokonah.com 24-Hour Fitness Center Outdoor Lap Pool & Sundeck Indoor Whirlpool Next to Shoal Creek Greenbelt Walking Distance to Area Gyms While out of most Austinite’s price range, this luxury condominium complex offers some important lessons that can be scaled to any pocket book. Skyline views + organic grocery store close by + gorgeous lap pool + Zen boulder garden = you guessed it...peace of mind! For those not able to afford all four items, mix and match as you are able.
THE PLAZA 311 W. 5th St. 494.1221 www.plazalofts.com Large Rooftop Outdoor Pool 24-Hour Fitness Center Walking Distance to Area Gyms 5 Blocks From Hike & Bike Trail Two words: rooftop pool. As if that isn’t enough, this fresh addition to the downtown condo market finds its neighbor in Republic Square, the site of weekly Farmers’ Markets in Autumn and Spring and movie series in early Summer. Residents can choose any one of the close neighborhood gyms within strolling distance or opt for the ease of The Plaza's 24-hour fitness facility.
RIATA 12300 Riata Trace Parkway 437.1000 www.riata.com 24-Hour Fitness Center 9 Hole Putting Green 9 Swimming Pools 3.1 Mile Jogging Trail Outdoor Basketball & Tennis Courts Sand Volleyball Court Raquetball Court Located in north Austin, this megaplex really does offer all that and a bag of chips, or more importantly, all that and a bottle of wine. Capitalizing on its formidable size, Riata offers miles of jogging trails, a nine-hole putting green, numerous swimming pools, and its very own wine shop.
THE STATEHOUSE ON CONGRESS 1221 S. Congress Ave. 326.8811 www.statehouseoncongress.com Dry Sauna & Spa Multi-Level Outdoor Pool 24-Hour Fitness Center Bike Ride from Zilker Park This Texas-inspired urban enclave boasts the prettiest pool (and largest hot tub) in the downtown area. Situated a short distance from the Bat Bridge and squarely in the center of Austin’s hottest pedestrian shopping district, the Statehouse’s South Congress location encourages residents to get out and about on foot, whether it be to pick up coffee, a video or the latest denim cuts.
THE VILLAGE AT RIVERSIDE 1500 Crossing Place 386.5200 www.thevillageatriverside.com 24-Hour Fitness Center Sand Volleyball Full Size Basketball Court Lap Pool with Water Volleyball Long a staple for UT students, this east Austin complex more than makes up for the commute to school. The mostly student population at this mini-resort has a variety of study-break options, including a full-size basketball court, lap pool and beach volleyball. Residents are also short blocks away from Town Lake Hike and Bike trails, as well as public baseball and softball fields. With all these options for keeping the “freshman fifteen” at bay, no one has an excuse not to work off last night’s six-pack.