Austin Apartment Reviews Guide
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The Orion Apartments

Updated 2026-07-17 · 2,441 reviewed · 401 listed · Scored from 174 Google reviews · How we rank ›

3.5(174) 59 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified Publishes prices
Affordable & Section 8 HousingPet-Friendly ApartmentsLuxury Apartments
The Orion Apartments
Services
Affordable & Section 8 Housing, Pet-Friendly Apartments, Luxury Apartments
Reviews
174

The honest read

Location and affordability draw residents, but recurring pest, maintenance, and trash failures have made living conditions unlivable for many over the past two years. Multiple management changes and an AI-only contact system have compounded frustration. A new management team arrived in May 2026 and is visible on-site, taking tenant complaints seriously and making visible improvements to trash and transparency. Several long-term residents are cautiously optimistic, though promised repairs remain incomplete and rent is rising without unit upgrades.

Staff members Gloria, Lisa, and Mason have earned praise for listening and effort; leasing agent Keshani and Selena handled intake smoothly. However, systemic maintenance backlog, pest control that is charged for but not delivered, and enforcement of valet trash fees continue to erode trust. The complex remains visibly neglected in common areas despite website claims of amenities and upgrades.

Praised for
  • friendly, responsive staff (some named)
  • good location near parks and walking trails
  • affordable pricing
  • quick leasing process (some reports)
  • new management showing effort and accountability
Watch-outs
  • widespread pest infestations (rats, roaches, fleas, wasps) that persist despite charges
  • slow or incomplete maintenance repairs (weeks to months; marked complete without visit)
  • amenities non-functional or inaccessible (pool green and closed; gym locked during work hours)
  • overflowing trash, inadequate valet service
  • poor communication, AI agent replacing human contact, office often closed
  • aggressive move-out collection tactics and billing surprises
  • water damage, leaks, mold not addressed properly
slow-maintenanceunresponsive-maintenancepest-problemspoor-communicationresponsive-managementparking-issuesnoisy-neighborsoverpriced
Best for: Budget-conscious renters near downtown/north Austin who can tolerate ongoing repairs and are comfortable with new management adjustments.
Think twice if: Pest problems, slow repairs, and non-functional amenities (pool, gym hours) have plagued residents for over a year despite new management arriving May 2026.

What this place gets right

  • affordable pricing ($1,017-$1,150/month starting)
  • walkable location near Katherine Fleischer Park and Mills Pond
  • in-unit washer/dryer and updated kitchen finishes
  • staff attentiveness (new management team visible and responsive to complaints)

Worth knowing

  • New management team took over May 2026; prior 4 management changes in 2-3 years
  • Named staff: Gloria, Lisa (office), Mason, Keshani (leasing), Selena (leasing)
  • Pest issues: rats inside walls (Building 20), roaches, fleas in grass, wasps (not serviced despite charges)
  • Pool closed and green since at least May 2026; not accessible
  • Gym only open office hours (10am-6pm weekdays), no AC or non-functional
  • Trash valet charged monthly but inconsistent pickup; one worker handles entire complex
  • Maintenance: water heater took 10 days; ceiling leaks took 6 months; stove issue took 5 months until tenant sent certified letter with rental code
  • Move-out: aggressive collection calls and texts, payment portal locked before invoices sent

Reviews by category

Affordable & Section 8 Housing
Affordable starting rents but marred by slow maintenance, pest control charges without service, and unexpected rent hikes without upgrades.
Pet-Friendly Apartments
Walkable to parks but fleas and ticks in grass, abandoned dog waste not cleaned, and pest control failures frustrate pet owners.
Luxury Apartments
Website advertises upscale finishes (stone counters, stainless steel, fireplaces); units reviewed as old, falling apart, and not matching advertised condition.

How it stacks up

  • Rated 3.5 against a 3.92 average across the 197 affordable & section 8 housing businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 52% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Score
Star rating 4
Review volume 97
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 44
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
102
4
8
3
3
2
4
1
57

Quick answers

What time can I use the gym?
Gym is only open during office hours (10am-6pm weekdays). If you work a standard 9-5 job, you would need an outside gym membership.
Is the pool currently open?
No. Residents report the pool has been closed for "maintenance" since at least spring 2026, with water appearing green. Multiple residents say it has not been usable for over a year.
Do they charge for trash and pest control?
Yes, they charge monthly for valet trash and pest control, but multiple residents report these services are not delivered reliably or at all, despite being paid for.

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Last updated 2026-07-17