Austin, TX
Rent prices in Austin drop 10% on average from last year: FOX 7 Focus
Austin rent prices down: FOX 7 Focus
Austin rent prices have decreased compared to last year. Austin realtor Olivia Vale joins FOX 7 Austin’s John Krinjak to discuss in this FOX 7 Focus.
AUSTIN, Texas – If you’re looking for an apartment here in Central Texas, you may be pleasantly surprised to see that rent prices have actually gone down.
Austin realtor Olivia Vale with Roots Residential Group joins FOX 7 Austin’s John Krinjak to discuss in this FOX 7 Focus.
JOHN KRINJAK: So tell us about what we’re seeing here. How big of a drop are we actually seeing in the price to rent an apartment?
OLIVIA VALE: Yeah. So, on average, we’re seeing about a 10% decrease from last year. And keep in mind that over the pandemic, both rents and home prices skyrocketed. And that’s because of supply and demand and, of course, a number of economic factors. Right now we’re getting relief. And we’re at the lighter side of that bubble, which is great news. The caveat here is that not all rent prices are dropping in the same way, in the same locations. So the closer you are to downtown, you’ll see a more robust, healthy rental market when you get further out. Suburbs, new builds. We’re seeing those rent prices come down, whereas, you know, older homes in more established neighborhoods, those are more robust. And we’re seeing, you know, more of a flat level there.
JOHN KRINJAK: So from what you’re seeing, what do you think is behind this drop in rent prices?
OLIVIA VALE: Yeah. So a lot of it is supply and demand. We don’t have the tens of thousands of people moving here, ready to rent kind of anything that they see online before even seeing in person. So, you know, there’s a lot more available. And that goes for when you’re buying a home, too. There’s a lot of availability right now.
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JOHN KRINJAK: All right. So let’s set up two scenarios here. If you’re looking for a new apartment, you’re looking to leave where you are now, find a new apartment. Hopefully, take advantage of some of these savings. What advice would you have for people?
OLIVIA VALE: Yeah, I would say with any apartment hunting, of course, with home buying and selling, you can use a realtor. A lot of people don’t know that a realtor is available for you to use. You don’t have to pay them personally. We get a bit of commission from the landlord. A realtor has years of knowledge about the housing market they can advise you on. You know what a landlord may be looking for and an application fee.
JOHN KRINJAK: So on the other end of it, if you’re looking, you like your apartment, you’re looking to stay where you are, but you’re looking around and seeing the prices go down. But your landlord wants to keep your rent the same or raise it, and you don’t think that’s fair. What steps can you take there?
OLIVIA VALE: I think that almost unequivocally, across the board, no one should be raising their rent this year. We saw a huge jump in rents this year. You know, we’re actually at a level where rents were in 2021. So if your landlord is raising your rent levels past 2023, you know, that’s a sign to get in touch with the realtor, have them run rental comps on what rental places have closed in your neighborhood in the last six months or so, and then armed with that information, you can go to your landlord and say, look, you don’t have justifiable basis to raise my rent.
JOHN KRINJAK: And I guess the question everyone’s kind of afraid to ask, do you think this is going to continue?
OLIVIA VALE: I think we’ve kind of leveled off. We can see that rents did go up ever so slightly. Just May, April, May. So I think the adjustment is where we’re kind of over that hump now.
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JOHN KRINJAK: And so we talked a lot about renting, but if you’re looking to buy a home or a condo, are you seeing similar patterns with the real estate market as we are with rent prices? Are those prices coming down too?
OLIVIA VALE: Marginally. So definitely from the highs in 2022, we’ve come down a little bit. If you are a buyer right now, we’re seeing 30% more homes inventory wise than we were last year. So the world is your oyster. If you’re a buyer in Austin, you should be able to negotiate. You should be able to get, maybe points on your mortgage paid by the seller. You have a lot of leverage.
JOHN KRINJAK: What should you do if you’re a seller? Is it just a bad time to sell, or is it a little bit more nuanced than that?
OLIVIA VALE: It’s a little more nuanced. I mean, everything is so localized in this market, you see huge differences between neighborhoods. So when you’re a seller, you have to adjust your expectations, know that your home is going to be on the market for longer. Do those extra things to your home, spiff it up, make it look great. And then have an experienced realtor give you a fair, realistic idea of what you can actually sell your home for.
JOHN KRINJAK: All right. Olivia Vale, realtor here in Austin. Olivia, thanks so much for being here. We appreciate you.
OLIVIA VALE: You’re so welcome. Thank you for having me.
The Texas Tech football team landed its first commitment out of the transfer portal on Sunday.
Kansas State transfer linebacker Austin Romaine announced his commitment on social media. A second-team all-Big 12 selection this season, Romaine joins Texas Tech with one year of eligibility plus a redshirt year available.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker has been a fixture in the middle of the Kansas State defense since his true freshman season of 2023 — when he earned five starts and was named Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, an award he shared with his new teammate Ben Roberts. He started all 12 games in 2024 and had 66 tackles, six quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.
What Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine brings to Texas Tech football
Romaine will likely be seen as Jacob Rodriguez’s replacement as the other starting linebacker next to Roberts next season. It would also indicate John Curry will remain at the STAR (the hybrid linebacker-safety position) in which he excelled this season.
For his career, Romaine has three forced fumbles (all in 2024) and had his first career fumble recovery and interception in 2025.
Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group
As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.
Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!
Full-Service Gyms
Life Time
Image credit: Life Time Austin North
Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.
Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.
Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Hyde Park Gym
Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.
Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms
Korrect Fitness
Image credit: Korrect Fitness
Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.
Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.
Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.
Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7
FeV Iron Vault Gym
Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym
Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.
Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Group Fitness & Specialty Studios
Orangetheory
Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.
Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
F45 Training
F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.
Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm
Big Tex Gym
Image credit: Big Tex Gym
Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.
Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7
Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.
The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.
Williamson County double-homicide
What we know:
Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.
Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.
Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.
Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Williamson County officials comment
What they’re saying:
“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.
Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.
“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.
What we don’t know:
The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.
The victims were not identified.
The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.
The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
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