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The Bowen

Updated 2026-09-22 · 3,787 reviewed · 924 listed · Scored from 108 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.1(108) 66 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Luxury ApartmentsPet-Friendly Apartments
The Bowen
Location
North Burnet–Gateway, Austin
Services
Luxury Apartments, Pet-Friendly Apartments
Reviews
108
Ranking
#171 in Luxury Apartments
Best for
Long-term renters prioritizing walkable location and neighborhood safety over perfect maintenance.

Core details are sourced from this business's Google Business Profile (checked 2026-09-22). Website-sourced details were fetched 2026-07-17.

What we found

The Bowen draws strong praise for location, staff warmth, and thoughtful unit finishes, but faces serious issues with ventilation, maintenance follow-through, and move-out billing that many residents dispute. Unit design and neighborhood walkability appeal to long-term residents who value the area; however, those sensitive to air quality, appliance reliability, and transparent management practices should look elsewhere.

Praised for
  • helpful, welcoming staff
  • walkable location with restaurants and shops
  • unit design and storage
  • safe neighborhood
  • smooth move-out process
Watch-outs
  • pet odor throughout building
  • poor ventilation and air quality
  • key fob failures
  • missing packages and mail room issues
  • high move-out charges and deposit disputes
  • parking garage security lapses
  • appliance quality concerns
friendly-staffwell-maintainedsafe-securepest-problemsoverpricedslow-maintenance
Best for: Long-term renters prioritizing walkable location and neighborhood safety over perfect maintenance.
Think twice if: People who need reliable ventilation, strict adherence to lease terms, transparent move-out practices, or secure parking without theft concerns.

What this place gets right

  • Prime walkable location near Domain South End
  • Thoughtfully designed units with Elfa closet system
  • Helpful concierge staff and community events

Before you tour or apply

  • Staff named: Marissa (leasing), Paul (concierge), Madison (leasing team)
  • Elfa closet system standard in units
  • Key fobs cost $100 and fail regularly
  • $100+ move-out charges common; one resident paid $3,200 after 9 months for undocumented repairs
  • CO2 levels measured above 2000 ppm in units with poor ventilation
  • Parking garage thefts (tail lights stolen); no additional security measures implemented
  • AT&T internet agreement; Google Fiber available but not enabled
  • Vending machine prices ($3.50 chips); no upfront pricing labeled

Resident ratings

Luxury Apartments
Beautiful finishes and walkable location, but ventilation system poorly tuned and move-out charges often disputed.
Pet-Friendly Apartments
Persistent dog urine odor reported throughout common areas despite pet-friendly policy.

How it stacks up

  • Rated 4.1 against a 4.01 average across the 780 luxury apartments businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 42% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Score
Star rating 39
Review volume 88
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 44
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Breaking down the ratings

5
80
4
5
3
1
2
3
1
19

FAQ

What happens to my security deposit at move-out?
Multiple residents report significant deductions ($3,200 after 9 months; $2,500 disputed after early move-out) with limited documentation provided. One positive review noted detailed, fair deduction reports, but this appears inconsistent.
Do the key fobs work reliably?
No. Residents report 30% failure rate for the $100 fob, despite repeated reports to management. The mobile app alternative also fails frequently.
What is the air quality like in units?
Poor. Multiple residents measured CO2 levels above 2000 ppm (considered unhealthy). Management confirmed an air filtration system exists but is set to activate only at humidity levels rarely reached locally, so external air rarely enters units.

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No rating yet

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Last updated 2026-09-22