Finding the perfect apartment in Round Rock often comes with a wishlist – great location, modern amenities, and reasonable rent. But for many renters, particularly those with pets or who love outdoor living, there’s one feature that stands above the rest: private outdoor space.
As the Round Rock rental market evolves, apartments with yards have become increasingly sought-after, yet remain somewhat rare compared to traditional balcony-only options. Whether you’re seeking a secluded outdoor retreat, a safe play space for your four-legged friend, or room to flex your gardening muscles, Round Rock offers several excellent apartment communities with various yard options.
Why Yards Matter: Benefits of Ground-Floor Living
Ground floor apartments with patios and yards provide distinct advantages that many Round Rock residents find invaluable:
- Privacy: Instead of sharing visual space with neighboring balconies, a private yard creates a secluded retreat.
- Pet convenience: Pet-friendly apartments with yards allow your furry companions to enjoy quick outdoor access throughout the day.
- Entertainment space: From hosting gatherings to enjoying solo outdoor meals, yard space effectively increases your usable square footage.
- Gardening opportunities: Gardening-friendly apartments offer a canvas for personal expression that balconies can’t match.
- Outdoor connection: Immediate access to fresh air and natural light contributes significantly to wellbeing—especially valuable for remote workers.
Types of Yard Options Available
Not all apartment yards are alike. Understanding the differences helps set appropriate expectations:
- Private fenced yards: Fully enclosed outdoor areas with maximum security for pets and children.
- Semi-private yard spaces: Featuring partial enclosures or lower fencing that defines your space while maintaining some connection to the community.
- Patio vs. true yards: Some offer hardscaped patios rather than grass yards—an important distinction for pet owners or gardeners.
- Hybrid options: Hardscaped areas for furniture alongside small lawn sections, offering low-maintenance convenience with touches of green space.
Featured Apartment Communities With Yards
La Frontera & Tech Ridge Area
Lantana Round Rock (Class A)
- Pros: Generously sized private yards with full fencing, built-in irrigation systems, covered sections for shade
- Cons: Higher price point, limited availability of yard units, some traffic noise in certain sections
- Pet Policy: Accepts most breeds up to 100 lbs, 2 pet maximum, $400 pet deposit
- Yard Customization: Allows container gardens, furniture, and removable shade structures
Siena Round Rock (Class A)
- Pros: Beautifully landscaped private spaces, designer touches, integrated lighting packages, excellent for outdoor yoga/meditation
- Cons: Premium pricing, stricter pet policies, some yards smaller than competitors
- Pet Policy: Breed restrictions apply, 50 lb weight limit, $500 pet deposit
- Yard Customization: Limited to approved furniture; no planting or ground alterations
The Creek (Class C+)
- Pros: Affordable entry point to yard living, functional outdoor spaces, pet-friendly policies
- Cons: Fewer premium finishes, minimal shade in some units, less privacy between yards
- Pet Policy: Minimal breed restrictions, 80 lb weight limit, $300 pet deposit
- Yard Customization: Flexible policies allowing planting and personalization
University Boulevard Corridor
The Avery (Class A)
- Pros: Semi-private yards with elegant hardscaping, built-in drainage systems, thoughtful gate designs for pet security
- Cons: Higher price tier, waiting list for yard units, some restrictions on yard customization
- Pet Policy: Some breed restrictions, 70 lb weight limit, $450 pet deposit
- Yard Customization: Allows furniture and potted plants; no in-ground planting
Stillwell at Avery Centre (Class A)
- Pros: Contemporary landscape design, mix of hardscaped entertainment areas and green spaces, aesthetic privacy screens
- Cons: Less traditional yard feel, limited gardening opportunities, premium pricing
- Pet Policy: Moderate breed restrictions, 75 lb weight limit, $400 pet deposit
- Yard Customization: Pre-approved furniture styles only; no modifications to landscaping
401 Teravista (Class A)
- Pros: Generous yard sizes, thoughtful outdoor lighting, space for distinct activity zones
- Cons: Limited availability, some yards face common areas, irrigation limitations in some units
- Pet Policy: Few breed restrictions, 85 lb weight limit, $350 pet deposit
- Yard Customization: Fairly permissive with temporary structures and container gardening
Caso University Heights (Class A)
- Pros: Versatile outdoor spaces, configurations for remote workers, good balance of privacy and sunlight
- Cons: Premium pricing, some yards heavily shaded, waiting lists for most desirable units
- Pet Policy: Standard breed restrictions, 65 lb weight limit, $475 pet deposit
- Yard Customization: Allows furniture and decorative elements; limited planting options
Seasonal Considerations for Round Rock Yards
Living in Central Texas means your apartment yard experience changes dramatically with the seasons:
Summer (June-September)
- Look for yards with mature shade trees or pergolas to make summer use bearable
- Properties with irrigation systems (like Lantana) become especially valuable because they water the plants and you won’t be looking at dead grass
- Morning and evening yard use is the best time to take your dog out or enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.
- South-facing yards become challenging without shade features because our summers are do darn hot.
Fall/Spring (October-November, March-May)
- Prime outdoor living seasons with comfortable temperatures
- Consider yards with good lighting for evening use as days shorten
- Allergy sufferers should note that yards with native plantings (like The Avery) typically cause fewer issues
- Rain drainage becomes important – properties like 401 Teravista with good drainage systems prevent soggy yards
Winter (December-February)
- South-facing yards provide valuable solar exposure during cooler months
- Covered sections allow continued use during brief cold snaps
- Properties with outdoor heating options (fire pits, etc.) extend usability
Utility and Maintenance Considerations
Understanding what’s included in your rent versus what you’re responsible for is crucial when renting an apartment with a yard:
Water Costs
- Most communities (including The Creek, Parkside, and Lantana) separately meter water, meaning irrigation impacts your bill
- Some properties like The Avery include reasonable irrigation water usage in rent
- Ask about irrigation system controls and scheduling restrictions
- For yard gardeners, properties with dedicated hose bibs (like YardHomes) offer greater flexibility
Maintenance Responsibilities
- Basic mowing and trimming is typically handled by most properties’ maintenance teams
- Residents are usually responsible for keeping yards clear of pet waste and debris
- Container plants and added elements are resident responsibilities
- Snow/ice removal (though rare) typically falls to residents
- Ask about weed control policies and whether chemical treatments are included or permitted
Privacy Considerations
Ground-floor units with yards often involve privacy tradeoffs:
High Privacy Options
- YardHomes Meadow Lake and Lantana feature the tallest (6-foot) privacy fencing
- The Avery and Siena use strategic landscaping to create privacy without institutional fencing
- Corner units typically offer greater privacy than interior units
Moderate Privacy Options
- Parkwood Terrace and Stillwell use 4-foot fencing with landscaping buffers
- The Summit features terraced yards creating natural sight barriers
Noise Factors
- Ground-floor units with yards experience more foot traffic noise but less overhead noise
- Units near amenities like pools may experience more activity sounds
- Most communities position yard units away from main entrance/exit areas to reduce traffic noise
- Corner units typically have better sound isolation
Current Special Offers for Yard Units
Several properties are offering special incentives for yard-equipped units (as of publication):
- Lantana: $750 off first month for select yard units with 12-month lease
- The Creek: Reduced $250 deposit for yard units (normally $350)
- 401 Teravista: One month free on 14-month leases for yard units
- YardHomes: $500 gift card with yard unit leases through end of quarter
- Rock Springs: Waived pet deposit for yard unit residents
Note: Specials change frequently – always ask about current offers when touring.
Connection to Community Amenities
The integration between private yards and community amenities varies significantly:
- Parkwood Terrace and The Avery position yards with direct paths to dog parks
- Lantana and YardHomes feature yard gates that open to walking trails
- The Summit and 401 Teravista have select yards opening toward pool areas
- Parkside offers “hybrid privacy” with yards that partially open to green spaces
- Ask about proximity to dumpsters, maintenance areas, or high-traffic amenities
Looking for the Right Type of Yard Means Being Patient
Finding the perfect apartment with a yard in Round Rock means balancing location, features, price, and property policies. The fifteen communities featured offer options across various neighborhoods and price points to match different priorities:
- Luxury seekers: Consider Siena Round Rock, The Avery, or Broadstone North Ridge
- Pet owners: YardHomes Meadow Lake and Lantana Round Rock offer the best combinations of secure yards and pet-friendly policies
- Budget-conscious: The Creek and Rock Springs provide functional outdoor spaces at more moderate price points
- Remote workers: 401 Teravista and The Summit at The Reserve excel with connectivity and work-friendly features
When touring, be sure to:
- Ask to see actual yard spaces, not just model units or photos
- Visit at different times of day to assess noise, lighting, and privacy
- Request specific pet policy documentation if applicable
- Clarify all maintenance responsibilities and water billing details
- Ask about waitlist options if preferred yard units aren’t immediately available
Whether you’re seeking a quiet sanctuary for morning coffee, a secure playground for pets, or an outdoor entertaining space, Round Rock’s apartment communities with yards can transform your rental experience from merely functional to truly livable place that you can enjoy outdoor living.
About the Author: This guide was researched and written by the Round Rock Apartment Team with over 15 years of combined real estate experience. We personally tour apartment communities every day to ensure our recommendation are right for each client.
