Are you seeking a unique and affordable housing option in Austin? Look no further than the 21st Street Co-op, a vibrant and inclusive community tailored for students. If you’re a recipient of need-based financial aid, including Pell Grants or Subsidized Stafford Loans, living at 21st Street could be an exceptional opportunity for you. We reserve rooms specifically for students like you, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hinder access to a supportive and enriching living environment right in the heart of Austin.
A Legacy of Community and Creativity at 21st Street
Since opening its doors in 1974, 21st Street has established itself as a beloved Austin institution and the most fabled co-op in West Campus. Generations of students have shaped its unique character, fostering a close-knit family atmosphere that sets it apart. What defines a ’21st Streeter’? It’s not a specific major or social group, but rather a shared spirit of open-mindedness, creativity, and a thirst for adventure. Our residents come from diverse academic backgrounds, from Engineering and Nursing to Culinary Arts, Geology, Economics, and many more, all contributing to the rich tapestry of life at 21st Street. This diverse mix creates a haven for free expression, making 21st Street a truly special place to call home. Notably, 21st Street holds the distinction of being the only clothing-optional co-op within the College Houses organization, reflecting its commitment to individuality and comfort.
Unique Living Spaces and Amenities on 21st Street
Life at 21st Street offers comfortable and practical living arrangements. Members reside in furnished single or double rooms, organized into suites accommodating five to ten people. Each suite is designed to foster community, featuring a shared living room, balconies, convenient kitchenettes, and ample bathroom facilities with two bathrooms and showers per floor. The suites themselves have evolved organically over time, with some even transforming into multi-functional spaces like a co-op library or games room, reflecting the dynamic nature of the community. Adding to the visual appeal, murals painted by past and present members adorn the walls throughout 21st Street, showcasing the co-op’s artistic spirit. Beyond the indoor spaces, 21st Street boasts generous outdoor areas, including a front yard, a fire pit for gatherings, and a back porch – the perfect setting for the co-op’s long-standing tradition of fire-spinning. Essential amenities further enhance daily life, including a parking lot, laundry room, bike shed, and a fully stocked kitchen for communal meals and culinary adventures.
“Labor is Love” and Community Life at 21st Street
At 21st Street, community engagement is embodied in the motto “Labor is Love!”. Members contribute to the co-op through various labor opportunities, from cooking meals and handling bike repairs to contributing to the house magazine. These tasks are diverse and designed to fit into busy student schedules, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and belonging. There’s always something happening at 21st Street. Weekdays often see members relaxing on the back porch, sharing conversations, or enjoying impromptu jam sessions in the commons. Our dedicated Education Coordinators organize weekly events, ranging from movie nights to workshops on diverse topics like knitting or music production, catering to a wide array of interests. Weekends at 21st Street are particularly lively, frequently featuring musical performances, themed parties, and engaging in-house events, creating a vibrant and creative atmosphere. This active community life is what truly brings the members of 21st Street together, building strong bonds and a loving community.
21st Street: A Welcoming and LGBT+ Safe Housing Community
21st Street is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming and safe environment for all residents, particularly for those who identify as LGBT+. Historically, 21st Street has been home to a significant LGBT community, with a notably higher percentage of LGBT members compared to national averages. Recognizing this, 21st Street explicitly declares itself as LGBT-safe housing, with a strong emphasis on uplifting the voices and experiences of its trans members. While College Houses already prohibits discrimination based on gender and sexuality, 21st Street goes further by proactively prioritizing the creation of a space that is explicitly welcoming and affirming for LGBT individuals. Celebrating its diverse membership from all backgrounds, 21st Street continually strives to ensure every member feels valued and respected, regardless of their identity. In response to increasing attacks on LGBT people, particularly trans individuals, both nationally and within Texas, 21st Street reaffirms its commitment to standing against homophobia and transphobia. While acknowledging that no community is perfect, 21st Street is dedicated to ongoing efforts to make the co-op a safe and supportive haven for LGBT 21st Streeters for years to come, opening its doors to students of all genders and sexualities to build a thriving and inclusive community together.
Affordable Living at 21st Street with Financial Aid Support
Understanding the financial pressures students face, 21st Street Co-op is committed to providing affordable housing options. We strongly encourage students who are recipients of need-based financial aid to apply. Rooms are specifically reserved for those receiving Pell Grants (full or partial), Subsidized Stafford Loans, or other forms of financial aid. For the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 term, rates are designed to be inclusive: Single (Private) Rooms are priced at $1,154 per month (equivalent to $878 without food/utilities), and Double (Shared) Rooms are $886 per month (equivalent to $610 without food/utilities). These rates are comprehensive, covering rent, bills, and meals, simplifying budgeting and offering significant cost savings compared to traditional student housing. December and May rent are further reduced. Living at 21st Street offers not just a place to stay, but a cost-effective and community-focused way to experience student life in Austin.
Ready to join the vibrant community at 21st Street? Apply online today – it’s free and with no commitment! Discover more about affordable, inclusive, and community-driven student living at 21st Street Co-op.
