Bridge at Turtle Creek Apartments: 2022 Construction at Income-Restricted Pricing in South Austin
$708 a month.
That’s the net effective rent on a one bedroom apartment in a building that opened in 2022. Granite counters. Stainless appliances. Elevator access. Parking garage. Pool. South Austin on S. 1st Street.
I track rental pricing across 1,000+ Austin properties as a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806). That number catches my attention every time I run it.
So what’s the catch?
You might earn too much to qualify. Bridge at Turtle Creek is a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit property. That means income caps, not just income floors. If your household income exceeds roughly 70% of Area Median Income, you’re ineligible. Period. No exceptions, no workaround, no amount of good credit changes it.
Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: how the income caps actually work, what the net effective rent math looks like after concessions, and why the 3.7 Google rating hides a security pattern you should know about.
Quick Facts: Bridge at Turtle Creek
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 6020 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78745 |
| Year Built | 2022 |
| Total Units | 307 |
| Floors | 5 |
| Management | JCI Residential – Journeyman Group |
| Property Type | LIHTC / Tax Credit (income restricted, 50–70% AMI) |
| Rent Range | $850–$2,010 |
| Pet Policy | 2 pets max, 100 lb limit, no breed restrictions, $0/month pet rent |
| Current Special | 2.5 months free on 12 month lease + $1,000 Look & Lease bonus (ends 8/21/2026) |
| Application Fee | $17 |
| Admin Fee | $0 |
| Utilities Included | Trash, Water |
| Google Rating | 3.7 stars (115 reviews) |
Two things jump off that table. First, the $17 app fee and $0 admin fee. Most Austin apartments charge $50–75 to apply and $150–300 in admin fees. Second, “income restricted” means this isn’t a property where higher income helps you. It’s one where higher income disqualifies you. I’ll break down exactly what that means in the screening section below.
Best For / Skip If
Bridge at Turtle Creek Makes Sense If…
You earn between 50–70% of Area Median Income and want a building that doesn’t look or feel like affordable housing. Most income restricted properties in Austin are renovated 1980s and 1990s builds. Bridge at Turtle Creek went up in 2022 with the same finishes you’d find in a market rate property. Granite counters, stainless appliances, vinyl plank flooring, high ceilings. That mix barely exists anywhere else in 78745.
You have a dog over 50 pounds. 100 lb weight limit with zero breed restrictions. And $0 monthly pet rent. Read that again: zero dollars. Most Austin communities charge $15–35 per month per pet. Over a 12 month lease, that’s $180–420 in savings on pet rent alone. The only upfront pet costs are a $350 deposit and $250 non-refundable fee.
You’re working with a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. LIHTC properties are required by federal law to accept vouchers. That’s not optional for them.
You need the lowest possible barrier to entry. $17 app fee. $0 admin fee. Property covers trash and water. The concession math drives net effective rent lower than any other 2022 build in South Austin.
Skip Bridge at Turtle Creek If…
Your household income exceeds the AMI caps for your household size. This is a hard regulatory limit. If you earn too much, no amount of good credit, rental history, or willingness to pay more changes the outcome. I’ll lay out the exact thresholds in the screening section.
Security is a top priority for you. The two most detailed negative Google reviews (with 8 and 9 likes) describe ongoing issues: car break-ins, stolen packages, a garage gate that’s broken repeatedly, and reports of unauthorized access. For a building that’s only four years old, these aren’t aging infrastructure problems. They’re management problems.
You need a washer and dryer in your unit. Bridge at Turtle Creek has washer/dryer connections in every unit, but doesn’t provide the machines. You’ll need to buy or rent your own, or use the community laundry rooms.
You want a strong on-site management presence. The property data lists “No Onsite Manager.” Reviews mention understaffing and slow response times. Management does respond to Google reviews (that’s a positive signal), but whether someone’s around when you need something has been a problem since early occupancy.
Wondering If Bridge at Turtle Creek Fits Your Situation?
Fill out a quick form and I’ll reach out to go over your specifics: income, credit, pets, timeline. I can check whether your income falls within the right AMI band before you spend even $17 on an application, and I’ll share any current specials that might not be listed online. You’ll hear from a real person (me), not an automated system.
Location Deep Dive
What’s Actually Nearby
Bridge at Turtle Creek sits on S. 1st Street between Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive in the Garrison Park area. Walk Score is 76, which is above average for South Austin. In practice, you can handle daily errands without a car, but you’ll want one for commuting.
Groceries: H-E-B on William Cannon is about 1.5 miles south. Dining within a mile includes Cherry Creek Catfish Co. (S. Congress), Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe, and taco spots along S. 1st. Strange Brew, the 24 hour coffee shop, is less than a mile north.
Garrison Park itself is within walking distance. Austin Community College’s South Austin campus is 1.4 miles away. St. Edward’s University is a short drive. Odom Elementary is 0.3 miles, Bedichek Middle is 0.5 miles, and Crockett High School is 1.1 miles.
You’re about half a mile from the S. Congress corridor, which gives you access to the restaurant and retail strip without paying S. Congress rent. That’s the real value of this address.
The Commute Math
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin | ~7 mi | 12–15 min | 25–40 min |
| Zilker Park | ~4 mi | 8–10 min | 15–20 min |
| UT Austin Campus | ~7 mi | 12–15 min | 25–35 min |
| Austin-Bergstrom Airport | 11 mi | 18–22 min | 23–30 min |
| The Domain / North Austin | ~15 mi | 22–28 min | 45–60+ min |
| Tesla Gigafactory | ~15 mi | 20–25 min | 30–40 min |
Route notes: S. 1st Street runs straight north toward downtown. You can hop on MoPac or I-35 from William Cannon. CapMetro bus Route 10 runs along S. 1st with connections downtown. If you’re commuting north past the river, budget extra time during rush hour. The Domain is a slog from here in traffic.
Neighborhood Vibe
Garrison Park is residential and practical. Not a nightlife district. The S. 1st corridor has been adding new construction (SoFi at 6311 opened next door in 2025), but the immediate surroundings still mix older commercial lots with newer builds.
Fair warning: several reviews mention encounters with homeless individuals on or near the property, and vehicle break-ins are a repeated theme. Don’t leave valuables visible in your car.
Pricing & True Cost
Floor Plans
| Floor Plan | Bed/Bath | Sq Ft | Base Rent | Net Effective* | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Studio | 510 | $850 | ~$675 | Available |
| E2 | Studio | 570 | $900 | ~$715 | Available |
| A1 | 1/1 | 630 | $1,000 | ~$795 | On Notice |
| A2 | 1/1 | 631 | $1,000 | ~$795 | Available |
| A3 | 1/1 | 690 | $1,050 | ~$834 | On Notice |
| A4 | 1/1 | 750 | $1,100 | ~$874 | Available |
| B1 | 2/1 | 900 | $1,250 | ~$993 | On Notice |
| B4 | 2/1 | 999 | $1,250 | ~$993 | Available |
| B7 | 2/2 | 982 | $1,250 | ~$993 | Available |
| B2 | 2/1 | 900 | $1,300 | ~$1,032 | Available |
| B3 | 2/1 | 951 | $1,300 | ~$1,032 | Available |
| B5 | 2/1 | 1,010 | $1,300 | ~$1,032 | On Notice |
| B6 | 2/2 | 969 | $1,300 | ~$1,032 | Available |
| B8 | 2/2 | 1,003 | $1,400 | ~$1,112 | On Notice |
| B9 | 2/2 | 1,031 | $1,400 | ~$1,112 | Available |
| B10 | 2/2 | 1,067 | $1,450 | ~$1,152 | On Notice |
| B11 | 2/2 | 1,214 | $2,010 | ~$1,597 | On Notice |
*Net effective with 2.5 months free on 12 month lease. Base rents shown are the low end of the listed range. Actual rent depends on your income tier (50%, 60%, or 70% AMI). Availability as of June 2026.
Note on rent ranges: Because this is a tax credit property, your actual rent isn’t negotiable the way market rate rent is. It’s set based on which AMI tier your income falls into. The low end of each range is for the lower AMI band. The high end is for the higher band. Ask the leasing office which tier applies to your household.
Net Effective Rent: The Math
You won’t see this math on listing sites. The current special is 2.5 months free on a 12 month lease, plus a $1,000 Look & Lease bonus (expires 8/21/2026).
Let me walk through it on the A2 one bedroom at $1,000 base rent:
Step 1: Free rent concession
- 2.5 months free = 75 free days
- 12 month lease = 365 days
- Daily multiplier: (365 − 75) ÷ 365 = 0.7945
- $1,000 × 0.7945 = $795/month net effective
Step 2: Add the Look & Lease bonus
- $1,000 cash bonus spread over 12 months = $83/month additional savings
- $795 − $83 = $708/month combined net effective
That’s a one bedroom apartment built in 2022 for $708 a month. For context, the average Austin one bedroom rents for $1,413 according to ApartmentList. You’re paying roughly half that.
On the studio side, an E1 at $850 base comes out to about $592/month with the full concession stack.
The Look & Lease bonus expires August 21, 2026. Without it, the net effective on that same 1BR is still $795. That’s still well below market.
All the Fees
| Fee | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $17 per person | Yes |
| Admin Fee | $0 | N/A |
| Security Deposit | Varies by screening results (contact leasing office) | Yes |
| Pet Deposit | $350 (1 pet) / $500 (2 pets) | If you have a pet |
| Pet Non-Refundable Fee | $250 (1 pet) / $500 (2 pets) | If you have a pet |
| Monthly Pet Rent | $0 | N/A |
| Covered/Garage Parking | Contact leasing office for pricing | Optional |
| Renters Insurance | Not required per listing data | No |
What you don’t pay: Trash pickup (property covers it). Water (property covers it). Monthly pet rent ($0). Admin fee ($0). Those fees are unusually light for Austin, and that’s one of the benefits of LIHTC properties. Government oversight on tax credit properties keeps those fees in check.
True Monthly Cost: A Real Scenario
Here’s what a 1BR renter with one dog would actually pay each month:
- Net effective rent (with 2.5 months free): $795
- Monthly pet rent: $0
- Trash/Water: $0 (property pays)
- Electric (estimated): $80–120
- Internet (estimated): $50–70
Estimated true monthly cost: $925–985
Move-in costs for the same renter:
- Application fee: $17
- Security deposit: Varies based on screening results (standard for LIHTC properties)
- Pet deposit: $350 (1 pet)
- Pet non-refundable fee: $250 (1 pet)
- First month rent: $0 (if concession is front-loaded) or prorated
Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of June 2026. I talk to leasing teams regularly, and offers shift. The Look & Lease bonus has a hard expiration of 8/21/2026.
Want to Know What Specials Are Actually Available Right Now?
Listing sites often show outdated specials. I check directly with leasing offices so you get the real numbers. Fill out the form below and I’ll confirm what’s currently available at Bridge at Turtle Creek, plus whether your income qualifies for the AMI tier you’d need.
Screening Criteria: What You Need to Qualify
The Income Structure (This Is Different From Market Rate)
At most Austin apartments, the screening question is: “Do you earn enough?” At Bridge at Turtle Creek, there’s a second question most people don’t expect: “Do you earn too much?”
This is a LIHTC property using a 40/60 election. At least 40% of the 307 units are set aside for households earning 60% or less of Area Median Income. The rest cover 50% and 70% AMI. The Austin-Round Rock Median Family Income for FY2026 is $134,400.
Here’s what that translates to in actual dollar thresholds:
| Household Size | 50% AMI (Max Income) | 60% AMI (Max Income) | 70% AMI (Max Income) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | ~$34,650 | ~$41,580 | ~$48,510 |
| 2 Persons | ~$39,600 | ~$47,520 | ~$55,440 |
| 3 Persons | ~$44,550 | ~$53,460 | ~$62,370 |
| 4 Persons | ~$49,450 | ~$59,340 | ~$69,230 |
Those numbers are based on the FY2026 Austin-Round Rock Median Family Income of $134,400. Exact limits may differ slightly and update annually. Confirm with the leasing office which AMI tiers apply to available units.
The floor: You still need to earn enough to pay rent. LIHTC properties typically require 2–2.5x monthly rent in gross income. On a 1BR at $1,000, that means you’d need at least $2,000–2,500/month gross income.
The ceiling: Your household income can’t exceed the AMI cap for the unit tier you’re applying to. If a single person earns $50,000 a year, they’d exceed the 70% AMI cap for a one person household and would be ineligible for any unit here.
So you’re threading a needle. Earning enough to pay rent, but not so much that you exceed the cap. For a single person renting a 1BR at $1,000, the sweet spot is roughly $24,000–48,500/year depending on the unit’s AMI tier.
Credit Expectations
Bridge at Turtle Creek doesn’t publish a credit score minimum. LIHTC properties generally weigh income verification more heavily than credit score. They’re mainly checking that your income fits the AMI band and that your rental history is clean.
That said, credit still matters. A clean rental record with a score in the 580+ range should be fine at most tax credit properties. Scores below 550 with other issues (broken leases, collections) make approval harder anywhere.
What Gets You Denied
Let me be direct about what typically triggers a denial here:
- Household income above the AMI cap for the unit you’re applying to (this is the most common disqualifier people don’t see coming)
- Insufficient or inconsistent income documentation (LIHTC requires extensive paperwork: tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, asset declarations. Miss something and you’re starting over.)
- Active eviction judgment (most LIHTC properties use a 5 year lookback)
- Outstanding property debt to a previous landlord
- Certain criminal background issues (violent crimes, sex offenses, drug-related felonies are standard disqualifiers; ask the leasing office for specifics)
The Application Process
- Apply: $17 application fee per person (non-refundable). For comparison, most Austin properties charge $50–75.
- Income verification: This takes longer than a normal apartment application. Expect to provide tax returns, W-2s, recent pay stubs (typically 3–6 months), bank statements, and documentation of any other income sources. That’s LIHTC rules, not the property being difficult.
- Background and credit screening: Standard checks run alongside the income verification.
- Approval or denial: Expect 3–7 business days due to the extra income verification steps. Longer than a typical market rate application.
Why Working With a Locator Matters Here
I can tell you whether you qualify before you apply. The income calculation for LIHTC properties isn’t always simple. Household size, asset income, and gross vs. net all factor in. If Bridge at Turtle Creek doesn’t fit, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility.
Resident Reviews Decoded
Listing sites show you a 3.7 Google rating and move on. That number doesn’t tell you much without context. I read through all 115 Google reviews to find the patterns that actually matter.
Review Pattern Analysis
| Theme | Approximate Mentions | Trend | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leasing staff praised | 15+ reviews | Positive, but key staff departed | |
| Security concerns (gate, break-ins, theft) | 8–10 reviews | Persistent since early occupancy | |
| Clean/modern units | 6–8 reviews | Steady positive | Google, ApartmentHomeLiving |
| Grounds maintenance issues | 5–6 reviews | Ongoing | |
| Affordability | 4–5 reviews | Steady positive | |
| Fire alarm false alarms | 2–3 reviews | Status unclear | |
| Pest issues | 2–3 reviews | Isolated |
What Residents Praise
Leasing staff gets the most positive mentions by far. Elizabeth appears in more reviews than any other staff member, with residents calling out her responsiveness, humor, and follow through. Sonja gets praised for being welcoming and going above expectations. Brittany, the property manager, comes up for helping with applications and being personally invested.
Inside the units, reviews are strong. “For affordable housing, it’s pretty luxurious” is how one reviewer put it, and that pretty much sums it up. High ceilings, modern finishes, and the parking garage stand out, especially for residents who’ve lived in older income restricted properties before.
One resident praised having elevators and safe parking as a major benefit for people with disabilities. That’s a detail you won’t find on listing sites.
What Residents Criticize
Security is the biggest issue by far. Javier Benavides left a one star review (8 likes) detailing a garage gate that’s “always broken,” building doors that “inconsistently work,” and called it a “HUGE safety issue.” Inelys Ortiz’s one star review (9 likes) describes the same gate problems, security gaps, and a lack of accountability.
And it’s not just those two. Andrea Vasquez reports having her car broken into and three packages stolen. Jessica Myers, a two year resident, mentions seeing drug use on the property by unauthorized individuals.
These aren’t one-off complaints. The gate and access control issues appear across reviews spanning the property’s entire history. For a building that opened in 2022, that’s not an aging infrastructure issue. It’s a maintenance and management problem.
Grounds keeping is the second most common complaint. Dog waste in stairwells, trash in parking areas, and landscaping maintenance come up across several reviews. Marie Love’s three star review (4 likes) specifically mentions “excessive false fire alarms, trash and landscaping problems, and inconsistent security” as ongoing issues that affect daily living.
Understaffing gets mentioned directly. One ApartmentHomeLiving reviewer acknowledged that “they are understaffed right now” and described driving from Houston to Austin to resolve issues in person when calls went unanswered. The property data lists “No Onsite Manager,” which probably explains the slow response times people mention.
How Management Responds
Credit where it’s due: management responds to nearly every Google review, positive and negative. And not with copy-paste templates. The responses to negative reviews are detailed and specific. Brittany B signs some personally.
When Inelys Ortiz reposted her negative review multiple times, management responded each time. When Javier Benavides detailed the gate and safety issues, management acknowledged the problems rather than deflecting. That counts for something. But whether it translates to faster gate repairs on the ground? Separate question.
The Uncomfortable Truth
No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to kill the deal. I just want you to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Security Problems on a Building That’s Only Four Years Old
The gate and door access issues at Bridge at Turtle Creek aren’t the kind of thing you can chalk up to old infrastructure. This building opened in 2022. The parking garage gate shouldn’t be “always broken.” Building entry doors shouldn’t “inconsistently work.”
But the two negative reviews with the most likes on Google (8 and 9 likes) both focus on these exact problems. Car break-ins and package theft appear throughout the review history. If security is something you think about when choosing an apartment, go in with open eyes.
You Might Earn Too Much to Live Here (And That Can Change)
Income caps aren’t just a move-in check. LIHTC properties recertify income annually. If you get a raise, pick up a side job, or a partner moves in and your combined household income exceeds the AMI cap, renewal could get tricky. Some properties allow a grace period or move you to a higher-tier unit if one’s available. Others don’t. Ask the leasing office specifically how they handle income increases at recertification before you sign.
The Staff You’ve Read About May Already Be Gone
Elizabeth is the most praised name in the entire review set. Review after review describes her as responsive, professional, and hands-on with residents’ issues.
But Andrea Vasquez’s recent review notes that both Elizabeth and Amira have left the property. The property data lists “No Onsite Manager.” So all those glowing staff reviews? They might be about people who aren’t there anymore. If the staff is a major reason you’re considering Bridge at Turtle Creek, visit the office and meet the current team before you apply.
Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Alternatives?
You’ve seen the full picture now: the pricing math, the screening rules, and the honest downsides. If Bridge at Turtle Creek fits, I can help you get your application in front of the right people. If it doesn’t, I know every income restricted and market rate property in the 78745 corridor and can point you to options that match your situation better.
FAQ: Bridge at Turtle Creek
Is Bridge at Turtle Creek income restricted?
Yes. It’s a LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) property with units reserved for households earning between 50% and 70% of Area Median Income. Earning above the cap makes you ineligible.
What are the income limits at Bridge at Turtle Creek?
Limits vary by household size and unit tier. For a single person, the cap ranges from roughly $34,650 (50% AMI) to $48,510 (70% AMI). For a four person household: approximately $49,450 to $69,230. Limits update annually. Confirm with the leasing office.
Does Bridge at Turtle Creek allow pets?
Yes. Up to 2 pets, 100 lb weight limit, no breed restrictions, $0 monthly pet rent. One pet: $350 deposit and $250 non-refundable fee. Two pets: $500 deposit and $500 fee total. A pet interview is required for dogs.
What utilities are included in rent?
Trash and water are included. You pay electricity and internet separately.
Does Bridge at Turtle Creek have in-unit laundry?
Units have full-size washer/dryer connections but machines aren’t provided. Community laundry rooms are available on site.
What is the application fee?
$17 per person. Most Austin apartments charge $50–75.
Does Bridge at Turtle Creek accept Section 8 vouchers?
Yes. LIHTC properties are required by federal law to accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
What are the biggest complaints about Bridge at Turtle Creek?
Security is the top issue: car break-ins, package theft, and a frequently broken garage gate appear across Google reviews. Grounds maintenance (trash, dog waste) is the second most common concern.
The Bottom Line: Is Bridge at Turtle Creek Worth It?
The math is hard to argue with. A 2022 construction one bedroom for $795/month net effective (or $708 with the Look & Lease bonus) in South Austin’s 78745 corridor. Studios from $675 net effective. $17 app fee, $0 admin fee, $0 monthly pet rent.
But the trade-off is real too. Security has been an issue since the property opened, the gate and access control problems show up across the full review history, and key staff members who earned the property’s positive reputation have moved on.
This property makes sense if:
- Your income falls within the 50–70% AMI bands and you want the newest construction available at income restricted pricing
- You have a large dog and need a property with no breed restrictions and $0 pet rent
- You prioritize unit quality (finishes, layout, high ceilings) over property management responsiveness
- You’re working with a Housing Choice Voucher and want a modern property that’s required to accept it
This property doesn’t make sense if:
- Your household income exceeds the AMI caps (even by a small amount)
- Vehicle security and package delivery safety are priorities for you
- You need on-site management availability and quick maintenance response
- You want in-unit washer and dryer machines (not just hookups)
Here’s my honest take: Bridge at Turtle Creek offers first-year value that’s almost impossible to beat in this part of Austin. The screening question isn’t credit or rental history. It’s income. If you qualify, the numbers speak for themselves. The open question is whether the management will catch up to the building itself.
If you want help figuring out whether Bridge at Turtle Creek fits your situation, or if you’d rather look at similar properties without the security concerns, fill out the form above and I’ll text you within a few hours.
Need Help?
You’ve got everything you need to evaluate Bridge at Turtle Creek on your own. But if you want help:
Fill out the form and I’ll text you to go over your income situation, check which AMI tier your household qualifies for, confirm current specials, and figure out next steps. You’ll talk to me directly. Not a phone tree. Not a chatbot.
Going solo? Just tell them “Ross Quade from Austin Apartment Team” referred you on your tour and application. Text me at 512-360-0852 when you apply so I can make sure everything’s on track.