Cedar + Sage Apartments Austin: Fourplex Living With a Backyard for $1,293/Month Net Effective

When you look at as many Austin apartments as I do, certain properties stand out for what they aren’t. Cedar + Sage isn’t a 300-unit complex with a pool nobody uses. It’s not a mid-rise with a hallway that smells like everyone’s dinner at once. It’s a collection of fourplexes on Cougar Drive in Garrison Park, and it keeps showing up in my client searches for one specific reason: people want a backyard, two parking spots, and a washer/dryer in their apartment without paying $2,000/month for a townhome.

As a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806) who’s tracked South Austin pricing daily for years, I can tell you that fourplex layouts like this are getting harder to find. Most new construction is 4-5 story wrap buildings. Cedar + Sage is a 1982 property that went through a full renovation in 2023, and the math on upstairs units is legitimately interesting right now.

Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: how the fee structure breaks down, what those 22 Google reviews actually say about living here, and whether the 1982 bones behind the 2023 finishes should concern you.

Quick Facts: Cedar + Sage Apartments

The 4.7 Google rating comes from a small sample (22 reviews), so don’t put too much weight on it by itself. I’ll break down what those reviewers actually said in the reviews section below.

One detail worth calling out: Cedar + Sage accepts both SSN and ITIN for applications. That’s not something you’ll find at most Austin apartment communities, and it opens doors for renters who get turned away elsewhere.

Best For / Skip If

Cedar + Sage works well if…

You want private outdoor space at apartment prices. Downstairs units come with a private backyard. Upstairs units have a private balcony. This is the closest thing to renting a house without actually renting a house. One reviewer specifically mentioned having a yard for their dog, and another called out the huge balcony with a bay window. In a market where most apartments give you a 4×6 concrete slab and call it a “patio,” actual outdoor space matters.

You have a large dog. The 175 lb weight limit with no breed restrictions is one of the more generous pet policies in South Austin. Most communities in the 78745 ZIP cap at 50-75 lbs and exclude entire breed lists. If you have a Shepherd, a Lab, or a Pit Bull mix, your options are limited. Cedar + Sage doesn’t care about breed or weight within the limit. For more options, check our list of Austin apartments that accept large dogs.

You need two dedicated parking spots. Each fourplex unit gets two spots in a dedicated lot. No garage fees. No fighting for open spots at 9 PM. For a property at this price point in South Austin, that’s a real perk. Most comparable communities charge $50-$125/month for reserved parking if they offer it at all.

You apply with an ITIN instead of an SSN. Cedar + Sage explicitly accepts ITIN for applications. That matters. Most Austin apartment communities require a Social Security number, which shuts out renters who’d qualify on everything else.

Skip Cedar + Sage if…

You need a one bedroom or a studio. The property only offers 2BR/1BA units at 780 sq ft. There are no smaller floor plans. If you’re a solo renter looking for a one bedroom under $1,200, this isn’t the property. Check the broader South Austin apartments guide for other options in the corridor.

You want community amenities. There’s no pool, no fitness center, no clubhouse, no business center. Cedar + Sage has a dog walk trail, recycling, and valet trash. That’s it. If a gym or pool matters to your daily routine, look at the newer communities along Stassney or William Cannon. Many of the new apartments being built in Austin come with pools, gyms, and coworking spaces, and they’re throwing out big move-in specials right now.

You’re noise sensitive. This is 1982 construction. Fourplexes mean shared walls, and shared walls from that era mean you’ll hear your neighbors. Multiple Google reviews praise the “quiet neighborhood,” but one reviewer specifically complained about a neighbor playing music at 2 AM, and management couldn’t do much about it.

Wondering if Cedar + Sage 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 you’ll likely qualify before you spend $75 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

Cedar + Sage sits on Cougar Drive in the Garrison Park neighborhood, tucked between West Stassney Lane and West William Cannon Drive. The Walk Score is 69, which means some errands are walkable but you’ll need a car for most things. Transit Score is 45. CapMetro runs a few bus routes within reach, but this isn’t a place where you can go without a car.

Within a 10-minute walk: Odom Elementary School (0.2 miles), Confetti Station shopping (0.3 miles), and a handful of small businesses along South 1st Street and Stassney. The H-E-B on South Congress and William Cannon is about 1.5 miles south, a quick 4-minute drive. Schools are Odom Elementary, Bedichek Middle, and Crockett High, all Austin ISD.

You’ll need to drive for grocery runs beyond the basics, dining beyond fast food, and any real entertainment. The South Congress strip with restaurants and bars is about 3-4 miles north. Barton Creek Greenbelt access at the 360 entrance is roughly 4 miles west. But if your daily life revolves around errands within a couple of miles, the Stassney corridor handles most of it.

Commute Math

Route notes: MoPac is your fastest route north. I-35 access is about 1.5 miles east via Stassney or William Cannon. If you’re commuting downtown in the morning, plan for the longer number. For a detailed breakdown of downtown Austin commute realities, check our area guide.

Neighborhood Vibe

Garrison Park is a residential neighborhood. It’s not where you go out on Saturday night. It’s where you come home to a quiet street after being out somewhere else. The area around Cougar Drive is single-family homes and small apartment communities, not retail or nightlife. Stassney Lane to the north and William Cannon to the south are where the restaurants and shops are. Cougar Drive itself is tucked away from all of that. Quiet living, but you’re driving everywhere.

Pricing & True Cost

Floor Plans

Cedar + Sage only has one floor plan: a 2BR/1BA at 780 sq ft. The difference is whether you’re upstairs or downstairs:

*With current special on 12-month lease

That $335/month difference between upstairs and downstairs is entirely about outdoor space. Downstairs gets a private fenced backyard. Upstairs gets a balcony. Same square footage, same finishes, same building. If you have a dog that needs a yard, or you just want outdoor space that’s actually usable, the downstairs premium makes sense. If not, the upstairs unit is one of the better values in the 78745 ZIP for a renovated two bedroom.

Net Effective Rent Calculation

Upstairs unit at $1,360/month:

The current special is an $800 credit on a 12 month lease.

$1,360 × 12 months = $16,320 total lease cost $16,320 – $800 credit = $15,520 $15,520 ÷ 12 months = $1,293/month net effective

That’s $67/month in savings over the lease term.

Downstairs unit at $1,695/month:

Downstairs gets a different deal: 1 month free on a 12-month lease. Using the daily multiplier method (Austin market standard):

$1,695 × 0.9178 (multiplier for one month free on 12-month lease) = $1,556/month net effective

You save $139/month compared to the sticker price.

Here’s what that looks like against the market: ApartmentList pegs the average Austin two bedroom at $1,829/month. The downstairs unit here comes in below that after the special. And the upstairs unit? Undercuts it by more than $500.

All the Fees

The $0 admin fee is worth paying attention to. Most Austin apartments charge $150-$350 for an admin or move-in fee. That’s money you’re keeping in your pocket here.

The mandatory monthly fees add up to $49/month on top of rent. That’s lower than most Austin communities, where $60-$100/month in add-ons is common.

True Monthly Cost: What You’ll Actually Pay

Scenario: Upstairs unit, one dog, with current special

Move-in costs (estimated):

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of my latest research, but I talk to leasing teams regularly and offers shift. Flex Rent is also available here, letting you split your rent into two payments per month if cash flow timing matters.

Want to know what specials are actually available right now?

I check with leasing offices regularly and can tell you exactly what’s current. Fill out the form and I’ll text you back with the latest.

Screening Criteria

Income Requirement

Cedar + Sage doesn’t publicly list its income multiplier on any platform or their own website. I checked Apartments.com, ApartmentFinder, Rent.com, ApartmentGuide, and the property’s site. Nothing. Most privately managed properties in this price range use 3x gross monthly income as the standard, and that’s what I’m using in the table below. But confirm the exact number with the leasing office before you count on it.

Assuming a standard 3x requirement:

Credit Expectations

Cedar + Sage doesn’t publish a credit score minimum. For a renovated property at this price point with private management, I’d expect screening to land somewhere in the 550-600+ range. But that’s an educated guess, not a published number.

The ITIN acceptance is a strong signal. Properties that accept ITIN applicants tend to be more flexible in their screening overall. If they’re already set up to work with applicants who don’t have a Social Security number, they’re usually not the strictest screeners on credit either.

Here’s what I can tell you that listing sites can’t: if you’re unsure whether your credit or background situation will pass screening here, that’s exactly when working with a locator saves you $75. I can check before you apply.

What Typically Triggers Denial

Based on what I typically see at properties like this one:

• Active evictions or evictions within the past 2-3 years
• Significant outstanding property debt
• Certain felony convictions (timeframe varies by management)
• Insufficient income documentation
• Falsified application information

Cedar + Sage doesn’t publish its screening criteria, so the list above comes from patterns I’ve seen at similar properties. If you have an eviction, broken lease, or credit challenges on your record, our second chance apartments guide covers which Austin communities are most flexible. A locator can verify the specifics here before you apply.

Application Process

1. Contact the leasing office (by appointment only) at (512) 970-1511 or email desiree@ajwpm.com
2. Submit application with $75 fee per person (SSN or ITIN accepted)
3. Screening and approval (processing time varies)
4. Sign lease and pay deposits and first month’s rent

What a Locator Does at This Property

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can check whether your situation is likely to clear screening before you spend $75 finding out. If Cedar + Sage’s criteria don’t work for your situation, I know which nearby properties in the 78745 corridor have more flexibility. And if it does work, I can coordinate with the leasing office and make sure your application doesn’t sit in a pile.

Resident Reviews Decoded

Listing sites show you a 4.7 rating and move on. But what does a 4.7 actually mean when it comes from 22 people? And what’s missing?

I searched every major review platform for Cedar + Sage: Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, Apartments.com, Birdeye, ModernMsg, VeryApt, Zumper, ApartmentList, UMoveFree, RentCafe, and Homes.com. Here’s what exists: 22 Google reviews and one Apartments.com review from January 2024. That’s it. No ApartmentRatings page. No Yelp listing. Nothing on Birdeye, ModernMsg, or VeryApt. Zumper shows an 8.3/10 algorithmic rating, but that’s calculated from property data, not resident feedback.

So everything we know from actual residents comes from 23 reviews on two platforms. I’ll work with what’s there.

Review Pattern Analysis

What Residents Consistently Praise

Desiree, the onsite manager, gets called out by name in multiple reviews. One reviewer said her quick response during an emergency may have saved her daughter’s life. A locator who placed a client here called Desiree friendly and responsive, and said she helped secure a lease quickly. When the same staff member keeps getting named across different reviews over different time periods, that’s a real signal.

The fourplex layout is what residents talk about most. People describe the property as feeling “more private” than a traditional apartment complex. One reviewer noted that the building style makes it easy to meet neighbors while walking dogs, without the fishbowl feeling of a large community. Green space and mature trees come up repeatedly. One resident put it simply: “huge amount of greenspace throughout the property.”

What Residents Criticize

The negative reviews are few but specific. One former resident described noise issues: a neighbor blasting music at 2 AM, and management not being able to stop it. Management did respond, and they said the leasing agent who gave wrong info at move-in is no longer with the property. So they took some accountability there.

A longer negative review from about 10 months ago described “challenging living conditions,” but it sounds like that was about an earlier version of this place. Management responded with a detailed, personalized reply. They didn’t dodge it.

How Management Responds

AJW Management responds to negative reviews. Both responses I found were personalized, not template copy-paste jobs. They talked about the actual complaints and owned where things went wrong. That matters. Template responses tell you nobody’s reading the complaints. Personalized ones tell you management is at least paying attention, even if they can’t fix everything.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. And that’s exactly why it exists. I’m not trying to kill the deal. I just want you to know exactly what you’re signing up for.

It’s Still a 1982 Building

The 2023 renovation gave you granite counters, stainless appliances, vinyl flooring, and modern finishes inside. That’s real. But renovations don’t replace the framing, the pipes, or the sound insulation between units. This is wood-frame construction from 1982. You will hear your neighbors. Footsteps from upstairs. Music. Conversations. One reviewer called out noise complaints at 2 AM. If you’re coming from a newer concrete and steel building, adjust your expectations for what “quiet” means here.

You Get Zero Community Amenities

No pool. No fitness center. No business center. No package lockers. No clubhouse. This property has valet trash, a dog walking trail, and recycling. That’s the full list. If you’ve been touring newer communities with resort pools and coworking spaces, Cedar + Sage is a different conversation. You’re paying for the unit itself, the outdoor space, and the parking. Everything else, you’ll handle on your own. Budget for a gym membership if that matters to you.

The Review Sample Is Tiny

I covered this above, but it’s worth repeating here because it changes how seriously you should take that 4.7 number. 22 Google reviews. One on Apartments.com. Nothing else on any other platform. A 4.7 from 23 people is encouraging, but it’s not the same as a 4.7 from 200 reviews. At 84 units, this is a small property with a small online footprint. One or two bad experiences could shift that average fast.

Pricing Varies Wildly Across Listing Sites

Here’s something I caught during research that would trip you up if you’re comparison shopping online. The upstairs unit price shows up differently depending on which listing site you check: $1,360 on Apartments.com, $1,450 in locator databases, $1,500 on Rent.com and ForRent. That’s a $140 spread for the same apartment. The specials are inconsistent too. One site shows “6 weeks free,” another shows “$800 credit upstairs / 1 month free downstairs,” and another shows “2 weeks free.” Different specials from different time periods, with outdated data just sitting there. So here’s the lesson: call the leasing office at (512) 970-1511 or work with a locator to get the actual current number. Don’t trust what you see on any single listing site.

Ready to move forward, or want to explore alternatives?

You’ve seen the full picture now. If Cedar + Sage looks right, I can check your application situation before you spend anything. If the trade-offs don’t work, I’ll point you toward properties that solve for what this one doesn’t.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cedar + Sage allow pets?

Yes. Two pets maximum, 175 lb weight limit, no breed restrictions. Expect a $200 non-refundable pet fee plus $20/month pet rent per pet. No pet deposit required.

What credit score do I need for Cedar + Sage?

No published minimum on any listing site or the property’s own website. The ITIN acceptance suggests screening here is more flexible than what you’d see at a big corporate-managed community. That said, confirm with the leasing office or work with a locator before you apply.

What utilities are included at Cedar + Sage?

Trash pickup is covered by the property. You pay electricity, water/sewer, and internet on your own. Gas appliances are installed, so you’ll have a gas bill too. The $49/month in mandatory fees (trash service, valet trash, pest control) is separate from utilities.

How much is the security deposit?

Not publicly listed on any listing site. Both Rent.com and ApartmentGuide say “deposits vary,” which usually means the amount depends on your screening results. Small, privately managed properties often handle deposits this way. Call the leasing office at (512) 970-1511 to ask about your specific situation.

What move-in specials does Cedar + Sage offer?

As of my latest research: upstairs units receive an $800 credit and downstairs units receive one month free, both requiring a 12 month lease. Flex Rent is also available, letting you split rent into two payments per month.

Does Cedar + Sage have in-unit washer and dryer?

Yes. All units include a full-size washer and dryer supplied by the property. This is included in your rent.

What is parking like at Cedar + Sage?

Each unit gets two dedicated parking spots in the fourplex’s own parking area. No additional fees. No garage, but spots are designated for your unit specifically.

When was Cedar + Sage built and renovated?

Built in 1982, fully renovated in 2023. The renovation included granite counters, stainless steel appliances, vinyl flooring, and updated finishes throughout. The fourplex structure and exterior are original.

Does Cedar + Sage accept ITIN?

Yes. Cedar + Sage accepts both SSN and ITIN for applications. Most Austin apartment communities don’t, so if you’re applying with an ITIN, this is one of the places that’ll actually work with you.

What are the biggest complaints about Cedar + Sage?

Noise between units (1982 wood-frame construction), management not being able to stop noisy neighbors, and zero community amenities. The review sample is small, so documented complaints are limited.

The Bottom Line: Is Cedar + Sage Worth It?

Cedar + Sage isn’t trying to be everything. It’s a renovated two bedroom with private outdoor space, two parking spots, and in-unit laundry in a fourplex format at South Austin prices. The upstairs unit at $1,293/month net effective is hard to beat for a renovated 2BR in the 78745 ZIP. The ITIN acceptance and 175 lb pet weight limit with no breed restrictions put it in a different category than most apartments in this part of town.

The main trade-off? It’s straightforward: 1982 bones behind 2023 finishes, zero community amenities, and only one floor plan option.

This property makes sense if:

• You want a 2BR with a private backyard or balcony under $1,700/month
• You have a large dog and need a relaxed pet policy
• You value quiet residential surroundings over walkability
• You apply with an ITIN and need a property that accepts it
• Two dedicated parking spots matter to your household

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• You need a one bedroom, studio, or three bedroom
• A pool, gym, or community amenities are part of your daily routine
• You’re noise sensitive and need concrete/steel construction
• You depend on public transit (Transit Score: 45)

If you want help figuring out whether Cedar + Sage fits your situation, or if you’d rather find similar properties without the amenity trade-offs, fill out the form above and I’ll text you within a few hours.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything to evaluate Cedar + Sage on your own. But if you want help:

Fill out the form and I’ll text you to answer questions, check your application situation, share current specials, and coordinate next steps. You’ll talk to me directly, not an automated system. The service is free. Apartment communities pay the referral fee from their marketing budget, and your rent stays the same whether you use a locator or apply direct.

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.