Ellwood at Lake Travis Apartments Austin Review: 553 Units, 2 Months Free, and What the Listing Sites Leave Out

Ellwood at Lake Travis keeps landing in my client searches for one reason: the math. Two months free rent on a 12-month lease, 1-bedroom pricing starting under $950, and a no pet weight limit at a 553-unit property in the Four Points area. As a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806) who tracks Northwest Austin pricing daily, I get why this place keeps showing up. So here’s the follow-up question I always ask: what’s the catch?

It starts with a number: 2001.

That’s when this property was built. The 2022 renovation gave select units updated finishes, but renovations don’t replace aging plumbing, fix the wiring, or soundproof walls that were framed 25 years ago. And with 623 Google reviews averaging 3.6 stars and 185 ApartmentRatings reviews sitting at 2.9, what it’s actually like to live there is a different story. Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you.

Quick Facts: Ellwood at Lake Travis

The 3.6 Google rating tells part of the story. The 2.9 on ApartmentRatings tells more of it. Yelp adds another 36 reviews, and ApartmentHomeLiving and Chamber of Commerce reviews turn up things the Google page buries. I read through all of them to find what matters.

ApartmentRatings breaks it down by category: staff gets 1.6 out of 5. Safety gets 2.3. Grounds get 2.3. Noise gets 2.8. Those numbers matter more than the headline rating. I’ll break down the full picture below.

Best For

You need a 1-bedroom under $1,000 in Northwest Austin. The starting rent of $945 for a classic 1-bedroom is genuinely hard to beat in the Four Points/620 corridor. With 2 months free on a 12-month lease, the net effective drops to around $790/month. That’s roughly $200–$400 less than nearby competitors like Nolina Flats or Cardinal Point.

You have a large dog. The no weight limit policy is rare. Most Austin apartments cap at 50–75 pounds. If you have a German Shepherd, a Lab, a Husky, or any breed that tips the scales, this property keeps your options open. That $400 pet fee (you don’t get it back) plus $20/month pet rent per pet is standard for the area. And there’s an on-site dog park with an agility course.

You need Leander ISD schools. Ellwood is zoned to Leander ISD. Most sources list River Place Elementary, Four Points Middle, and Vandegrift High School, though HAR.com lists Grandview Hills Elementary instead. Attendance zones shift, and a property this big might sit across two different zones. Check your specific unit’s zoning with Leander ISD before you sign anything.

You’re relocating and need a large unit. Three bedroom floor plans run 1,238–1,341 square feet starting at $1,495. With the concession, net effective lands around $1,249–$1,330. Try finding that in a property this size with this school district.

Skip If

Noise bothers you. ApartmentRatings flags 36 reviews mentioning noise specifically. The 2001 construction means thinner walls than anything built in the last decade. Multiple residents mention hearing neighbors clearly through walls and ceilings.

You need responsive communication from the front office. This is the single most common complaint across platforms. Phone calls go unanswered during business hours. Emails get lost. Renewal negotiations drag out. If you’re the type of renter who needs quick answers, this pattern will frustrate you.

Your credit is below 580. The property requires 3x income and reviews credit, background, and rental history. There’s no published credit minimum, but based on what I see at properties like this, expect 580+ for smooth approval. If your credit is under 580, I can point you toward properties with more flexibility.

You rely on gate security for peace of mind. Multiple reviews across the last year mention the gate system being broken constantly. One reviewer reported vehicle thefts happening while gates were down. If a working access gate is part of why you’d pay for this property, know that the track record is spotty.

Wondering if Ellwood at Lake Travis fits your situation?

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Ellwood sits on Ranch Road 620 in the Four Points area of Northwest Austin. The good news: daily errands are covered within minutes. H-E-B Four Points is less than a mile away (2-minute drive). Target and Starbucks are right across 620. You’ve got Rudy’s BBQ, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and a handful of quick service restaurants within a 5-minute drive. There’s no walkable restaurant or bar scene, though. This is a car-dependent location.

Lake Travis is about 3 miles away, and several boat ramps and parks are a 10-minute drive. Concordia University Texas is roughly 4 miles out. There’s an H-E-B with a whole shopping center around it that covers most of your weekly errands without driving further south toward the city.

Commute Math

Route notes: 620 is your lifeline, and it gets backed up during rush hour, especially near the 2222 intersection. If you’re commuting downtown daily, budget 45 minutes minimum during peak hours. The 45 toll road can shave time heading to Round Rock or Pflugerville employers, but you’ll pay $2–$6 per trip. Working in tech along the Parmer corridor? This location is competitive. Commuting downtown every day? Think hard about whether that drive is sustainable.

Neighborhood Vibe

Four Points is suburban. There’s no two ways about that. You’re surrounded by residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and Hill Country terrain. It’s quiet at night, there’s good tree cover, and you’re closer to Lake Travis recreation than almost any other apartment community in Austin. The trade-off is distance from anything resembling urban Austin. Sixth Street is a 45-minute drive when there’s traffic. The Domain is 30 minutes. Work remotely or have an office in North Austin? The location works. Social life centered around downtown or South Austin? You’ll feel the drive.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans Overview

*Net effective based on 2 months free on a 12-month lease (verified July 2026)

Look at the price gap between classic and renovated units. A classic 1BR at $945 vs. a renovated 1BR at $1,095 is a $150/month difference for updated finishes. If you’re budget-focused, ask specifically about classic units. The square footage is the same. You’re paying for countertops, fixtures, and flooring upgrades.

Net Effective Rent: The Math

Here’s where it gets tricky. The locator database lists 2 months free on a 12-month lease. But the property’s own website says “up to 6 weeks free on select apartments.” Those numbers don’t match, and the offer probably varies by unit. Here’s the math based on the 2 months free number. Ask the leasing office what’s actually available on the unit you want before you commit.

For a classic 1BR at $1,050 (mid-range):

• Lease term: 365 days
• Free rent: 60 days (2 months)
• Daily multiplier: (365 – 60) ÷ 365 = 0.8356
• $1,050 × 0.8356 = $877/month net effective
• Monthly savings: $1,050 – $877 = $173/month
• Total savings over the lease: $2,100

That’s real money. But it only applies during the first lease term. Renewal pricing is a separate conversation, and reviews suggest rent increases at renewal are a sore point.

All the Fees

The $160/month CAM fee is the big one. Every unit gets hit with a $160/month Common Area Maintenance charge. That covers amenity access, valet trash, pest control, and WiFi. Water, sewer, and gas are billed separately on top of that based on usage. When residents in reviews say they’re paying “$150–$155 extra per month,” they’re talking about this fee. It’s real, it’s mandatory, and it’s not in the advertised rent.

One more thing: the application fee listed in the locator database is $50, but the property’s own website now says $100 per adult. Fees change. Call the leasing office and ask what the current fee is before you apply.

True Monthly Cost: What You’ll Actually Pay

Here’s a realistic scenario for a classic 1BR at $1,050 base rent with one dog:

That’s roughly $1,100/month for a 1BR with parking and a dog in the Four Points area. Without the concession, you’re looking at around $1,270/month for the same setup. The concession saves you real money, but make sure you factor in those mandatory fees when comparing to other properties.

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of July 2026, but I talk to leasing teams regularly, and offers shift. If you want to know what’s actually available right now, reach out.

Want to know what specials are actually available right now?

I track pricing at Ellwood and dozens of competing properties along the 620 corridor. If you want current numbers and a comparison based on your specific situation, fill out the quick form. Free, no pressure.

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Screening Criteria

Income Requirement

Ellwood requires 3x monthly rent in gross income. That’s the Austin standard, nothing unusual. Here’s what that looks like across floor plans:

If you’re a household splitting a 2BR, the combined income counts. Two earners making $10.50/hour each can qualify for a classic 2BR/1BA at $1,195.

Credit Expectations

Ellwood doesn’t publish a specific credit minimum. Their website says they “review credit, background, and rental history according to written rental criteria.” Based on what I’ve seen at places like this, here’s what I’d expect:

• 620+: Smooth approval, lowest deposit
• 580–619: Likely approved with higher deposit
• Below 580: Expect challenges. May need a third-party guarantee or co-signer

If your credit is in the gray zone, don’t guess. That’s $50–$100 per person in application fees you won’t get back. I can pre-screen your situation before you apply.

What Gets You Denied

Let me be direct about what typically triggers denial at a property like this:

• Active property debt (money owed to a previous landlord)
• Eviction on your record within the past 3–5 years
• Felony conviction within the lookback period (varies by offense type)
• Income below 3x rent without a co-signer or third-party guarantee
• Failed rental verification (if your previous landlord reports lease violations)

The Application Process

1. Apply online or walk into the leasing office
2. Pay the application fee ($50–$100 per person; you won’t get this back if denied)
3. They run your credit, background, and rental history
4. Approval typically takes 2–3 business days
5. Once approved, pay the security deposit ($250 to one month’s rent) plus the admin fee ($50–$75) to reserve your unit

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend $50–$100 finding out. If Ellwood’s screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility and which ones will definitely deny you. My service is free. The property pays my referral fee from their marketing budget. Your rent is the same either way.

Resident Reviews Decoded

Review Pattern Analysis

Who Residents Praise

Franklin on the maintenance team gets called out by name more than any other staff member. Residents call him fast, reliable, and the kind of guy who actually cares about getting things done right. Maddy (leasing), Steve (leasing/renewals), Israel (assistant manager), and Romecca (property manager) also get consistent name mentions. Bottom line: the people are good. Several long-term residents (3+ years, one at 8 years) speak highly of the community overall.

What Residents Criticize

Complaints cluster around systems, not individuals. Phones in the front office go unanswered during posted business hours. Emails get lost or ignored. Renewal negotiations drag for weeks. One resident described trying four different forms of communication before getting a response about a lease renewal.

Here’s the context behind the common complaints: the 2001 construction means the bones of the building create problems that maintenance can fix temporarily but can’t solve for good. A/C units dying in summer, plumbing problems, and water heater replacements keep showing up. One resident waited three weeks for a water heater replacement. Another went back and forth for two months over an A/C that wouldn’t cool right. Franklin and the maintenance crew work hard, but they’re dealing with systems that are 25 years old.

Pest issues showed up in ApartmentHomeLiving and Chamber of Commerce reviews more than on Google. Reviewers mention roaches, ants, scorpions, and tarantulas. Multiple reviewers say pest control got worse after S2 Residential took over. That tracks with the 2001 construction. Older buildings in the Hill Country, especially near tree cover, have more ways for bugs to get in. Ask about the pest control schedule and what’s included in your mandatory fees.

Another pattern worth knowing: multiple reviewers on ApartmentRatings and ApartmentHomeLiving describe work orders being closed out in the system without the work actually being done. Residents had to reopen the same request multiple times. That makes their numbers look good while nothing actually gets fixed.

Mold came up in several recent reviews. One from 2026 went into detail about black mold bad enough that the resident had to move out. That’s worth asking about directly when you tour.

How Management Responds

S2 Residential responds to most Google reviews with template language. Every response follows the same playbook: acknowledge the concern, apologize, invite the reviewer to contact the office. They rarely address specific issues. That’s typical for large management companies, but it tells you they’re running a corporate playbook, not managing the property day to day.

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.

The Gate System Is More Marketing Than Security

Residents keep saying the access gates break constantly. One reviewer put it plainly: “I can’t remember a time where the gates worked perfectly fine for a long period of time.” Another reported vehicle thefts (wheels, tires, generators stolen from truck beds) happening while gates were down. If you’re choosing Ellwood partly because it’s a “gated community,” understand that the gate doesn’t work for weeks at a time.

Mandatory Fees Add $160+/Month That the Advertised Rent Doesn’t Show

That $160/month CAM fee is real. I’ve verified it through fee databases, and residents bring it up constantly in reviews. This covers WiFi access, amenity fees, pest control, and valet trash. Water, sewer, and gas get billed on top of that based on usage. One resident pointed out they never asked for WiFi and barely use it but still pay for it. When you see “$945/month” on the listing, your actual monthly obligation is closer to $1,105 before utilities, parking, or pet rent. That changes the math meaningfully.

The Communication Gap Between Leasing and Living Here

There’s a clear pattern in the reviews: the leasing experience is great, and the experience drops off after you sign the lease. Leasing staff get praised constantly for being helpful, responsive, and thorough during tours and move-in. But once you’re a resident needing something from the office, the experience shifts. Phones go unanswered. Emails don’t get returned. Renewal conversations stall for weeks. This isn’t one bad review. It’s the single most repeated theme across all platforms.

And if you have a noise complaint, know this: reviewers on ForRent and ApartmentHomeLiving report that management requires you to send in a video recording of the noise before they’ll act on it. Think about that. Your neighbor is being loud at 2am and you’re expected to record it and send it in. Multiple residents called this policy irresponsible.

The Amenity Gap

On paper, Ellwood advertises two pools, a fitness center, sports courts, a cinema room, and a game room. What the listing doesn’t tell you: ApartmentHomeLiving and ApartmentRatings reviewers report the larger pool has been closed for extended periods, and the gym has been locked or unavailable. Valet trash runs $35/month as part of the mandatory fees, and multiple residents say it doesn’t get picked up consistently. You still get violation notices if your bag isn’t set out right on the nights they do show up.

Ready to move forward, or want to look at alternatives?

You’ve seen the full picture now. If Ellwood still looks like a fit, I can help you apply efficiently and avoid surprises. If you want to compare options along the 620 corridor or elsewhere in Northwest Austin, I know the inventory.

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FAQ

Does Ellwood at Lake Travis allow pets?

Yes. Up to 2 pets, no weight limit. Expect a $400 non-refundable fee plus $20/month pet rent per pet. Breed restrictions apply (Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Akitas, and others). Everyone has to go through PetScreening’s third-party screening process when they apply, even if you don’t have a pet.

What credit score do I need for Ellwood at Lake Travis?

No published minimum. They check your credit, background, and rental history as part of the screening. Based on what I see at places like this, 580+ should clear without issue. Below that, expect higher deposit requirements or possible denial. I can check your odds before you spend $50–$100 on the application.

What utilities are included in rent at Ellwood?

None are included directly in rent. There’s a mandatory $160/month CAM fee that covers amenity access, WiFi, valet trash, and pest control. Water, sewer, and gas are billed separately based on usage and show up on your bill each month. You’ll set up electricity on your own through a provider of your choice.

Is Ellwood at Lake Travis a good location for commuting?

It depends on where you work. Great for Cedar Park, Round Rock, or Parmer Lane tech employers (15–25 minutes). Downtown Austin is 45–65 minutes during rush hour. If you’re remote or hybrid with a North Austin office, the location works well.

What’s the difference between classic and renovated units?

Renovated units got new countertops, fixtures, and flooring during the 2022 update. Classic units have original 2001 finishes. Renovated units run $65–$150 more per month for the same square footage. Both have washer/dryer connections (not in-unit machines).

What are the biggest complaints about Ellwood at Lake Travis?

Communication with the front office after move-in, broken access gates, mandatory fees that inflate the actual cost, and noise between units. The 2001 construction is behind most of the noise and maintenance issues.

How much is parking at Ellwood at Lake Travis?

Open surface lot parking is included. Covered parking runs $30/month. Reserved spaces range from $30–$150/month. Garage spaces are $125–$150/month. Some floor plans include an attached garage.

When was Ellwood at Lake Travis built and renovated?

Built in 2001. Select units were renovated in 2022 with updated finishes. It was a cosmetic renovation (interior finishes), not structural. Plumbing, electrical, and the bones of the building are all original.

The Bottom Line: Is Ellwood at Lake Travis Worth It?

First-year math works here, and that matters. A classic 1BR under $800/month net effective in the Four Points area with 2 months free, no pet weight limit, and Leander ISD schools is a combination you won’t easily find elsewhere on this stretch of 620. Individual staff members get praised by name across hundreds of reviews, and that counts for something.

But the trade-off is equally clear: you’re renting in a building that’s 25 years old, managed by a company with a well-known communication problem, at a property where the security gate rarely works and mandatory fees add $160+/month that the listing price doesn’t show.

This property makes sense if:

• You’re budget-focused and want Northwest Austin pricing under $1,000 net effective for a 1BR
• You have a large dog and need the no weight limit policy
• You need Leander ISD school zoning
• You work along the 620/Parmer corridor and don’t commute downtown daily

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• You’re noise-sensitive and need solid sound separation between units
• You expect responsive, reliable communication from your property management team
• You’re choosing this property because it’s “gated” for security reasons
• You need a short commute to Central Austin or South Austin

My take: Ellwood delivers real value in the first year of a lease, especially if you grab a classic unit with the concession. Go in knowing the limitations, budget for the mandatory fees, and you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re signing up for.

If you want help figuring out whether Ellwood fits your situation, or if you’d rather look at alternatives without the communication headaches, fill out the form and I’ll text you within a few hours.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything you need to decide on Ellwood at Lake Travis on your own. But if you want help, fill out the form above 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 AI phone system.

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..