Oak Bend Apartments: My Take, Pricing, and What Listing Sites Won’t Tell You
Oak Bend keeps showing up when my clients search for affordable South Austin apartments. I get it. A 1BR starting at $1,050 in the 78745 ZIP code, near the South Congress corridor, with a 175 lb pet weight limit? That combination gets attention.
As a licensed Texas REALTOR (TX #679806) who’s tracked pricing across 1,000+ Austin apartment communities, I’ve learned to ask the next question: what’s the catch?
It starts with a number: 1985.
That’s the year Oak Bend was built. The renovation happened in 2001, which means even the updates are 25 years old now. What that actually means for daily living is the part listing sites skip. I counted at least six of them repeating the same “peaceful wooded setting” boilerplate. I’m giving you actual resident feedback, real pricing math, and the screening details that no listing page bothers to publish.
Quick Facts: Oak Bend Apartments
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 911 Battle Bend Blvd, Austin, TX 78745 |
| Year Built | 1985 (Renovated 2001) |
| Total Units | 70 |
| Management | Tramor Properties Inc (same owner 20+ years) |
| Rent Range | $1,050–$1,575 |
| Income Requirement | Not published anywhere. Call to confirm. |
| Credit Minimum | Not published anywhere. Call to confirm. |
| Pet Policy | 175 lbs, no breed restrictions, 2 pets max, $30/mo pet rent per Tramor website |
| Current Special | Possibly 6 wks free (per Redfin). Confirm with office. |
| Application Fee | $80/person (not returned) |
| Admin Fee | $150 |
| Google Rating | 4.5/5 (10 reviews) |
Pay attention to the blanks in that table. The income requirement and credit minimum aren’t published anywhere online. Not on Tramor’s website, not on Apartments.com, nowhere. You’ll need to call the office directly at (512) 445-4515 to get those numbers before you apply. And that 4.5 Google rating? Only 10 reviews behind it. I’ll break down what they actually say below.
Best For / Skip If
Oak Bend Makes Sense If…
Oak Bend Makes Sense If…
You need a 1BR under $1,150 in South Austin. Oak Bend’s three one bedroom floor plans run $1,050, $1,095, and $1,125. Hard to beat in 78745. For a broader look at what’s available in the area, check our South Austin apartments guide. The closest competitors tell the story. Stassney at Soco? $1,058. Agave at South Congress? $1,121. Bridge at Soco Crossing? $1,100. Oak Bend’s smallest 1BR at $1,050 undercuts all of them, and many of those competitors are running concessions that could expire at any time.
You have a larger dog or a breed that gets restricted elsewhere. A 175 lb weight limit with zero breed restrictions is rare in Austin. Most communities cap at 50 to 75 lbs, and plenty ban Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or anything that looks like them. If your dog tips the scales, your Austin apartment options just got wider. Check out our verified list of Austin apartments that accept large dogs for more options.
You want a small, quiet community. 70 units. That’s it. Review after review mentions knowing neighbors and the quiet atmosphere. Three different staff members got called out by name in just four Google reviews. You’re not a unit number here.
You want S. Congress corridor proximity without paying SoCo prices. HEB is 1.4 miles away. St. Elmo Brewing, 1.6. The Little Darlin’, 1.8. Sagebrush, 2.0. You’re in the South Austin orbit without paying for a 78704 address.
You’re trading amenities for price. If you’d rather save $100 to $200 a month and skip the resort pool and coworking lounge, Oak Bend’s math works. The amenity package is bare bones, but the rent reflects that.
Skip Oak Bend If…
You need in unit washer and dryer. Every unit has W/D connections, but no machines included. The property has a laundry room, but if hookups without machines is a dealbreaker, keep looking.
You’re sensitive to noise between units. Residents on ApartmentRatings mention hearing showers and footsteps from neighbors. That’s 1985 wood frame construction with standard insulation from that era. It’s not a flaw management can fix. It’s the building.
You need a real gym. The fitness center has three cardio machines. Nothing else. If having a gym matters to you, you’ll need an outside membership, which eats into the rent savings.
You can only tour or handle leasing business on evenings or weekends. Office hours are a moving target here. Yelp shows Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm plus Sat 10am-2pm, but the leasing data I track shows Mon-Fri 10am-2pm only. Call (512) 445-4515 to confirm before driving over.
You’re focused on net effective rent, not sticker price. Even if Oak Bend is running 6 weeks free (unconfirmed), competitors like Sunrise Bluffs (~$769 NER) and Stassney at Soco (~$896 NER) could still come in lower with newer finishes. Run the math before you commit.
Wondering If Oak Bend Fits Your Situation?
Fill out a quick form and I’ll reach out to go over your specifics: income, credit, pets, timeline. I can tell you how Oak Bend compares to similar properties in the area and whether it’s actually your best option. You’ll hear from a real person (me), not an automated system.
Location Deep Dive
What’s Actually Nearby
Oak Bend sits on Battle Bend Boulevard, tucked into a residential pocket just west of I-35 and south of Stassney Lane. The neighborhood is Battle Bend Springs: quiet streets, mature trees. It doesn’t feel like you’re near a major highway until you pull onto the access road.
What’s within a short drive:
- HEB (Stassney & Congress): 1.4 miles
- Spokesman Coffee: 1.2 miles
- St. Elmo Brewing Company: 1.6 miles
- The Little Darlin’: 1.8 miles
- Sagebrush (live music): 2.0 miles
- Torchy’s Tacos: 2.8 miles
- Walmart and Fiesta: within 2 miles (one resident says Fiesta is directly behind the complex)
One thing that keeps coming up in reviews: there’s greenbelt access directly behind the complex. It’s a section of the Williamson Creek Greenbelt where you can walk a dog or get fresh air without driving anywhere. Battle Bend Park is also within walking distance.
This is a car dependent area. Transit score is around 44. You’ll have some bus access but you’re driving for most errands.
Commute Math
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin | ~6 mi | 12–15 min | 20–30 min |
| St. Edward’s University | ~3.7 mi | 7–10 min | 12–18 min |
| Austin-Bergstrom Airport | ~10 mi | 18–22 min | 25–35 min |
| South Lamar / Zilker area | ~4 mi | 10–12 min | 15–22 min |
| The Domain / North Austin | ~15 mi | 25–30 min | 40–55 min |
| Tesla Gigafactory / SE Austin | ~12 mi | 18–25 min | 30–40 min |
I-35 access is right there, which is a double edged sword. Getting on the highway is fast. But I-35 is a construction zone through 2028, and rush hour heading north can double your commute. If you’re working downtown, budget 25 to 30 minutes.
Neighborhood Vibe
Battle Bend Springs is not SoCo. It’s a quiet, older residential neighborhood where people park their cars and go inside. Either exactly what you want or a dealbreaker.
The S. Congress corridor is 5 to 10 minutes by car, but you’re not walking there. Multiple reviewers praised the quiet: one noted that despite being right off I-35, “you rarely, if ever, hear any noise from 35.” One resident mentioned you can get the #1L or #1M bus from Battle Bend Springs Park to get downtown or around the city. It’s not great transit, but it exists.
Pricing and True Cost
Floor Plans
| Plan | Bed/Bath | Sq Ft | Base Rent | Net Effective | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 1/1 | 520 | $1,050 | $1,050 | On Notice |
| A2 | 1/1 | 675 | $1,095 | $1,095 | Available |
| A3 | 1/1 | 735 | $1,125 | $1,125 | Available |
| B1 | 2/2 | 905 | $1,545–$1,575 | $1,545–$1,575 | Available |
All units are flat style with W/D connections. The A2, A3, and B1 floor plans include a fireplace. Every unit has a patio and outside storage.
A note on the A1 at 520 square feet for $1,050: that’s a small one bedroom. It works if you’re living solo and don’t have a lot of furniture, but tour it in person before committing. The jump from 520 to 675 square feet (A2) only costs $45 more per month, which is a much better value per square foot.
Net Effective Rent
This is where the pricing gets tricky. The industry data I work from says Oak Bend has “no ongoing concessions other than reduced rents.” But a current Redfin listing shows 6 weeks free with 1BR pricing at $995. If that’s real, the daily rate multiplier on the A1 at $1,050 is 0.8849, which brings your actual monthly cost to $929. Call (512) 445-4515 to confirm before you budget.
So how does Oak Bend stack up against nearby competitors running confirmed concessions?
Competitor comparison (estimated NER on 12-month lease):
| Property | Distance | 1BR Base Rent | Concession | Est. NER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Bend | — | $1,050 | 6 wks free (unconfirmed) | ~$929 |
| Stassney at Soco | 0.34 mi | $1,058 | 8 wks free | ~$896 |
| Capitol Crossing* | 0.55 mi | $1,034 | 2 mos free | ~$862 |
| Sunrise Bluffs | 0.54 mi | $869 | 6 wks free | ~$769 |
| Terrace Cove | 0.64 mi | $829 | Contact for details | ~$809 |
*Capitol Crossing is income restricted. You need to meet income caps to qualify, so it’s not a direct comparison for most renters.
Even if Oak Bend is running 6 weeks free, Sunrise Bluffs’ NER at ~$769 undercuts it by $160/month. So what are you actually getting for that price difference? Oak Bend’s 175 lb pet policy, a smaller community, and the Battle Bend Springs location. Whether that’s worth $160/month more than a property with newer finishes depends on your priorities.
All the Fees
Required fees (everyone pays):
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $80/person (non-refundable) |
| Admin fee | $150 |
| Security deposit | Not published. Call (512) 445-4515. |
Pet fees (if applicable, per pet):
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pet deposit (refundable) | $200 |
| Pet non-refundable fee | $200 |
| Pet one-time fee | $100 |
| Monthly pet rent | $10–$30 (see note below) |
Total upfront pet cost per pet: $500. Two pets means $1,000 added to your move-in costs. Monthly pet rent is $30 per pet per Tramor’s website. My leasing data shows $10, but the website is likely more current. Confirm with the leasing office.
True Monthly Cost Scenario
A realistic month for someone renting the A2 floor plan (675 sq ft, 1BR) with one dog:
| Line Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Base rent | $1,095 |
| Pet rent (1 dog) | $30 |
| Renter’s insurance (estimated) | $15–$25 |
| Utilities (not confirmed as included) | Call to confirm |
| Estimated total before utilities | ~$1,140–$1,150 |
I couldn’t find confirmed details on mandatory monthly fees like valet trash, pest control, or water/sewer billing at Oak Bend. Some Tramor properties include water and gas in rent, but it varies by property.
Want to Know What Specials Are Actually Available Right Now?
Concessions change constantly. What’s listed here was accurate based on the most recent data I have, but I talk to leasing teams regularly and offers shift. Fill out a quick form and I’ll check what’s currently available at Oak Bend and similar properties nearby.
Screening Criteria
Here’s where I have to be upfront: Oak Bend doesn’t publish its screening criteria anywhere. Not on their website, not on any listing site, not in the data sources I use. Income requirement, credit minimum, eviction lookback, and background check policy are all unknowns until you call the leasing office.
What I can do is give you the general expectations for this type of property. But you need to confirm every number with Oak Bend directly at (512) 445-4515.
Income Requirements (Estimated)
Most Austin apartments require 3x monthly rent in gross income. If Oak Bend follows that standard:
| Rent Level | Monthly Income (3x) | Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,050 (A1) | $3,150 | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| $1,095 (A2) | $3,285 | $39,420 | $18.95 |
| $1,125 (A3) | $3,375 | $40,500 | $19.47 |
| $1,545 (B1) | $4,635 | $55,620 | $26.74 |
If they use 2.5x instead of 3x (which some smaller independent properties do), those income thresholds drop by about 17%. That difference matters. On a $1,050 unit, 2.5x means you’d need $2,625/month instead of $3,150. Call and ask what their actual requirement is before you apply.
Credit Expectations
No published minimum. For an older property with independent management and 20+ years of ownership stability, I’d expect the practical minimum to land somewhere in the 550 to 600 range. But that’s based on patterns I see across similar properties, not confirmed Oak Bend policy.
Here’s what I’d tell a client: if your credit is above 600, you’re probably fine. If you’re in the 550 to 599 range, call the office and ask directly before spending $80 on an application. Below 550, ask about higher deposit options or whether they accept third-party guarantee services like Jetty or Rhino. I couldn’t confirm whether Oak Bend accepts those programs, so ask before you apply.
What Typically Gets You Denied
Since Oak Bend’s specific denial triggers aren’t published, these are the issues that commonly result in automatic decline at properties like this one:
- Active eviction filings or evictions within the past 2 years
- Outstanding property debt from a previous apartment (broken lease with balance owed)
- Felony convictions within the past 5 to 7 years (varies by offense type)
- Insufficient income documentation
- Failed identity verification
I can’t confirm which of these apply at Oak Bend. Call the office before you apply. An $80 application fee is too much to gamble without knowing the criteria.
The Application Process
You can apply online through tramor.com/application. The fee is $80 per person and you won’t get it back regardless of the outcome. Minimum lease term is 12 months.
A Note About Working with a Locator Here
I’ll be straight with you: Oak Bend doesn’t pay locator referral fees. That means I don’t earn a commission if you lease here. But that doesn’t change what I can do for you. I can tell you how Oak Bend’s screening compares to nearby properties, whether you’re likely to qualify based on your situation, and whether a competitor with concessions might actually save you money. That advice is free regardless of where you end up signing.
If your credit or rental history has issues, I especially want to hear from you before you apply here. I know which nearby communities are flexible on specific screening issues, and I can save you from burning $80 at a property that might decline you when there’s a better fit half a mile away. If you’re dealing with an eviction, broken lease, or credit below 600, start with our second chance apartments guide to see how screening works across Austin communities.
Resident Reviews Decoded
Let me set expectations: Oak Bend has roughly 44 reviews total across Google (10), ApartmentRatings (27), and Yelp (7). That’s a small pool for a property that’s been around since 1985. For comparison, larger communities nearby have 100 to 200+ reviews. So I don’t have a lot to work with, and I’ll tell you where the patterns hold up and where the sample is too thin to call.
Review Pattern Analysis
| Theme | Approx. Mentions | Trend | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Responsive staff and management | 10+ | → Steady across years | Google, AR, Yelp, Student.com |
| Reasonable pricing for the area | 5–6 | → Steady | Google, AR, Yelp |
| Quiet community and safety | 5–6 | → Steady | Google, AR, Yelp |
| Good location and convenience | 5–6 | → Steady | Google, AR, Yelp |
| Small unit size | 3–4 | → Steady | AR |
| Aging building and infrastructure | 3–4 | → Steady | AR |
| Rent increases at renewal | 2–3 | → Steady | AR |
| Thin walls and noise transfer | 2–3 | → Steady | AR |
| Office often empty / shared staff | 2–3 | → Steady | AR |
| Parking lot conditions | 1–2 | Unknown |
What Residents Consistently Praise
Staff. That’s the number one thing people talk about at Oak Bend. Six different staff members got praised by name across all sources: Lia, Casey, and Karla on Google, plus Kelsey, Misia, and Marcos on other platforms. One reviewer called Marcos “the best maintenance guy I’ve ever had.” On ApartmentRatings, the word “friendly” shows up in almost every positive review.
This tracks with Tramor Properties in general. Their smaller communities tend to have stable teams, and 20+ years of same ownership means no revolving door of management companies.
The other thing people keep saying: the price works for the location. Residents who lived here between 2009 and 2024 consistently say they got a good deal relative to South Austin. A few reviews also mention the creek behind the property. One person wrote about hearing the water from their back porch. Small detail, but it’s part of why people call this place quiet and tucked away.
What Residents Consistently Criticize
Unit size is a bigger issue than the listing photos suggest. One ApartmentRatings reviewer was blunt: “The apartments are VERY small. The main reason we moved out was just because there wasn’t enough room for all of us or enough storage.” That was about the two bedroom with multiple people, but the 520 sqft one bedroom is going to feel tight for anyone with more than minimal furniture.
The building’s age comes up repeatedly. One reviewer called it “so old and slowly breaking down it needs to be bulldozed.” The harshest take on ApartmentRatings and an outlier, but the concern is echoed by others who mention “older apartments” and “maintenance issues.”
Rent increases at renewal are a real pattern. One resident who loved the property for three years still wrote that “Tramor is jacking up everyone’s rent to stay current in the market.” Worth knowing before you sign. The price that drew you in may not be the price you pay in year two.
And then there’s the office staffing. Oak Bend’s team rotates between Tramor properties, so the office is sometimes empty when you need it. One reviewer described having to “call around to the other properties to find someone who could help.” That’s probably why the posted office hours don’t match across listing sites.
Two or three reviewers bring up thin walls. One noted hearing “people taking showers and walking around.” That’s 1985 wood frame construction. No amount of work orders will fix the sound transfer between units.
The parking lot drew the most recent negative Google review: “rough parking lot to drive in,” “tight, very compact,” and “confusing to find” building numbers.
How Management Responds
I found at least one detailed management response on ApartmentRatings to the harshest review. It wasn’t a template. They addressed the specific complaint, explained their procedure, and invited further discussion. That’s better than the silence or generic “we value your feedback” paste I see from most management companies.
The Uncomfortable Truth
No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to kill the deal. I want you to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
The 2001 Renovation Is Now 25 Years Old
Oak Bend was built in 1985 and renovated in 2001. That renovation gave it updated finishes for that era, but think about what 2001 finishes actually looked like. And a cosmetic renovation doesn’t replace plumbing, electrical systems, or structural framing. You’re living in a building that’s over 40 years old, and the last refresh is itself a quarter century old. Reviews mentioning aging infrastructure and “slowly breaking down” aren’t describing a temporary maintenance backlog. They’re describing the natural lifecycle of an older building.
The Concession Situation Is Unclear
The leasing data I track says “no ongoing concessions other than reduced rents.” But Redfin currently lists Oak Bend with 6 weeks free. If that’s real, your NER drops to around $929 on the cheapest 1BR. If it’s not, you’re paying $1,050 from day one while competitors nearby are offering 6 to 12 weeks free. Either way, competitors like Sunrise Bluffs (~$769 NER) and Stassney at Soco (~$896 NER) are in the same corridor with newer renovations. The “cheapest option nearby” label doesn’t hold up after concessions at other properties.
The Amenity Package Is Bare Minimum
The pool is small. The fitness center is three cardio machines. There’s a clubhouse. End of list. No package lockers, no coworking space, no dog wash station. Tramor’s website mentions an off-leash dog park, which is a plus for pet owners, but if you’re comparing amenities to even modestly newer properties in the area, Oak Bend comes up short. You’re paying for the low rent and the location, not the extras.
Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Other Options?
You’ve seen the full picture now: the pricing, the screening unknowns, the uncomfortable trade-offs. If Oak Bend still looks like a fit, I can help you figure out your next steps. If the age of the building or the lack of concessions gives you pause, I know every property within a mile of here and can point you toward options you might not have found yet.
FAQ
Does Oak Bend Apartments allow large dogs?
Yes. Oak Bend allows dogs up to 175 lbs with no breed restrictions. You can have up to 2 pets total. Expect to pay $200 pet deposit, $200 fee you won’t get back, and $100 one-time fee per pet, plus pet rent. Budget for $30/month per pet (Tramor’s website figure). My leasing data shows $10/month, so confirm with the office.
What is the income requirement at Oak Bend?
Not published. Most Austin apartments require 3x monthly rent in gross income. On a $1,050 one bedroom, that would mean $3,150/month or about $37,800/year. Call (512) 445-4515 to confirm the actual multiplier before applying.
Does Oak Bend have in unit washer and dryer?
No. Units have W/D connections but machines are not included. The property has a laundry room. If you buy your own stackable set, the connections are there.
What is the pet deposit at Oak Bend Apartments?
The total upfront pet cost is $500 per pet: $200 refundable deposit, $200 non-refundable fee, and $100 one-time fee. Monthly pet rent is $30 per pet per Tramor’s website (my data shows $10). Confirm with the office.
Is Oak Bend near public transit?
Limited. Transit score around 44. The #1L and #1M bus routes are accessible from nearby Battle Bend Springs Park, but you’ll need a car for most daily tasks.
Does Oak Bend have any move-in specials right now?
Possibly. My leasing data says no ongoing concessions, but a current Redfin listing shows 6 weeks free. Call to find out what’s actually available. Specials change without notice.
What school district is Oak Bend in?
Austin ISD. This address zones to Galindo Elementary, Bedichek Middle School, and Travis High School. Fair warning: Tramor’s own website lists Cunningham Elementary and Crockett High, which is wrong. I cross-checked with Austin ISD and real estate boundary records. It’s Galindo and Travis.
The Bottom Line: Is Oak Bend Worth It?
Oak Bend does a few things well. A 1BR starting at $1,050 in 78745. A 175 lb pet weight limit with no breed restrictions. Responsive management that residents praise by name. And a quiet 70-unit community with 20+ years of ownership stability. Those are real strengths, not marketing spin.
The trade-off is clear: you’re renting in a building from 1985 with a renovation from 2001, minimal amenities, unclear concession status, and screening criteria that aren’t published anywhere. A lot of unknowns stacked on top of aging infrastructure.
This property makes sense if:
- Your budget ceiling for a 1BR in South Austin is $1,150 and you can’t find anything else
- You have a large dog or restricted breed that gets declined everywhere else
- You want a small community where management knows your name
- You value price and location over finishes and amenities
This property doesn’t make sense if:
- A nearby competitor’s concessions would bring their NER below Oak Bend’s rent with newer construction
- You need a gym, modern finishes, or in unit laundry
- You’re uncomfortable applying without knowing the screening criteria upfront
- You want weekend leasing office access
The first year math works if you’re clear-eyed about what you’re getting. This is a budget play in a good location with management that cares. You pick this property for the price tag and the address, not the building.
Need Help?
You’ve got everything to evaluate Oak Bend on your own. But if you want a second opinion, I’m here.
Fill out the form above and I’ll text you to answer questions, check how Oak Bend stacks up against nearby options, and figure out whether this is actually your best move. If you’ve got credit or background challenges, I can tell you where you’ll get approved before you spend application fees. You’ll talk to me directly.
Going solo? Apply directly at tramor.com/application or call the Oak Bend leasing office at (512) 445-4515. 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.
