$1,100 Rent With a Sauna. So What’s the Catch? For Rent

  • $1100-$1850

Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II Austin Review: 278-Unit Pflugerville Community With Class A Amenities at Class B Prices


Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II keeps showing up in my Pflugerville apartment searches, and there’s a reason. A 4,200 square foot fitness center. Saunas. A steam room. Pickleball. Gated entry. All at rents starting at $1,100 for a one bedroom. I’ve tracked Pflugerville pricing across 30+ communities for several years now, and you don’t see those kinds of amenities at this rent very often in the 78660 zip code.

But here’s what the listing sites won’t tell you: this community has an aggressive towing policy that’s cost residents $350+ per incident. There are no assigned parking spots. And power outages keep coming up in recent reviews. The 4.2 Google rating across 88 reviews looks solid at first glance. Dig into the actual reviews and it gets messier.

I’m going to cover the real costs, the screening situation that listing sites ignore, and the stuff that could save you a wasted application fee or a towed car.


Quick Facts: Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II

Field Details
Address 16101 White River Blvd, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Year Built 2015
Total Units 278 units, 3 stories
Management Belco Equities Inc.
Rent Range $1,100–$1,850/month (as of August 2026)
Income Requirement Not published. Call the leasing office at (512) 220-9012 or work with a locator to confirm before applying.
Pet Policy Up to 3 pets, $200 deposit + $250 non-refundable fee, $20/month pet rent. 13+ breeds restricted. No pets under 6 months.
Current Special None currently advertised
Application Fee $65 per applicant
Admin Fee $150
Security Deposit Varies by unit
Lease Terms 6–15 months
Google Rating 4.2 stars (88 reviews)

A 4.2 on Google is decent for a Pflugerville community this size. But once you read the actual reviews, a different picture shows up. I’ll get into what’s behind that number, why “towing policy” is a top review tag, and what the parking complaints actually mean for your daily life.


Best For

You want Class A amenities without Class A rent. Here’s why this property keeps catching my eye. A 4,200 square foot fitness center, redwood saunas, a steam room, pickleball, tennis, basketball, a poolside cabana with a fireplace, and a billiards room. At Class A properties nearby, you’d pay $1,400+ for a one bedroom just to get in the door. Here, you’re starting at $1,100.

You have multiple pets. Most Austin-area communities cap pets at 2. Riverhorse Ranch II allows up to 3. If you’ve got multiple pets, your options across Pflugerville shrink fast. Pet rent is $20/month for the first animal and $10 for each additional. That’s cheaper than most communities I work with, where pet rent runs $25-35 per animal.

Fair warning though: they have a long breed restriction list. Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Huskies, Akitas, Chows, and several others are banned. If your dog is on that list, this isn’t the property for you.

You’re looking for a quiet, established community. “Quiet” shows up as a top Google review tag, and it’s backed up by reviewers who’ve been here 2-5 years. That’s not something you hear about at every 278-unit community.

You value responsive maintenance. Residents don’t just say maintenance is good. They name the maintenance crew and talk about how fast things get fixed. And that shows up in reviews going back years, not just one good month. When people go out of their way to name specific staff in a review, that tells you something.

Skip If

Parking stress will ruin your day. No assigned spots. Reviewers keep bringing this up, and management says they hear the concern but hasn’t done anything about it. If you work odd hours or come home after 7 PM, you could end up parking far from your unit. In a community with 278 units, that’s a real problem.

You can’t afford a surprise $350 tow bill. Towing comes up more than any other complaint in Google reviews. Residents have had cars towed over temporary plate issues, even after registering with the office. At $350+ per tow, one incident wipes out a month’s savings. This isn’t a one time complaint. It’s a pattern.

You need published screening criteria before applying. Riverhorse Ranch II doesn’t publish credit score minimums, eviction lookback periods, or background check policies on any listing site. If you have screening challenges, you’re risking a $65 application fee without knowing your odds. That’s where working with a locator who knows second chance screening helps. I can find out what their actual thresholds are before you apply.


Ready to See If Riverhorse Ranch II Fits Your Situation?

I can tell you if you’re likely to get approved here before you spend the $65 application fee. If you’re not, I know which nearby Pflugerville properties will work better.

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Riverhorse Ranch II sits on White River Blvd, just off Grand Avenue Parkway in Pflugerville. The area around it has grown a lot in the last few years. There are three shopping plazas within a half mile: 1615 Grand Avenue Parkway, 3 Points Plaza, and Pecan Market Place. You can walk to restaurants and a gas station without moving your car.

Grocery runs are easy. H-E-B on Pecan Street is about 2 miles south. There’s a Walmart Supercenter roughly the same distance. For quick errands, there’s a CVS, dollar stores, and fast food along Grand Avenue Parkway within a few minutes’ drive.

The Howard MetroRail station is 4.1 miles away (about an 8 minute drive), so you’ve got commuter rail into downtown Austin if you need it. That said, this is a car dependent location. Walk scores range from 50-64 depending on which site you check, but here’s what actually matters: you’ll drive to work, drive to the grocery store, and drive to anything beyond the immediate Grand Avenue Parkway strip.

You’re in Pflugerville ISD here. Caldwell Elementary (5/10 GreatSchools), Pflugerville Middle (4/10), and Pflugerville High School (5/10) are the zoned schools. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Pflugerville is about 5.5 miles and 10 minutes away.

Commute Math

Destination Off-Peak Rush Hour
Downtown Austin 20–25 min 35–50 min
The Domain / Apple Parmer 15–20 min 25–35 min
Dell Round Rock 15 min 20–25 min
Samsung Austin Semiconductor 12 min 15–20 min
Austin-Bergstrom Airport 30 min 38–50 min
UT Austin Campus 20 min 35–45 min

I-35 is your main route south into Austin, and it punishes you during rush hour. The 130 Toll Road is the faster alternative if you’re heading to Georgetown, Round Rock, or the east side, but you’re paying tolls. Morning commutes south on I-35 toward downtown or UT can easily double from 20 minutes to 45+.

Neighborhood Reality

This part of Pflugerville is suburban through and through. Strip malls, chain restaurants, residential subdivisions. It’s not walkable to anything fun. The trade off is space: floor plans here run 686 to 1,376 square feet, which is 15-20% larger than what you’d get for the same rent closer to downtown Austin. If you’re comparing Pflugerville to other north suburb communities, you’ll see the same thing. More space for the money out here.

The area is growing. New construction has been popping up along Grand Avenue Parkway and Pecan Street. That growth brings more restaurants and stores but also more traffic on roads that weren’t built for this many cars.


Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

Floor Plan Bed/Bath Sq Ft Base Rent Notes
A1 1 bed / 1 bath 686 $1,100 Smallest 1BR
A2 1 bed / 1 bath 778 $1,150 Mid-size 1BR
A3 1 bed / 1 bath 874 $1,295 Largest 1BR
B1 2 bed / 2 bath 919 $1,300 Compact 2BR
B2 2 bed / 2 bath 1,041 $1,365 Mid-size 2BR
B3 2 bed / 2 bath 1,091 $1,470 Large 2BR
B3 + Garage 2 bed / 2 bath 1,091 $1,800 Attached garage
C1 3 bed / 2 bath 1,376 $1,850 Only 3BR option

Net Effective Rent

There’s no special running right now. That means the advertised rent is the actual rent. No math tricks, no misleading “from” prices that only work if you sign a 15 month lease. What you see is what you pay.

That’s actually unusual for Pflugerville in 2026. Most communities in this area are running 4-8 weeks free to fill units. Riverhorse Ranch II isn’t. So either they’re confident in their occupancy, or they haven’t adjusted to the current renter’s market. Bottom line: you have less room to negotiate here compared to competitors running concessions.

Required Fees (Everyone Pays These)

Fee Amount When
Application fee $65 per applicant At application
Administrative fee $150 At move-in
Security deposit Varies by unit At move-in

Optional Fees (Only If Applicable)

Fee Amount When
Pet deposit $200 At move-in
Pet non-refundable fee $250 (first pet), $100 each additional At move-in
Monthly pet rent $20 (first pet), $10 each additional Monthly
Pet under 1 year surcharge Additional $100 deposit At move-in

True Monthly Cost: What You’re Really Paying

Here’s a real example. Say you rent the B2 (the most popular two bedroom at 1,041 sqft) and you have one dog.

Line Item Monthly Cost
Base rent (B2) $1,365
Pet rent (1 dog) $20
True monthly cost $1,385

That’s only $20/month over the advertised rent. Doesn’t sound like much until you do the math: $240 over a 12 month lease.

Your upfront costs for this scenario: $65 application fee + $150 admin fee + deposit (varies) + $200 pet deposit + $250 pet fee = $665+ before your first month’s rent, not counting the security deposit.

For a renter putting a second pet on the lease, add another $100 fee when you sign and $10/month to your ongoing costs.


Want to Compare This Property’s True Cost to Nearby Options?

I track pricing across 30+ Pflugerville communities. I can show you which ones are running concessions right now and what you’d actually pay after all the fees.

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Screening Criteria

Here’s where Riverhorse Ranch II creates a problem for renters — they don’t publish their screening criteria anywhere. Not on their website, not on Apartments.com, not on any third-party listing site. So you’re going in blind on a $65 application fee.

What I Can Tell You Based on Property Class

Riverhorse Ranch II is a Class B property. Built 2015, managed by Belco Equities, suburban Pflugerville location, rents in the $1,100-$1,850 range. I know how Class B communities in Austin usually screen, so here’s what I’d expect:

Income Requirement

Belco Equities doesn’t publish their actual income multiplier anywhere online. I’m using 3x rent in the table below because that’s what most Class B properties in Austin ask for. But you should call the leasing office at (512) 220-9012 to confirm before you apply, or let me check for you.

Unit Type Base Rent Monthly Income (3x) Annual Income Hourly (40 hrs)
A1 (1bd/686sf) $1,100 $3,300 $39,600 $19.04
A2 (1bd/778sf) $1,150 $3,450 $41,400 $19.90
B1 (2bd/919sf) $1,300 $3,900 $46,800 $22.50
B2 (2bd/1041sf) $1,365 $4,095 $49,140 $23.63
C1 (3bd/1376sf) $1,850 $5,550 $66,600 $32.02

Credit Expectations

Belco Equities doesn’t publish a credit score minimum. For a Class B property in this price range, I’d expect:

  • 600+ credit: smooth approval with standard deposit
  • 570-599: possible approval with higher deposit
  • Below 570: likely needs additional conditions or third-party guarantee

Again, Belco doesn’t put their numbers out there. None of their 12 communities publish credit requirements. If your credit is below 600, call me before applying so I can check where you stand.

What Probably Gets You Denied

Here’s what usually trips people up at properties like this:

  • Active property debt (money owed to a previous landlord)
  • Eviction filings within the last 3-5 years
  • Violent felonies or sex offenses
  • Not enough income documentation
  • Fraudulent application information

The Application Process

Apply, pay the $65 fee per applicant, wait for screening results (typically 24-72 hours), then sign your lease if approved. The $150 admin fee is due when you move in, not at application.

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can call the leasing office and ask what they actually approve and deny before you spend $65 finding out the hard way. If Riverhorse Ranch II looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby Pflugerville communities have published criteria and more flexibility, including properties that work with broken leases. Call me.


Resident Reviews Decoded

Review Pattern Analysis

Theme Mentions Trend Source
Office staff praise (Lizette, Michelle) 5+ of 88 → Steady positive Google
Maintenance praise (Alex named) 4+ across platforms → Steady positive Google, RentCafe
Quiet community 4 of 88 → Steady Google
Towing policy complaints 4 of 88 → Steady negative Google
Parking issues 3+ of 88 → Steady negative Google
Clean property/grounds 5+ of 88 → Steady positive Google
Power outages 2+ of 88 ↑ Recent increase Google
Noise/smell transfer between units 2+ across platforms → Steady Yelp, Google
Pricing/fee complaints 3+ of 88 → Steady Google
Cabinet/fixture quality 1 → Isolated Yelp

Where the reviews actually come from: Google has the most data at 4.2 stars across 88 reviews. RentCafe shows 5.0 stars but that’s only 4 verified reviews. Yelp has just 1 review for Phase II (mixed). ApartmentRatings has zero reviews for Phase II (the 142 reviews on that site are for Phase I, the older property next door). Apartments.com has 1 review at 5.0.

What Residents Actually Like

The biggest thing residents agree on is the people who work here. Lizette Flores gets mentioned by name in at least five Google reviews across different years. Residents say she’s helpful, quick to respond, and goes out of her way to solve problems. One former resident said she should be the manager. Michelle gets repeat praise too.

On RentCafe, head maintenance tech Alex gets called out by name in multiple verified reviews for A/C repairs and being quick to fix things. When you see the same staff names showing up across different platforms and years, that tells you something. Low turnover. At other communities, new leasing staff every few months is the number one reason applications get stuck or lost.

The next thing that comes up over and over is how clean the place is. People talk about clean buildings, tidy balconies, no trash in the common areas. One reviewer who lived in four different units over several years said the grounds have always been kept up. That kind of track record over years says a lot more than one good review.

Maintenance gets high marks on both Google and RentCafe. Perfect 5.0 on RentCafe (small sample, but still), and Google reviewers keep talking about things getting fixed the same day or the next day. One RentCafe reviewer has been at the property since 2010 and still praises the maintenance crew. Sixteen years. That’s not a fluke.

What Residents Complain About

The towing situation is the biggest thing people complain about. Two different residents talked about getting towed at $350+ each. One got towed the day their permanent plates arrived because temporary plates had been registered with the office but the system wasn’t updated. Another called the towing and online payment fees “extortion.” Strong word. But when two people who don’t know each other describe the same problem a year apart, it’s real.

Parking comes up a lot too. No assigned spots in a 278-unit community means you’re competing for spaces every evening. One reviewer said they’ve raised the issue with management but nothing has changed.

Management Response Style

Management responds to most reviews. Some responses are personal and address the actual complaint. Others are copy-paste (“we strive for 100% satisfaction”). When someone leaves a negative review, the response is almost always “please call us” instead of actually addressing the issue online. That’s worth noticing. It means you can’t tell from the reviews whether complaints actually got resolved or just got buried.


The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section.

The Towing Policy Is a Financial Trap

This isn’t a minor inconvenience. At $350+ per tow, one incident equals roughly a third of your monthly rent on the cheapest unit — and that’s money you’ll never see again. Two residents say they got towed in situations that didn’t seem fair: one had just received permanent plates after registering temporary ones, and another said there wasn’t enough warning before the tow. Management’s response to these reviews is always “please call us.” Never an actual answer. Before you sign a lease, ask the leasing office for the exact towing policy in writing. Get the rules on vehicle registration, guest parking, and how much warning you’ll get before a tow.

No Published Screening Criteria Means You’re Gambling

I work with renters every day who can’t afford to lose $65-100 on application fees at properties that will auto-decline them. Riverhorse Ranch II doesn’t publish credit minimums, income requirements, or background check policies on any platform I’ve checked. So you’re the one taking the risk. If you have any screening challenges at all, don’t apply here without checking first. I maintain a list of Austin communities that accept evictions with published criteria, and I can tell you where you stand before you spend a dime.

Power Outages Are a Recent and Growing Concern

One resident who’s been here over two years said they lost power six times in one month after moving to a larger unit. Management blamed the recent outages on City of Pflugerville power interruptions, but the resident noted this never happened in their previous unit at the same community. To me, that sounds like a wiring problem in that specific building, not just citywide outages. And six outages in one month is a lot, regardless of the cause.

The “No Specials” Pricing in a Renter’s Market

Most Pflugerville communities in 2026 are running 4-8 weeks free to attract tenants. Riverhorse Ranch II isn’t offering any concessions. So you’re paying full price here while someone at a competing property down the street might be saving $1,000-$2,000 over their lease. The amenities are good. But you should know what you’re giving up by picking a property that isn’t competing on price right now.

Noise and Smell Transfer Between Units

This one comes from the Yelp review for Phase II specifically, and you should hear about it. The person living there said they could hear the upstairs neighbor’s dog, smell a cat litter box through the bathroom walls, and got hit with cigarette and weed smell daily. On RentCafe, noise got the lowest score of any category at 4.0 out of 5.0. For a building from 2015, that level of sound and smell between units tells you the walls and floors don’t block much. They chalked it up to “apartment living,” which is fair. But you should know about it before you sign. If you’re sensitive to noise from upstairs neighbors or pet smells from the unit next door, ask to see a unit on the top floor.


Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Alternatives?

If Riverhorse Ranch II looks right, I can help you get answers on their screening criteria before you apply. If the towing policy or pricing gives you pause, I can pull comparable Pflugerville communities that are running concessions right now.

Get Started Here


FAQ

Is Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II pet friendly?

Yes. They allow up to 3 pets per unit (dogs and cats). Expect $200 deposit, $250 non-refundable fee for the first pet, $100 for each additional, and $20/month pet rent ($10 for additional pets). The breed restriction list is long: Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Huskies, Akitas, Chows, and others are banned, including mixes. No pets under 6 months old. Check the full list with the leasing office before you apply.

What is the rent range at Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II?

One bedrooms start at $1,100 (686 sqft) and go up to $1,295 (874 sqft). Two bedrooms range from $1,300 to $1,800 (the $1,800 includes an attached garage). The three bedroom is $1,850 for 1,376 sqft.

Does Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II have in-unit washer and dryer?

Some units come with a washer/dryer inside, and all units have washer/dryer connections. Washer/dryer rentals are also available through the property. Ask which setup your specific unit has before you sign.

What are the parking options at Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II?

Parking is available but there are no assigned spots. Covered parking and garages cost extra if they’re available. The B3 floor plan offers an attached garage option at $1,800/month. Make sure you understand the vehicle registration rules and towing policy before you move in.

How far is Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II from downtown Austin?

About 16-17 miles. Off-peak, that’s roughly 20-25 minutes. During rush hour on I-35, expect 35-50 minutes. The 130 Toll Road can shave time off if you’re willing to pay tolls.

What school district serves Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II?

Pflugerville Independent School District. The attendance zone schools are Caldwell Elementary, Pflugerville Middle School, and Pflugerville High School.

Does Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II have a fitness center?

Yes, and it’s large: 4,200 square feet with a 24-hour access schedule. The community also has redwood saunas, a steam room, and a pool with a cabana.

Is Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II gated?

Yes. It’s a gated community with controlled entry.

What is the application fee at Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II?

$65 per applicant, and you won’t get it back. There’s also a $150 administrative fee due when you move in.

Are utilities included in rent at Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II?

No. You pay for everything: electricity, water, gas, and internet.


The Bottom Line

Riverhorse Ranch Apartments II punches above its weight on amenities. A 4,200 sqft fitness center, sauna, steam room, pickleball, tennis, basketball, and a gated community at rents starting at $1,100. Good luck finding that combination anywhere else in Pflugerville. The staff keeps getting good reviews year after year (Lizette Flores has been praised by name for years), maintenance is responsive, and residents who’ve been here a while say the community is clean and quiet.

The trade off is real though: an aggressive towing policy that’s cost residents $350+, no assigned parking in a 278-unit property, unpublished screening criteria, and no concessions in a market where most competitors are giving away 4-8 weeks free.

This property makes sense if:

  • You want amenities that punch above the rent price
  • You have multiple pets (up to 3 allowed)
  • You’re organized about vehicle registration and parking rules
  • You have clean credit and rental history (since screening criteria aren’t published, clean profiles face the least risk)

This property doesn’t make sense if:

  • Parking stress is a dealbreaker for you
  • You have screening challenges and can’t afford to gamble $65 on an application
  • You want concessions and move-in specials (competitors are offering them right now)
  • You work nights or odd hours and need reliable parking close to your unit

My honest take: the amenities and the review ratings are real. But this is a 2026 market. Pflugerville communities are competing hard on concessions, and Riverhorse Ranch II isn’t. Paying full price only makes sense if the sauna, the gym, and the pickleball courts matter more to you than saving $1,000-$2,000 over a lease at a competing property. If you’re unsure, I can run the comparison for you in about 10 minutes. And if you’re also looking at places closer to Samsung or Dell, check out my breakdown of northeast Austin communities for alternatives.


Need Help Deciding?

My service is free. The apartment community pays a referral fee from their marketing budget, and your rent is the same whether you use a locator or apply on your own.

Here’s what I can do that listing sites can’t: I’ll call Riverhorse Ranch II and find out their actual screening criteria before you spend the $65 application fee. If your profile is a fit, great. If it’s not, I’ll point you to a nearby Pflugerville community where you’re more likely to get approved.

If you’d rather go direct, the leasing office number is (512) 220-9012 or (737) 259-7486. 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.

Price:
$1100-$1850
Address:
16101 White River Blvd
Austin, TX 78660
Terms:
For Rent
Property Type:
Apartment
Year Built:
2015

Call 512-320-4599 for more details

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