Cortland Onion Creek Apartments: South Austin Living Guide

By Alexander Concepcion

Cortland Onion Creek Apartments, located in South Austin, offers modern living with convenient highway access and a suburban feel. Just 9 miles from downtown Austin, this 276-unit community provides a variety of floor plans, standout amenities, and tailored housing options for educators. Here’s a quick overview:

Location: 1900 Onion Creek Pkwy, near I-35 and Southpark Meadows shopping center.
Floor Plans: 13 options, ranging from 582–1,396 sq. ft.; 1-bedroom units start at $1,032/month.
Amenities: Resort-style pool, fitness center with free classes, dog grooming spa, and business center.
Special Programs: 2024 Teacher Housing Program for Austin ISD staff. Applicants can review the Austin apartment application process to prepare their documentation.
Recognition: 2025 Kingsley Excellence Award and Elite 1% ORA Power Ranking in 2024.

While the property features modern interiors and award-winning management, it’s car-dependent with limited public transit and additional fees for parking and services. Ideal for professionals, families, and pet owners seeking a mix of comfort and convenience.

The Ultimate 2025 South Austin Apartment & Neighborhood Guide

About the Community

Cortland Onion Creek Apartments is a gated community featuring 276 three-story units. Built between 2015 and 2016, the property blends Southern charm with modern luxury. Its design includes stone accents and a suburban aesthetic, complemented by tree-lined streets, winding roads, and wooded surroundings. It’s a peaceful retreat with the convenience of urban living.

The management team emphasizes a service-oriented lifestyle. Residents often highlight the clean, welcoming atmosphere and considerate neighbors. The property enforces a smoke-free policy across all apartments and shared spaces. Plus, it offers valet trash pickup five nights a week through the "Cortland Front Door" service, adding a touch of convenience to daily life.

Location and Highway Access

Located about 12 miles south of Downtown Austin and 13 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the community offers easy access to I-35. With a driveability score of 100/100, residents enjoy an average 27-minute commute to downtown Austin. However, the area is primarily car-dependent, reflected in its Walk Score of around 30. For nearby conveniences, The Shops at Onion Creek are just a 9-minute walk away. Outdoor lovers will appreciate proximity to the 300-acre Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park and Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, which feature wooded trails and a golf course.

Who Lives Here

Cortland Onion Creek attracts a diverse group of residents. Young professionals commuting to employers like UT Austin and Allied Universal, small families drawn to spacious three-bedroom layouts and nearby schools (Menchaca Elementary, Paredes Middle, and Akins Early College High), and pet owners who enjoy the on-site bark park and grooming spa all call this community home. The property allows up to two pets per unit, with an 80-pound weight limit per pet, standard Austin apartment pet fees, and $25 monthly pet rent.

Additionally, the 2024 Teacher Housing Program supports Austin ISD teachers and staff, highlighting the community’s dedication to local residents. Cortland Onion Creek Apartments provides a suburban environment that caters to various lifestyles while maintaining a tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere. Up next, explore the wide range of floor plans and modern interior features that make this community stand out.

Floor Plans and Interior Features

Cortland Onion Creek Apartments Floor Plans and Pricing Guide

Unit Types and Sizes

Cortland Onion Creek offers a variety of options with 13 floor plans spread across 276 units, ranging from cozy one-bedroom apartments to spacious three-bedroom layouts. One-bedroom units cover 582 to 915 sq. ft., while two-bedroom apartments range between 964 and 1,230 sq. ft.. For those needing even more space, three-bedroom units go up to 1,396 sq. ft.. Popular floor plans like the Farrah, Old San Antonio, and Slaughter Creek are often marked as "Currently Unavailable", a testament to their popularity. Many two-bedroom layouts include dual bathrooms and open-concept kitchens. Meanwhile, three-bedroom apartments are ideal for families or those working remotely, with features like master suites with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets.

Unit Type	Square Footage Range	Number of Floor Plans
1 Bedroom	582 – 915 sq. ft.	5 layouts
2 Bedrooms	964 – 1,230 sq. ft.	6 layouts
3 Bedrooms	1,388 – 1,396 sq. ft.	2 layouts

Let’s dive into the high-end finishes and smart technology that make these apartments stand out.

Interior Finishes and Technology

Each unit at Cortland Onion Creek is designed with a blend of style and functionality, featuring modern finishes and smart home technology. Here’s what you can expect in every apartment:

Granite or quartz countertops for a polished look
Stainless steel appliances, including built-in microwaves and refrigerators with ice and water dispensers
Ceramic tile backsplashes for added elegance
Nine-foot ceilings and wood-style vinyl flooring in main living areas
Double-paned insulated windows with faux wood blinds for comfort and energy efficiency

Smart home features include NEST™ Smart Thermostats and USB-integrated outlets, keeping your home connected and convenient.

Bathrooms vary by floor plan but may include deep-soaking tubs, walk-in showers with glass doors, or double sink vanities. For those working remotely, built-in desks create a dedicated workspace, while full-size in-home washers and dryers simplify daily chores. Many units also feature private patios or balconies, walk-in closets, and pantries, offering extra storage and outdoor living space.

Shared Amenities

Fitness and Recreation

Stay active any time of day with a 24/7 fitness center that includes yoga and spin studios. Residents can take advantage of the "Elevate Fitness Experience", which offers free group fitness classes to help you stay motivated. When you’re ready to relax, head to the resort-style pool or kick back in the cozy poolside lounge, complete with HDTVs and a fireplace. For some friendly competition, check out the bocce ball court or enjoy the outdoor game space. Movie lovers will appreciate the on-site movie theater, perfect for private screenings or community events.

Pet Amenities

Pet owners will love the leash-free bark park, where dogs can roam and play freely. There’s also a dog grooming station, making it easy to keep your pet clean without the hassle of using your apartment bathroom. If you’re in a ground-floor unit, you might even enjoy the perk of a private fenced-in yard for quick outdoor access. The community allows up to two pets per apartment, with an 80-pound weight limit per pet. Fees include a $400 one-time pet fee and $25 monthly pet rent. Keep in mind, certain breeds – like Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Dobermans – are restricted, but service animals are always exempt from these rules.

Beyond pet-friendly features, the community also offers spaces designed for work and socializing.

Remote workers will appreciate the fully equipped business center with WiFi and a coffee bar to keep productivity high. Planning a gathering? The clubhouse has a party-ready kitchen and HDTVs, making it a great spot to host friends or watch the big game. Outdoors, you’ll find kitchens with gas grills, perfect for weekend barbecues. To foster a sense of community, the management team organizes social events throughout the year, giving residents a chance to connect. Plus, secure electronic package lockers ensure your deliveries are safe and accessible, making working from home even easier.

Rent Prices and Lease Information

Monthly Rent by Unit Type

The rental rates here strike a balance between modern amenities and affordability. Flexible lease terms ranging from 3 to 18 months are available. As of March 2026, one-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,032 per month for 582 sq. ft. units, reaching up to $1,556 for larger layouts of 915 sq. ft. Two-bedroom units are available between $1,341 and $1,750 monthly, with sizes ranging from 964 to 1,230 sq. ft. For those who need more room, three-bedroom apartments start at $1,853 and go up to $1,982, covering 1,388 to 1,396 sq. ft.

Take advantage of the "1 Month Free" move-in special for leases signed and moved in by March 31, 2026. Additionally, Austin ISD teachers and staff can benefit from the Teacher Housing Program for extra perks. To confirm availability and current rates, call 737-727-2489.

Security deposits start at $565, but you may be able to waive this fee by using Jetty. The application fee ranges from $50 to $65 per applicant, and there’s a $150 administrative fee per household upon move-in.

In addition to base rent, several required and optional fees will influence your overall monthly expenses.

Additional Services and Fees

Mandatory monthly charges include:

Valet trash service: $25 to $28 per month
Pest control: $5 per month
Liability protection program: $15 per month, meeting the $300,000 renters insurance minimum

Optional add-ons include:

Detached garages: $110 to $150 per month
Covered parking: $35 per month

You can pay rent online through the Cortland Connect portal using e-checks without extra charges. However, credit card payments incur a 2.95% service fee. Note that subletting or short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, are not allowed.

Neighborhood and Nearby Attractions

Shopping and Restaurants

If you’re in the mood for shopping or dining, Southpark Meadows Shopping Center is just 1–2 miles away. It features everything from upscale movie theaters to well-known chain stores and a variety of dining spots. For even more options, several retail centers are within walking distance, adding extra convenience. And if you’re up for a short drive, the SoCo District and Downtown Austin offer a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife, easily accessible via I-35.

But it’s not just about shopping and restaurants – this area also boasts plenty of outdoor spaces for those who love spending time in nature.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

This neighborhood is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous parks and green spaces nearby. One standout is Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, located right next to the community, offering ample opportunities for outdoor fun. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is another favorite, known for its scenic hiking trails and stunning natural beauty.

For more adventure, McKinney Falls State Park is perfect for camping, hiking, and fishing trips. Slaughter Creek at Bauerle Ranch, just 4.4 miles away, adds even more park space to explore. And if you enjoy water activities, Lake Austin is the go-to spot for boating and water sports. Keep in mind, though, that most of these destinations are best reached by car due to limited pedestrian access.

Pros and Cons

Cortland Onion Creek Apartments offer a mix of appealing features and practical challenges, giving prospective residents plenty to consider. For starters, the property boasts excellent highway access via I-35 and offers one-bedroom units starting at $1,032, which is slightly lower than the neighborhood average of $1,085. The community has also received the 2025 Kingsley Excellence Award for resident satisfaction, with maintenance requests typically handled within 24 to 48 hours. These perks make it an attractive option for many.

On the flip side, the area is highly car-dependent, with a Walk Score of just 29–30 and limited public transportation options. Additionally, residents should anticipate mandatory monthly fees of about $54, which cover valet trash ($25), liability protection ($15), service fees ($6), pest control ($5), and a trash fee ($3). Parking also comes at an extra cost, with garage spaces priced at $150 per month and carports available for $35.

Noise transmission between floors has been a concern for some residents, likely due to thinner construction materials. Moreover, recent changes to office hours have restricted clubhouse access on weekends, which has led to some frustration. For those who may need to break their lease, the early termination fees are steep – up to 200% of one month’s rent plus an 85% reletting fee.

Below is a summary of these points in a comparison table:

Comparison Table

Feature	Advantages	Considerations
Location	Convenient I-35 access; close to Southpark Meadows (0.4 miles).	Low Walk Score (29–30) and limited public transit options.
Rent Pricing	One-bedroom units start at $1,032 – lower than the area average of $1,085.	Mandatory fees (~$54/month) and additional parking costs.
Interior	Modern finishes like quartz/granite countertops, Nest thermostats, and in-unit washer/dryer.	Noise issues due to thinner flooring.
Amenities	24/7 fitness center with free classes, resort-style pool, and pet-friendly features.	Restricted clubhouse access on weekends; extra costs for parking.
Service	Award-winning management with maintenance responses within 24–48 hours.	High lease termination fees (200% rent + 85% reletting fee).

Conclusion

Cortland Onion Creek Apartments offers a blend of highway convenience and suburban comfort in South Austin, with a location that puts residents close to key amenities.

The community boasts award-winning management, recognized with the 2025 Kingsley Excellence Award. Pricing is competitive, starting at $1,032 for one-bedroom units, and there’s a "1 Month Free" special for move-ins by March 31, 2026. Keep in mind additional fees, such as $110–$150 for garage parking and $35 for a carport. These costs are balanced by a variety of perks.

This property is ideal for renters who rely on cars and appreciate features like modern interiors, a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and pet-friendly amenities. However, with a Walk Score of just 29–30, most errands will require driving. Austin ISD employees may want to explore the Teacher Housing Program for added benefits.

With 13 floor plan options ranging from 582 to 1,396 square feet, a wide array of amenities, and a strong reputation for service, Cortland Onion Creek Apartments stands out in South Austin. Its proximity to outdoor spots like McKinney Falls State Park and its commitment to quality living make it a compelling choice. Be sure to factor in the car-dependent lifestyle and additional fees when planning your budget.

FAQs

What will my total monthly cost be after required fees and parking?

Your monthly expenses, including mandatory fees and parking, will fall between $1,136 and $5,386. The exact amount depends on the apartment layout you select and any extra fees that may apply.

How strict is the pet policy for weight limits, breeds, and fees?

Cortland Onion Creek welcomes up to two pets per apartment, with a maximum weight of 80 pounds for each pet. Breed restrictions may apply, and there’s a $400 pet fee per pet. For more details, reach out to the leasing office directly.

How easy is it to commute without a car from this location?

Commuting from Cortland Onion Creek Apartments without a car can be tough. The area has a low Walk Score® of 35, meaning it’s largely car-dependent. While there’s a bus route nearby at 1st and FM 1626, most daily errands and trips will likely require a vehicle. For those who drive, the community’s close access to IH-35 makes commuting easier. However, residents relying on public transit or walking may find their options fairly limited.

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