Capital Steps Apartments Austin Review: $925 Rent With Utilities Included in 78723

A one bedroom in Austin’s Windsor Park neighborhood for $925 a month. That’s already cheap for this zip code. But Capital Steps quietly does something most listing sites never bother to mention: they cover your cable, gas, and water.

I’ve been tracking rental pricing across East Austin for over 14 years (licensed Texas REALTOR, TX #679806). That detail changes the math entirely. At most Austin apartments, you’re budgeting $100 to $150 a month for those three utilities on top of rent. That puts Capital Steps’ real cost closer to $775 to $825 for a one bedroom once you subtract what you’re not paying.

Here’s what the listing sites won’t tell you: this is a 1969 building with 50 units, no renovation history, a 20 pound pet weight limit, and 100% occupancy right now. There’s a reason it stays full. There’s also a reason you need to know the tradeoffs before you put your name on a waitlist.

Quick Facts: Capital Steps Apartments

The 4.2 Google rating comes from just five reviews. That’s not enough data to tell you much. I’ll get into what those few reviews do show later, and what you should watch for when there’s almost nothing to go on.

Best For / Skip If

Best For

You’re trying to keep total housing costs under $1,000 a month. Most Austin apartments advertise rent and then tack on $40 to $60 in monthly fees you can’t avoid plus $100 to $150 in utilities. Capital Steps starts at $925 with cable, gas, and water already covered and no admin fee. Your actual monthly cost is closer to what you see on the listing. That’s unusual, and it matters if you’re budgeting tight.

You want a small, privately managed property. Fifty units. One onsite manager (Adriana G.). No corporate call center, no app where your request disappears into a queue. If something breaks, you’re talking to the person who runs the building. Some people prefer that. If you’ve dealt with large management companies that take three days to respond to a work order, a 50 unit property can feel like a different world.

You have a small pet under 20 pounds. The $300 nonrefundable fee with $0 monthly pet rent is straightforward. No ongoing monthly charges eating into your budget. No pet screening required either, which saves you the $25 PetScreening.com fee a lot of properties charge now. Two pets max. Dogs, cats, and fish are all allowed. If your pet fits the weight limit, the math here is better than most.

You need to be near Mueller and the Cameron Road corridor without paying Mueller prices. Capital Steps sits on Cameron Rd about half a mile north of the Mueller development. Properties inside Mueller start around $1,200 and go up to $6,400. You get the spot without the Mueller price tag. For context on what’s been built (and what’s still coming) in this corridor, check the new apartment complexes guide.

Skip If

Your pet weighs more than 20 pounds. That’s the hard limit. A fully grown Corgi can push 30 pounds. A Beagle hits 25. This policy rules out most dog breeds. If you have a medium or large dog, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You need something available right now. As of this writing, Capital Steps is 100% occupied. Both the one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans show unavailable. You’ll probably end up on a waitlist, and with only 50 units, turnover is slow.

You want in-unit washer and dryer. The units have full size hookups but no machines included. You’d need to buy or rent your own, so know that going in.

You want modern finishes or community amenities. There’s no pool, no gym, no clubhouse, no package lockers. You do get a community laundry room, a volleyball court, and gated entry with a fence around the property. But that’s about it for shared spaces. The property is smoke free, which is a plus. Still, this is a 1969 building that hasn’t been renovated. You’re paying for location, low rent, and included utilities. That’s the deal here, not the amenities.

Wondering if Capital Steps fits your situation?

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Capital Steps sits on Cameron Road in Austin’s Windsor Park neighborhood, tucked into the 78723 zip code. If you’re comparing options across this side of town, my East Austin apartment guide breaks down the five distinct areas and current pricing. The Capital Plaza shopping center is about a three minute walk, and that’s where you’ll find Target, Ross, Walgreens, and Dollar Tree. For groceries, the H-E-B at Mueller is roughly a mile south. Sprouts Farmers Market is just outside the neighborhood to the west.

Food options within a short drive include Hank’s (solid brunch and burgers on Berkman Dr), Paco’s Tacos on E. 51st, Cenote (coffee and tacos on Cameron Rd), and Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant near I-35. Little Deli and Pizzeria does legitimate New York style pizza and is a neighborhood favorite. The Mueller Market District adds Torchy’s Tacos and other chains about half a mile south.

Bartholomew District Park is less than a mile away. That’s a 57 acre park with a pool, splash pad, disc golf, basketball courts, and picnic areas. Mueller Lake Park is close too, with a lake and amphitheater. For a 1969 property without its own pool or gym, having parks like that within walking distance makes up for a lot.

Capital Steps has fiber optic internet, which is a real plus if you work from home. My guide to the best Austin neighborhoods for young professionals covers fiber availability and remote work setups by area. The Walk Score is 66 (somewhat walkable). You can handle basic errands on foot, but you’ll want a car for most things. CapMetro bus routes run along Cameron Road, and the Highland Station is about 1.9 miles away.

Commute Math

I-35 access is close, two lights from the property. US-290 and US-183 (Ed Bluestein Blvd) border the neighborhood. The route downtown via I-35 is direct but ugly during rush hour. CapMetro’s #485 Night Owl bus can get you back from downtown or 6th Street until about 3 AM.

Neighborhood Vibe

Windsor Park is a mid-century neighborhood that’s been getting more attention as Mueller expanded next door. The streets are mostly ranch style homes from the 1950s and 1960s with big trees. It’s quiet at night. It’s not a nightlife area and it’s not trying to be one.

The Cameron Road corridor has some commercial noise during the day, and the strip mall feel isn’t going to win any beauty contests. But the tradeoff is real convenience: you’re close to everything without paying what the polished Mueller developments charge.

If you’re also considering spots further west, my Central Austin apartment guide covers the neighborhoods from Hyde Park to North Loop.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

Net Effective Rent Calculation

Capital Steps isn’t running any concessions right now. The property describes their pricing as “reduced rents” with no ongoing specials. That means what you see is what you pay. No math tricks, no spread-out “free months” that jack your renewal rate up later.

One note: ApartmentFinder currently lists this property starting at $975, which is $50 higher than the $925 one bedroom price in the locator database. Prices might have gone up since then. Confirm current rent directly with the leasing office before budgeting.

Here’s what the math looks like side by side when you add utilities into the picture:

Capital Steps 1 BR at $925/month:

• Base rent: $925
• Cable, gas, water: Included ($0)
• Estimated electricity (not included): $60 to $90/month
• True monthly cost: roughly $985 to $1,015

Nearby competitor at $950/month (no utilities included):

• Base rent: $950
• Cable: $50 to $80/month
• Gas: $20 to $40/month
• Water/sewer: $30 to $50/month
• Electricity: $60 to $90/month
• True monthly cost: roughly $1,110 to $1,210

That’s $100 to $200 a month in real savings when you compare apples to apples. And over a 12 month lease, that’s $1,200 to $2,400 you keep in your pocket.

All the Fees

The $0 admin fee stands out. Most Austin apartments charge $150 to $350 in admin fees on top of the application fee. That’s money you don’t spend here. The security deposit amount isn’t listed publicly, so you’ll need to ask when you call.

True Monthly Cost: One Bedroom With a Small Dog

Move in costs (estimated): $70 application fee + $300 pet nonrefundable fee + security deposit [VERIFY] + first month’s rent ($925). Budget roughly $1,600 to $2,000 depending on the deposit amount.

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of July 2026, but I talk to leasing teams regularly, and things move. Reach out to confirm current numbers before you apply.

Want to know what specials are actually available right now?

I track pricing across hundreds of Austin communities. If Capital Steps is full when you’re ready to move, I can show you what’s open nearby at similar price points, including specials that may not show up on listing sites.

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Screening Criteria

Income Requirement

Capital Steps doesn’t publish a specific income multiplier on any listing site I checked. For a smaller, privately owned property in this rent range, most require somewhere between 2.5x and 3x monthly rent. Here’s what that looks like:

Assuming 3x income requirement (most common):

If 2.5x income requirement (less common but possible):

Quick note: income is always measured against base rent, not net effective. Since there’s no concession here, the numbers are straightforward. You’ll need to confirm the exact multiplier with the property before applying. [VERIFY]

Credit Expectations

There’s no published credit score minimum either. For smaller, privately owned properties in Austin, here’s what I typically see:

• 600+: Usually smooth approval at a property like this
• 550 to 599: Possible with a higher deposit or extra paperwork
• Below 550: Depends entirely on the owner’s criteria. Small, privately managed properties can be more flexible than corporate ones, or they can be stricter. No way to know without asking.

The good news with a private owner is there’s an actual person looking at your application, not a computer auto-declining you. The downside? What they look for can change depending on who’s asking, and there’s nothing published you can point to. If your credit is below 600 and you’re worried about approval, my second chance apartments guide covers which Austin properties have the most flexible screening. [VERIFY]

What Typically Gets You Denied

I can’t confirm exactly what gets you denied at Capital Steps because they don’t publish that. But based on what I see at similar properties, watch for:

• Recent eviction (within 2 to 3 years)
• Money you still owe a previous landlord
• Felony on your record (how far back they look depends on the owner)
• Not making enough money (or not being able to prove it)
• Lying on the application

The Application Process

1. Contact the leasing office at (512) 956-3229 to check availability
2. Complete the application ($70 fee, nonrefundable)
3. Screening and approval (timeline varies with private management)
4. Sign the lease (12 month minimum)

Here’s what working with a locator changes: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend $70 finding out. If Capital Steps’ screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility, and which ones will definitely say no. That guidance is free.

Resident Reviews Decoded

The Reality: I Searched Every Platform and Found Almost Nothing

I went through every review site I could find: Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, Apartments.com, ForRent, Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and half a dozen others. Here’s the complete picture:

That’s five total reviews across every source I can access. I normally read through 50 to 100+ reviews to find patterns. Here, there are no patterns to find. I can’t tell you “12 of 40 residents mention noise” or “maintenance response times are improving.” Five reviews just isn’t enough to draw any real conclusions, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise.

What the Limited Reviews Tell You

Of the two Google reviews with actual text, one resident called it “great affordable apartments” and said the location is good because it’s close to downtown and shopping. The other review was translated from Spanish and is hard to parse. The word “affordable” shows up as a Google filter tag with two mentions. That tracks. People choosing Capital Steps are choosing it because the numbers work, not for the amenities or the building quality.

What to Watch For (Since Reviews Can’t Tell You)

When a property has almost no reviews, you have to do your own homework during the tour. Here’s what I’d ask about:

How fast does stuff get fixed? A 1969 building needs regular upkeep. Ask how maintenance requests are handled. Is there a 24 hour emergency line? How fast do non-emergency requests get addressed?

Can you hear your neighbors? Construction from 1969 means thinner walls than anything built in the last 20 years. Ask to tour the actual unit you’d live in, not a model. Listen for neighbor noise.

What shape are the pipes and wiring in? Pipes and wiring from 1969 have been working for over 55 years. Ask about recent plumbing updates. Ask if the electrical has been updated enough to handle today’s stuff (AC units, multiple devices charging at once).

How do they handle bugs? Older buildings in Austin’s climate need regular treatment. Ask how often the property sprays and whether individual units are treated or just common areas.

Management Response Pattern

With so few reviews, I can’t assess whether management responds to online feedback. The Yelp listing is unclaimed. That tells you they’re not really paying attention to their online reputation.

Public records show an owner based in Oregon, not Austin, while the property data lists Adriana G. as the onsite manager. Older real estate directories list a different manager name (Ismael Galaviz), which tells me management may have changed hands at some point. That’s not unusual for a community this size.

But there’s just no track record to go by online. You’ll have to get a feel for that yourself when you tour.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to scare you off. I just want you going in with both eyes open.

You’re Looking at a 1969 Building With No Renovation History

Let me be direct. This building was built in 1969 and has never been renovated. That means most of what’s behind the walls is original, or close to it. The walls probably don’t do much for sound or temperature. The plumbing is over 55 years old. The electrical system was designed for an era when people owned a TV and a lamp, not two laptops, a gaming setup, and a window AC unit. None of that is unusual for a building from this era. But you should go in knowing what “1969 with no renovation” actually means for your daily life.

Getting In May Take Months

Capital Steps is 100% occupied. Both floor plans are listed as unavailable. With only 50 units, turnover is slow. You’re not going to tour this weekend and move in next month.

So have a backup plan.

If this property fits your situation, you’ll likely need to get on a waitlist and be patient.

The Owner Is Based Out of State

Property records show the owner is based in Oregon, not Austin. That doesn’t automatically mean anything bad. Plenty of owners who live elsewhere run solid properties through good onsite managers. But it does mean the decision maker isn’t local. If something goes sideways with the onsite staff, or if there’s a dispute about your deposit, or if a major repair needs approval, the person writing the check lives 1,800 miles away. Worth knowing before you sign.

The Pet Weight Limit Rules Out Most Dogs

Twenty pounds. That eliminates Beagles, Corgis, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and basically every breed except toy and miniature breeds. If you have a puppy right now that’s under 20 pounds but will grow past it, think ahead. Breed restrictions apply too, but they don’t list which breeds are banned. Ask before you apply.

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

You’ve seen the full picture now. If Capital Steps fits, great. If the waitlist or the tradeoffs give you pause, I can match you with similar options in the Windsor Park and Mueller area that are actually available right now. Same price range, same general location. I do this every day.

See What’s Available Now →

FAQ

Does Capital Steps allow pets?

Yes. Dogs, cats, and fish are allowed. Two pets maximum. The weight limit is 20 pounds per pet, and breed restrictions apply. There’s a $300 nonrefundable pet fee per pet with $0 monthly pet rent.

What utilities are included at Capital Steps?

Cable, gas, and water are included in rent. You pay for electricity separately. That saves most renters roughly $100 to $150 a month compared to properties where you cover all utilities yourself.

How much is the application fee?

$70 per applicant. There’s no admin fee, which is unusual for Austin. Most properties charge $150 to $350 in admin fees on top of the application fee.

What credit score do I need for Capital Steps?

Not published. This is a smaller, privately owned property with no public minimum. You’ll need to ask the leasing office directly. Properties like this usually work in the 550 to 600+ range, but each owner sets their own bar.

Is Capital Steps a good location for commuting?

Yes, if you’re commuting to central Austin. Downtown is about 5 miles south via I-35 (12 to 15 minutes off-peak, 25 to 40 during rush hour). UT Austin is about 3 miles away. Mueller is half a mile. I-35, US-290, and US-183 are all close.

Are there apartments available at Capital Steps right now?

As of this writing, no. The property is 100% occupied with both floor plans showing unavailable. Contact the leasing office at (512) 956-3229 to ask about waitlist options.

What’s the parking situation?

Surface lot parking is included at no extra charge. There’s no garage or covered parking option.

When was Capital Steps built?

1969. No renovations on record. The property is a two story, 50 unit building with flat style floor plans.

What school district serves Capital Steps?

Austin ISD. Assigned schools are Blanton Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and Northeast Early College High School.

The Bottom Line

Capital Steps works because of one thing: total cost. The $925 rent with cable, gas, and water included puts what you actually pay each month $100 to $200 below most nearby competitors once you add in utilities. That’s $1,200 to $2,400 over a year. The $0 admin fee and $0 monthly pet rent keep everything else simple too.

The tradeoff is everything else. This is a 1969 building with no renovation, no gym, no pool, and a 20 pound pet weight limit. It’s 100% occupied with no current availability. And there’s almost no review data to go on.

This property makes sense if:

• Total monthly cost is your top priority and you want utilities included
• You have a small pet (under 20 lbs) and want to avoid monthly pet rent
• You prefer a small, privately managed property over a large corporate complex
• You can be patient with availability and get on a waitlist

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• You have a dog over 20 pounds (non-negotiable weight limit)
• You need to move in the next 30 days (nothing is available right now)
• Updated finishes, in-unit laundry, or community amenities matter to you
• Thin walls and 1969 construction quality are dealbreakers

If the math works and the timeline works, Capital Steps is one of the better deals in the 78723 zip code. Just go in with your eyes open.

Need Help?

Work With Me

My apartment search service is free to you. I’ve helped hundreds of renters find the right place in Austin, and I know which properties work for specific situations. If Capital Steps is full when you’re ready, I can point you toward open units in the same area at similar price points.

Go Solo

If you’d rather handle it yourself, call the Capital Steps leasing office directly at (512) 956-3229. 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.