Cardinal Point Apartments Austin Review: Tax Credit Housing in Four Points That Most Renters Don’t Know Exists

A one bedroom in Northwest Austin’s Four Points area for $1,050/month. In a building from 2017. With water, gas, cable, trash, and pest control included in the rent.

If that sounds too good to be true, there’s a reason. Cardinal Point is a tax credit property. Your income has to be under certain limits to get in. But if you meet those thresholds? This is one of the better deals hiding in plain sight across the entire Austin market. As a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806) who tracks pricing across Northwest Austin daily, I can tell you that comparable one bedrooms at nearby market rate properties start higher. Aura High Pointe starts at $1,315. Bridge at Ribelin Ranch starts at $1,099. And neither of those includes five utilities in the rent.

Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: applying here isn’t like applying at a normal apartment. Income caps, not just income minimums, decide whether you qualify. The screening criteria are published but confusing. And the 84% occupancy rate means units are available right now, which is unusual for income restricted housing in Austin. Let me break all of it down.

Cardinal Point: Quick Facts

The 3.8 Google rating comes from just 37 reviews, and several of those are rating only with no written feedback. That’s a thin sample. I’ll pull out the patterns worth paying attention to below.

Best For / Skip If

Best For

You earn enough to pay rent but not enough for market rate Four Points pricing. The nearest market rate competitor, Aura High Pointe, starts at $1,315 for a one bedroom. Cardinal Point starts at $1,050. That $265/month difference is $3,180/year. And Cardinal Point includes cable, gas, water, trash, and pest control in the rent. At Aura, you’d pay those separately.

You want newer construction at income restricted prices. Most tax credit housing in Austin is built in the 1990s or earlier. You’ll find some along North Lamar and scattered through East Austin. Cardinal Point was built in 2017. That matters: energy efficient appliances, walk-in showers, high ceilings, tile floors. You’re getting finishes that look like a newer market rate property at prices $300-500 below what those properties charge.

You need to be in Leander ISD. Cardinal Point feeds into River Place Elementary, Four Points Middle, and Vandegrift High School. Those are well regarded schools, and most income restricted housing in Austin ends up in weaker school districts. That’s a big deal, and it’s unusual for income restricted housing.

Your screening situation isn’t spotless. Foundation Communities allows up to 3 evictions, skips, or broken leases before they deny. That’s more flexible than most places. They also take a broader look at your rental history if you’ve been through their special programs.

Skip If

You earn too much. This one catches people off guard. At a tax credit property, there’s an income ceiling. Depending on which unit you’re applying for (30%, 50%, or 60% of Area Median Income), you can’t make more than those caps. If you make $70,000 as a single person, you probably won’t qualify for most of Cardinal Point’s units.

You have a dog over 35 pounds. The weight limit is firm at 35 lbs. That rules out most Labs, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Golden Retrievers. If your dog is over that limit, I can point you toward communities with higher weight limits.

You need weekend leasing office access. Cardinal Point’s office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5:30 only. Closed on weekends. If you work a standard 9-5, you’ll need to take time off to handle anything in person.

You need guaranteed parking. Parking complaints show up repeatedly in reviews. Surface lot only, spots are tight, and oversized vehicles make it worse. If you have two cars or drive a truck, this will be a daily frustration.

Wondering if Cardinal Point fits your situation?

Fill out a quick form and I’ll reach out to go over your specifics: income, credit, pets, timeline. I can check whether you’ll likely qualify before you spend time on an application. And I’ll share any current specials that might not be posted online. You’ll hear from a real person (me), not an automated system.

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Cardinal Point sits at the intersection of 2222 and FM 620 in the Four Points area of Northwest Austin. This is suburban, and it’s car dependent. The Walk Score is 40 out of 100 (the Drivability score is 90, which tells you everything). You’re not walking to much.

The nearest H-E-B is about 2.5 miles away on 620. Four Points Shopping Center is within a mile and has basic retail. The Shops at Riverplace and River Place Plaza are both under a mile. Lakeline Mall is about 8 miles north. For dining, you’re looking at chains along 620: Starbucks, fast food, and a few local spots. Alamo Drafthouse on 620 is a resident favorite for movies.

The parks are a plus. Anderson Mill Park and Brushy Creek Trail are close. Lake Travis is about 15 minutes away. Concordia University Texas is 2.5 miles from the property.

Commute Math

Route notes: You’ll use FM 620 and 2222 for most destinations. Both get congested during rush hour, especially the 620/2222 intersection. MoPac is your best route downtown but backs up badly from 4-6:30 PM. If your commute involves I-35, add 15-20 minutes to any estimate during peak hours.

Neighborhood Vibe

Four Points is quiet and suburban. No walkable core, no nightlife. You drive everywhere, the streets are calm at night, and your neighbors are a mix of renters and homeowners.

I’ll be straight about this location: it’s not convenient to central Austin. You’re 18 miles from downtown, and rush hour can turn a 25 minute drive into an hour. If your job or social life centers on downtown or South Austin, this commute will wear you down. But if you work in Cedar Park, the Domain area, or Northwest Austin tech offices, Cardinal Point’s location makes a lot more sense.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

Why the price range on each floor plan? It depends on the unit’s income tier: 30%, 50%, or 60% AMI. A 1BR at $1,050 is a 30% AMI unit. The same 1BR floor plan at $1,310 is a 60% AMI unit. You don’t get to choose your price point. It depends on what’s available and what you earn.

Net Effective Rent Calculation

Foundation Communities’ own website confirms the current special: 2 months free plus a waived application fee. Some listing sites show different numbers, but I’m going with what the property itself is advertising. Here’s what the math looks like on a 1BR at $1,310 (60% AMI):

Using the daily multiplier method on a 12 month lease:

• Base rent: $1,310/month
• Free rent: 2 months (60 days)
• Lease term: 365 days
• Daily multiplier: (365 – 60) / 365 = 0.8356
• Net effective rent: $1,310 x 0.8356 = $1,095/month
• Monthly savings: $215/month

Even without the special, the tax credit pricing is already well below market. I track Austin’s new apartment construction pipeline separately if you want to see how pricing is shaping up across the city.

All the Fees

The fees here are about as low as you’ll find anywhere in Austin. No admin fee. No monthly pet rent. And with the current special, no application fee either. Security deposits of $150-$250 are way less than what market rate properties charge (typically $300-$1,500).

True Monthly Cost: 1BR Scenario

Here’s what you’d actually pay each month for a 1BR at the 50% AMI price point:

• Base rent: $1,050
• Mandatory monthly fees: $0 (cable, gas, water, trash, pest control all included)
• Pet rent: $0
• Renter’s insurance: ~$15-$20 (required at most properties)
• Electric: ~$50-$80 (the only utility you pay)
• Estimated true monthly cost: $1,115-$1,150

Move-in costs for this same unit: $0 app fee (waived) + $150 security deposit + $300 pet deposit (if applicable) + first month’s rent = roughly $1,200-$1,500 out of pocket at signing.

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of July 2026. I talk to leasing teams weekly, and offers shift.

Want to know what specials are actually available right now?

I check pricing with leasing offices directly, not just what’s posted online. Tax credit properties sometimes have specials that aren’t advertised on listing sites. Fill out the form and I’ll get you current numbers.

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Screening Criteria

This is where Cardinal Point stops looking like a normal apartment. Tax credit screening has its own rules, and most listing sites won’t walk you through them.

Income Requirements

Cardinal Point uses a 2.5x rent multiplier for most applicants. If you receive Social Security, disability, or retirement income, it drops to 2x rent.

The 2.5x multiplier is better than the standard 3x at most Austin properties. On a $1,050 unit, you need $2,625/month instead of $3,150. That’s $525/month less you need to earn.

But here’s the part that trips people up: you also can’t earn too much. The feds set income caps based on how many people live in your household and which tier the unit falls under. For a 30% AMI unit, a single person’s income might cap around $24,000/year. For a 60% AMI unit, the cap is higher. Call the leasing office at (512) 381-4599 for the exact numbers for your situation.

Credit and Rental History

Foundation Communities runs a credit check but doesn’t publish a minimum score. From the tenant selection criteria:

• They check your credit to make sure your application info matches
• Any money you owe a former landlord will get checked
• They’ll check your rental history going back 2 years

What gets you denied:

• More than 3 evictions, skips, or broken leases: automatic denial
• Bad history at any Foundation Communities property: automatic denial (eviction, skip, asked to move, owed money, or nonrenewal)
• Lying on your application: automatic denial
• Felonies within the lookback window (depends on the offense; see below)
• Rental damages over $1,000: they’ll look at it on a case by case basis
• Self-employment income that can’t be documented: denial

Criminal History Lookback

Foundation Communities puts their criminal history criteria in writing, which is more than most apartments do.

• Assault, robbery, domestic violence (felony): 5 year lookback
• Drug possession (felony): 5 year lookback
• Intentional homicide, manslaughter, arson, sex offenses, kidnapping: lifetime denial
• Most felonies: 5 year lookback
• Most misdemeanors: 3 year lookback
• 3 or more felony convictions total: denial regardless of age

Most market rate places just say “background check required” and leave it at that.

Application Process

1. Pick up or request an application (in person, by email, US mail, or fax)
2. Turn in the application with all required documents: 2 months of pay stubs, ID, Social Security card or Tax ID
3. Screening usually takes 3-5 business days, though one Google reviewer waited 35+ days
4. If approved, sign a lease (6 to 12 month terms available, per ForRent)
5. Pay security deposit at move in

Fair warning: co-signers are not accepted. If your income doesn’t hit 2.5x rent on its own (or combined with everyone else on the lease), you can’t bring someone else onto the application to make up the difference.

What separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend time gathering documents and waiting weeks for an answer. If Cardinal Point’s screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility. If you’re looking at income restricted housing specifically, I can walk you through how tax credit apartments work across Austin.

Resident Reviews Decoded

Review Pattern Analysis

I went through 37 Google reviews and 5 on ForRent/Apartments.com. Birdeye aggregates a 3.7 across 38 reviews. Yelp has a listing but nothing useful. ApartmentRatings doesn’t have a page for this property. That’s a thin pool for 120 units, so take any single complaint with a grain of salt. But when the same issue shows up across platforms, pay attention.

What Residents Consistently Praise

Staff members get named across multiple platforms. On Google, maintenance technicians Rabah and Jeremiah get called out specifically. One resident on their second lease praised both techs for being responsive and friendly. On ForRent/Apartments.com, Kathy and Jasmine get the same kind of praise for quick responses and keeping the property well maintained. That’s four employees earning shoutouts across two different platforms over different time periods. Not a fluke. That’s a team that takes the work seriously.

Foundation Communities’ support services show up in reviews too. The property has an onsite food pantry (Central Texas Food Bank distributes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays), a free Learning Center with after-school and summer programs, and case management staff. One reviewer said Foundation Communities is the reason they’re in a stable situation today. You won’t find any of that at a regular apartment complex.

The 2021 winter storm response stands out on both Google and ForRent. Staff worked on days off, checked on residents, brought hot meals, filled pantries, scraped ice from vehicles, and set up portable restrooms during the power and water outages. That review on ForRent is one of the most upvoted for the property. That tells you something about the people running this place.

What Residents Consistently Criticize

Parking is the most common complaint. Not enough spots, spaces that are too small for trucks and SUVs, people parking in handicap spots without placards, and double parking. With 120 units sharing a surface lot, this problem isn’t going away. If you have two vehicles, this will be a real daily headache.

Pest control is the complaint that worries me most. One detailed review describes a roach infestation that spread from a neighboring unit, with six service requests over their final year and not much to show for it. The resident says management was slow to act until after they moved out. Foundation Communities includes pest control in the rent, so that’s their job to handle. Not yours.

Staff turnover and management changes show up in multiple reviews. One resident mentions the front office staff changed while they were living there, which slowed things down. Another describes going through multiple case managers before finding a good one. The current onsite manager is James Turner Carpenter.

One bad experience on ForRent from 2020 describes a resident who gave 2 months’ notice, came home to changed locks, received no eviction notice, and didn’t get their deposit back. That review has 14 upvotes, so it clearly hit a nerve with other readers. It’s a single review and may reflect circumstances we don’t know about. But it’s the kind of thing worth asking the leasing office about directly: what’s the move-out process, and what are the deposit return timelines?

How Management Responds

Management responds to Google reviews, usually within a week or two. Some responses are clearly templated (“We value your feedback”), others feel more personal. The pest control response addressed the concern directly. They don’t reply to every review, but they respond to most of the detailed ones.

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 Application Process Can Be Painfully Slow

One Google reviewer waited over 35 days for a leasing application response, with multiple unanswered phone calls and a lot of back and forth paperwork. Tax credit applications require income verification documents that regular apartments don’t ask for: pay stubs, tax returns, proof of assets, child support records, and student enrollment info. The process is more like applying for a government program than signing an apartment lease. Budget several weeks, not several days.

The 35 lb Pet Weight Limit Cuts Out Most Dogs

Thirty-five pounds rules out most popular dog breeds. If your dog is a medium breed that weighs 40 lbs on the vet scale, you’re out. And breed restrictions apply on top of the weight limit. The $0 monthly pet rent is nice, but it doesn’t matter if your pet doesn’t qualify in the first place.

The Parking Situation Is a Real Problem

120 units sharing a surface lot with no reserved spots is a recipe for frustration. Reviews mention trucks and SUVs in compact spaces, people using handicap spots illegally, and not enough spots to go around. This isn’t going to improve unless the property adds parking, and the lot layout doesn’t support that. If you work odd hours and come home late, expect to park far from your unit.

Income Recertification Is Annual

At a tax credit property, you don’t just qualify once and forget about it. They recheck your income every year. If your income goes above the cap during your lease, your rent could jump to a higher tier or you might need to move. So if your pay goes up and down or you’re expecting a raise, keep that in mind. That’s one of those things about tax credit housing that nobody tells you about until you’re already living there.

Ask About the Move-Out Process Before You Sign

One ForRent review from 2020 describes a resident who gave proper 2 month notice, came home to find their locks changed, and never got their deposit back. That review has 14 upvotes. It could be an isolated incident or a misunderstanding. But it’s concerning enough that I’d ask the leasing office directly: what’s the exact move-out procedure, when do they return deposits, and why would locks ever get changed while someone’s still living there? Get those answers before you sign.

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

You’ve seen the full picture now. If Cardinal Point looks like the right fit, I can help you get through the application process and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. If the income limits don’t work or the pet policy is a dealbreaker, I know other communities in Northwest Austin that might fit better.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cardinal Point allow pets?

Yes. Two pets max, 35 lb weight limit per pet, $300 deposit per pet, $0 monthly pet rent. Dogs must be at least one year old and housebroken. Breed restrictions apply. No pet screening required.

What credit score do I need for Cardinal Point?

Foundation Communities doesn’t publish a credit score minimum. They run a credit check to make sure your application lines up, and they look for any money owed to previous landlords. No published hard cutoff.

What utilities are included at Cardinal Point?

Cable, gas, water, trash, and pest control are all included in the rent. You pay for electricity only.

What is the income limit for Cardinal Point?

It depends on your household size and which unit tier you’re applying for (30%, 50%, or 60% AMI). The limits change every year. Contact the leasing office at (512) 381-4599 for current numbers. ForRent confirms the 60% AMI limit for a single person household is $52,920/year.

How much is the security deposit at Cardinal Point?

$150 for a one bedroom, $200 for a two bedroom, $250 for a three bedroom. These are refundable.

Does Cardinal Point accept Section 8 vouchers?

Yes. Cardinal Point accepts Section 8 vouchers. You’ll need to show monthly income of at least 2.5x your portion of the rent. If your portion is under $50/month, you need to show at least $2,500/year in income.

What school district is Cardinal Point in?

Leander ISD. The feeder pattern is River Place Elementary, Four Points Middle School, and Vandegrift High School.

Who manages Cardinal Point?

Foundation Communities, an Austin-based nonprofit that runs several income restricted properties around Austin. The onsite manager is James Turner Carpenter.

Is Cardinal Point a good location for commuting?

It depends where you work. Cedar Park and NW Austin are 10-20 minutes away. Downtown is 25-30 minutes off-peak but can stretch to an hour in rush hour.

The Bottom Line: Is Cardinal Point Worth It?

Cardinal Point delivers something rare in Austin: 2017 construction at income restricted prices, in a strong school district, with five utilities included. The $150-$250 security deposits and $0 admin fee make it one of the cheapest properties to move into in the entire metro. And Foundation Communities throws in things you’d never get at a market rate place: a food pantry, a free Learning Center for kids, and case management staff.

But the trade-offs are real. The application process takes longer and needs more paperwork than a regular apartment. Income caps mean you can earn too much to qualify. The 35 lb pet limit cuts out most dog breeds. Parking is tight. And you’re 18 miles from downtown with no quick transit option.

This property makes sense if:

• Your income falls within the tax credit limits and you want newer construction
• You need to be in Leander ISD’s Four Points feeder pattern
• You have screening challenges (up to 3 prior evictions/broken leases allowed)
• You want low move-in costs and minimal monthly fees

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• Your income is too high for the available units
• You have a pet over 35 lbs
• Your job or social life is centered on downtown or South Austin
• You need guaranteed parking or have multiple vehicles

Here’s the verdict: if your income qualifies, Cardinal Point is one of the strongest tax credit options in Austin. The building is newer than 90% of the income restricted housing in the city. The location puts you in a strong school district. And the total monthly cost is hundreds below what you’d pay at the market rate property next door. The screening criteria are more flexible than most people expect.

If you want help figuring out whether Cardinal Point fits your situation, fill out the form above and I’ll text you within a few hours. If you’d rather look at similar properties without the income caps, I can do that too.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything you need to make a call on Cardinal Point. But if you want help:

Fill out the form above and I’ll text you to answer questions, check if you’ll qualify, share current specials, and walk you through next steps. You’ll talk to me directly. Not an AI phone system. I’ve placed renters at Foundation Communities properties before, and I know how their income verification works.

Going solo? Just tell them “Ross Quade from AustinApartments.com” referred you on your tour and application. Text me at 512-865-4672 when you apply so I can make sure everything stays on track.