Zilker Place Apartments: All Utilities Included in 78704 (2026) For Rent

You’re looking at Zilker Place and you see $1,525 for a one bedroom. In the 78704 zip code. Your first thought: that’s not bad but not great either. Your second thought: what’s wrong with it?

I’ve tracked Austin rental pricing across 1,000+ properties as a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806), and here’s what stopped me when I pulled the data on this one. Every utility is included in that rent. Electric. Gas. Water. Sewer. Trash. Air conditioning. All of it.

That changes the math completely. A $1,525 rent with zero utility costs competes differently than a $1,300 apartment down the street where you’re adding $150 to $250 per month in utilities on top. And that $1,525 might not even be the real number. Redfin and Rent.com show the property running 1 to 2 months free right now, which could drop a 1BR net effective to $1,327 to $1,459 per month. Add zero utility costs to that, and here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: Zilker Place might be the cheapest total cost option in the entire Zilker neighborhood.

But there’s a catch. There’s always a catch. And at Zilker Place, the catch involves a 1976 building, a management company with mixed reviews, and a property so small (23 units) that one bad neighbor changes your entire living situation.

Quick Facts

Four reviews. Total. Across every platform. That’s not enough to tell you anything reliable. I’ll break down what those few reviews actually say, and what the lack of reviews tells you, in the reviews section below.

Best For / Skip If

This Property Makes Sense If…

You want a Zilker address without Zilker pricing. Most apartments in the Zilker neighborhood start at $1,750 or higher for a one bedroom. Fifteen15 South Lamar? $1,785. Coldwater? $2,489. Gibson Flats? $1,765. And none of those include utilities. Zilker Place at $1,525 with everything included undercuts all of them on total monthly cost.

You want utilities baked into one payment. Not having to set up electric, water, and gas accounts saves time and kills surprise bills. If your current apartment hits you with a $280 electric bill in August (which happens in Austin), you know why this matters. Your total housing cost is your rent. Period.

You prefer a small, cottage style community over a big complex. At 23 units, Zilker Place has no leasing office lobby, no resort pool, no crowded gym. No anonymous hallways either. You’ll know your neighbors. Some people want that. If you’re relocating from a big complex and want something that feels more like renting a house, this is closer to that.

You need proximity to Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and South Lamar. The property is on Bluebonnet Lane in the Zilker Heights area. Zilker Park is minutes away. Barton Springs Pool is about a mile. The South Lamar restaurant and bar corridor is walkable. If outdoor access matters more to you than a fitness center, the location does the heavy lifting.

Skip This Property If…

You need responsive management. G&B Property Management has a mixed reputation online. The one detailed Zilker Place review calls management unresponsive on safety, maintenance, and basic communication. And G&B’s company reviews on Birdeye and BBB show the same pattern: slow maintenance, security deposit disputes, communication gaps. If you need a management team that picks up the phone, this should give you pause.

You need amenities. There’s no pool. No fitness center. No package lockers. No business center. What you get is a laundry facility, a picnic area with a BBQ pit and fire pit, a cornhole setup, and a small dog run. If amenities are a priority, this isn’t your property.

You need a proven track record. Four reviews across all platforms is not enough to know what living here is really like. You’re taking a bet on limited information. If you like to know what you’re getting into before you sign, a property with 50+ reviews gives you more to work with.

You need in-unit laundry. The property has a community laundry facility. Some sources mention washer/dryer connections in units, but not every unit has them. Confirm before signing. If in-unit laundry is a deal breaker, ask about the specific unit you’d be renting.

Wondering If Zilker Place 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 if you’ll get approved before you spend money on an application, and I’ll share any current specials that might not be listed online. You’ll hear from a real person (me), not an automated system.

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Zilker Place sits on Bluebonnet Lane, a residential street in the Zilker Heights pocket of 78704. This is a legitimate Zilker address. Not a “South Lamar that’s really closer to Ben White” situation. The Walk Score is 83, which means you can handle most errands on foot. Transit Score is 45, so bus access exists but you’ll want a car for most trips.

Walking distance (under 10 minutes): Zilker Elementary School is directly across the street. The South Lamar corridor with restaurants and shops is about a half mile east. You can walk to Loro (Asian smokehouse, 2115 S Lamar), Uchi (801 S Lamar), and the shops and restaurants at Lamar Union without needing your car.

A short drive or bike ride: Barton Springs Pool is about 1 mile north. Zilker Park’s main entrance is roughly the same. The Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is just over a mile. H-E-B on South Congress at Oltorf is about 1.5 miles east. The Whole Foods flagship on North Lamar is about 2 miles north.

You’ll need to drive for: any major employer hub, grocery runs if you prefer a bigger selection, Target or big box retail along Ben White, and anything on the east side or north of the river.

Commute Math

Route notes: You’ll use South Lamar or MoPac (Loop 1) for most trips. MoPac has variable toll express lanes that can save 10 to 15 minutes during rush hour for $3 to $8 depending on traffic. South Lamar gets congested between Barton Springs Road and Riverside during evening rush. If you’re commuting north daily, budget 40+ minutes during peak hours.

Neighborhood Vibe

Zilker has been a residential neighborhood since the 1940s. It’s mostly single family homes, mature trees, and quiet streets. Bluebonnet Lane feels residential, not commercial. You’re close to the action on South Lamar but not sitting on top of it.

The trade off: during ACL Festival (October) and other Zilker Park events, traffic and parking in the neighborhood get rough. If you live here, you’ll learn to plan around those weekends. The rest of the year, it’s one of the calmest pockets in central Austin. If you want to compare commute realities across neighborhoods, our guide to Austin apartments by commute breaks it down by employer.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

The property offers studios, one bedrooms, and two bedrooms. With only 23 units, what’s available changes fast. G&B’s management site lists base rents of $1,592 to $1,731. But the property is running a concession right now, and that changes the real numbers.

*Net effective based on 1 month free on a 12 month lease. Concession terms may vary. Redfin shows net effective pricing of $1,230 for studios, $1,320-$1,445 for 1BRs, and $1,625 for 2BRs. Rent.com lists 2 months free, which would drop the net effective further. Call (737) 327-8537 to confirm the current offer.

Net Effective Rent Calculation

Here’s the math. Redfin lists Zilker Place with 1 month free as of June 2026. Rent.com shows 2. The exact terms matter, so let me show both scenarios for a 1BR at $1,592 base rent on a 12 month lease:

Scenario 1: 1 month free on a 12 month lease

• Base rent: $1,592 x 12 months = $19,104
• Minus 1 month free: $19,104 – $1,592 = $17,512
• Divided by 12 months = $1,459/month net effective
• Monthly savings: $133

Scenario 2: 2 months free on a 12 month lease

• Base rent: $1,592 x 12 months = $19,104
• Minus 2 months free: $19,104 – $3,184 = $15,920
• Divided by 12 months = $1,327/month net effective
• Monthly savings: $265

If you get 2 months free, a 1BR at Zilker Place with all utilities included drops to $1,327 per month with zero utility costs. That’s less than most studios in the Zilker neighborhood. Here’s the thing: Redfin consistently shows 1 month free across multiple snapshots. Rent.com shows 2 months free. It might depend on which unit you’re looking at or when you sign. Call and ask what’s on the table right now.

If you want to see how net effective rent works across Austin properties, our pricing guide breaks down the full math.

What All Utilities Included Actually Saves You

So that’s the concession math. But the concession isn’t the only thing working in your favor here. Every utility is included in the rent. Electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, air conditioning. All of it.

Average Austin utility costs for a 1BR apartment (monthly):

• Electric: $80 to $180 (higher in summer)
• Water/sewer: $40 to $60
• Gas: $20 to $40
• Trash: $15 to $30 (valet trash at many complexes)
• Total: $155 to $310/month

The comparison (using 1 month free net effective):

Put the concession and utilities together and Zilker Place beats nearby Class B properties on total monthly cost. And it’s in the Zilker neighborhood, not off Ben White or down Manchaca. That combination is rare.

Fee Breakdown

The application fee is confirmed at $100 from G&B’s own site. The pet fees are a mess across sources. The locator database shows $150 deposit + $150 non-refundable + $15/month rent. ApartmentRatings user data shows $400 + $10/month. That kind of discrepancy usually means the policy changed when management changed. Call (737) 327-8537 and ask what the pet fees actually are before you apply.

True Monthly Cost: Realistic Scenario

A single renter in a 1BR with one dog (using 1 month free net effective):

Move-in costs (estimated):

• First month’s rent: $1,592 (you pay full rent; the free month applies later or is prorated)
• Security deposit: $500 to $1,000
• Application fee: $100
• Admin fee: likely $0
• Pet deposit + pet fee: ~$300
• Total move-in: $2,492 to $2,992

Want to Know What Specials Are Actually Available Right Now?

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of June 2026, but I talk to leasing teams regularly and offers shift. Fill out the form and I’ll get you the current numbers.

Screening Criteria

Income Requirement: 2.5x Monthly Rent

G&B puts it right on their website: “Typically we require applicants to make 2.5x the monthly rent in income and have a credit score of at least 650+.” That 2.5x multiplier is lower than the 3x standard at most Austin apartments. Here’s what it means in real dollars:

At a 3x income property, that same $1,592 one bedroom would require $4,776/month ($57,312 annually). The 2.5x multiplier saves about $800/month in required income. That’s the difference between qualifying and getting denied for a lot of people.

Credit Score: 650+ Minimum

G&B states 650+ as their standard. So here’s what that looks like in practice:

• 650+: Meets the stated minimum. Standard deposit ($500). Smooth processing.
• 620 to 649: Below the stated requirement. G&B says they accept cosigners, so this may still work if you have one.
• Below 620: You’ll need a cosigner. G&B’s FAQ confirms cosigners must also meet income and credit requirements.
• Below 580: Likely denied even with a cosigner. Properties with a 650 minimum rarely flex below 580.

The 650 minimum puts Zilker Place in Class B screening territory. That makes sense given the renovated interiors and Zilker location, even though the building itself is from 1976.

What Gets You Denied

G&B doesn’t publish specific denial triggers, but based on what I know about their criteria, here’s what will probably get you declined:

• Credit below 650 without a qualifying cosigner
• Income below 2.5x the monthly rent
• Active eviction on record
• Unpaid property debt showing on rental history
• Failed background check (specifics not published)
• Negative rental references from prior landlords

Application Process

G&B processes applications within 48 to 72 hours. The leasing office is at 900 W 29th St, Austin, TX 78705. That’s not on-site at Zilker Place. It’s G&B’s main office near the North Campus area. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, by appointment only. Email info@gbatx.com for the fastest response.

The application fee is $100 and you won’t get it back if you’re denied. Cosigners must submit a separate application. Renter’s insurance is required before move in.

Why a Locator Matters Here

The 650 credit minimum and 2.5x income requirement are clear, but what’s not clear is how G&B handles edge cases: cosigner requirements, background check thresholds, whether there’s any wiggle room on that 650 number. I can call their team directly, get answers on those specifics, and tell you your approval odds before you spend $100 on an application. If your credit is below 650 or you have background concerns, our second chance apartments page covers which Austin properties are more flexible.

Resident Reviews Decoded

The Reality: Almost No Data

Let’s be direct about this. I searched every major review platform. Here’s the full picture:

Total: 4 reviews across all platforms. 1 with usable text.

I can’t do the pattern analysis I normally do. There are no patterns with 4 reviews. What I can do is break down what those few reviews say and tell you what I found about G&B as a company.

The One Review That Matters

The most detailed review is from ApartmentRatings (February 2025, rated 1.7 out of 5). A resident who lived there from 2024 to 2025 wrote that they initially loved the property for the first four months. Then a new tenant moved in who, according to the review, repeatedly threatened other residents, played loud music at all hours, and let dogs roam off leash.

Management was unresponsive to safety complaints. Trash went uncollected for a month despite a $50 monthly charge for the service. Pest control was nonexistent. The review ends bluntly: the property is “completely mismanaged and unsafe.”

What about the second ApartmentRatings review? It doesn’t surface in search results, but I can do the math. With a 3.3 average across 2 reviews and the first at 1.7, the second must rate around 4.9 to 5.0. So someone had a much better time. That’s the frustrating thing about a 4 review sample: one good and one bad tells you almost nothing about what your experience will be.

The two Google reviews (1.0 average) have no visible text. Both are 1 star. Without review text, I can’t tell you what those reviewers were reacting to.

G&B’s Broader Reputation

G&B Property Management manages 800 to 1,100+ units across Austin and San Antonio. Their reviews as a company are mixed. Birdeye has 477 reviews. The Chamber of Commerce listing shows a 3.6 average from 195. G&B isn’t accredited with the BBB, and that profile includes complaints about security deposits taking months to return and unit problems that never got fixed.

The pattern across G&B reviews at other properties comes down to communication. Slow response to maintenance requests. Difficulty reaching someone by phone or through the portal. Disputes over charges at move out. None of that is unique to Zilker Place, but it tells you what to watch for.

Management response pattern at Zilker Place: The ApartmentRatings listing is unclaimed. That means G&B hasn’t responded to reviews there. That tells you something. Properties that care about their reputation claim their listings and respond.

So What Do You Do With This?

You’re working with limited information. The neighborhood is solid. The Zilker Heights pocket is desirable. But the management side is a question mark. If you tour and like the unit, ask pointed questions about maintenance response times, how they handle neighbor disputes, and who to contact for emergencies. Get answers in writing if you can.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section.

You’re Betting on a Management Company With a Mixed Track Record

G&B Property Management is a small, local company. That can be good (they’re not a faceless national corporation) or bad (smaller teams mean fewer resources). Their reviews across other properties are mixed too. Maintenance delays and communication problems show up at multiple G&B properties, not just Zilker Place. If you need a management team that responds within 24 hours to non-emergency requests, this probably isn’t it.

23 Units Means One Bad Neighbor Changes Everything

At a 300 unit complex, a loud neighbor is an annoyance. At a 23 unit cottage-style property, a disruptive neighbor affects everyone. The one detailed Zilker Place review describes exactly this: a single tenant allegedly threatened other residents with weapons, and management didn’t step in. Small properties amplify both the good (community feel, quiet streets, knowing your neighbors) and the bad (conflict, noise, parking disputes). That’s the trade off you’re signing up for.

1976 Construction Has Consequences

The building is almost 50 years old. Renovations gave the interiors updated finishes: quartz counters, stainless appliances, vinyl plank floors. But the bones are still from 1976.

That means thinner walls than newer construction, older plumbing and electrical systems, and the kind of maintenance issues that come with aging buildings. The renovations addressed the surfaces. They didn’t replace the plumbing, the insulation, or the structural framing.

If you’re comparing this to a 2012 or 2020 build, adjust your expectations for sound and energy efficiency. Having all utilities included actually protects you from surprise costs. But that setup exists partly because utility expenses are harder to predict in older buildings.

Before You Apply, Let Me Check the Details

I can verify the current screening criteria, confirm the pet policy, and tell you what’s actually available before you spend $100 on an application you can’t get back. Takes about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are utilities included at Zilker Place?

Yes. All utilities are included in the rent: electric, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, and air conditioning. That’s the biggest reason people look at this property over other options in the Zilker neighborhood.

Does Zilker Place allow pets?

Pets are allowed, 2 max. The weight limit is where it gets confusing. My locator database says no weight limit. Another listing site shows 35 pounds. Call (737) 327-8537 to confirm the current policy before applying.

What school district is Zilker Place in?

Austin ISD. The zoned schools are Zilker Elementary (directly across the street), O Henry Middle School, and Austin High School.

Is there a pool or gym at Zilker Place?

No. The property has a picnic area with BBQ and fire pit, a cornhole setup, a small dog run, and community laundry. No pool, no fitness center, no business center. The South Austin apartments page lists nearby properties with those amenities if that’s a priority.

How does Zilker Place compare to other apartments nearby?

It’s cheaper on total monthly cost than most Zilker-area competitors because utilities are included. Pathways at Goodrich Place (0.2 miles away) starts around $1,061 but you’ll pay utilities on top. Fifteen15 South Lamar (0.6 miles) starts at $1,785 before concessions and utilities. The trade off is that Zilker Place is a 1976 building with minimal amenities and a small management company.

Who manages Zilker Place?

G&B Property Management (Gordon & Bilyeu), a local Austin company founded in 2015. They manage 800 to 1,100+ units across Austin and San Antonio. Main office: 900 W 29th St, Austin, TX 78705.

Is Zilker Place a large apartment complex?

No. It’s 23 units across 2 stories in a cottage/house layout. No gated entry, no concierge, no elevator. Feels more like renting a small house than living in a traditional complex.

What’s the lease length at Zilker Place?

6 to 12 month leases available.

The Bottom Line

Zilker Place has a real advantage: a Zilker neighborhood address with all utilities included and an active concession that drops the net effective rent into the $1,300 to $1,460 range for a one bedroom. Zero utility costs on top of that. Add it up and it undercuts everything else in the zip code.

The trade off is clear. You’re renting in a 1976 building with 23 units, minimal amenities, and a management company that has inconsistent reviews. Almost no review history to go on. You’re betting on the location and the utility math, not on how well the property is run.

This property makes sense if you want a Zilker address on a tighter budget, you value included utilities and predictable monthly costs, you prefer a small cottage community over a large complex, and you’re comfortable with a management company that may be slower to respond.

This property doesn’t make sense if you need a strong management response, want amenities like a pool or gym, need extensive review data before committing, or are sensitive to the noise and maintenance realities of a building from the mid 1970s.

Here’s what I tell clients: the location and utility math are the strongest reasons to consider Zilker Place. The management uncertainty is the strongest reason to hesitate. If you do tour, ask direct questions about their response process and get specifics in writing.

Need Help?

Work With Me

My service is free. I’m paid a referral fee from the property’s advertising budget, not from your pocket. I can verify the current screening criteria at Zilker Place, confirm the pet policy, check for any specials that aren’t listed online, and tell you your approval odds before you apply. If Zilker Place isn’t the right fit, I’ll find properties in the same area that match your budget, pets, and timeline.

Text me at 512-360-0852

Go Solo

If you’d rather handle it yourself, call the property at (737) 327-8537 or email info@gbatx.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, by appointment only. Tell them Ross Quade at AustinApartments.com referred you.