Hillcrest Residence Apts in Oklahoma City: Mid-Range Rentals in a Walkable Central Neighborhood

Hillcrest Residence Apts is a mid-sized rental community in the Hillcrest neighborhood, roughly two miles north of downtown Oklahoma City. The property offers one and two-bedroom units in a location that trades proximity to the city center for a quieter residential setting with better access to independent shops and dining along 23rd Street.

What Hillcrest Residence Actually Is

This is a garden-style apartment complex, meaning units are spread across low-rise buildings rather than a single tower. The property sits in an established neighborhood where most residents are renters, not owner-occupants, which affects both the character of the block and the availability of long-term leases without unusual restrictions. The complex does not function as temporary or extended-stay housing; standard leases run 12 months.

Unit Types and Pricing

One-bedroom units run approximately 550 to 600 square feet. Two-bedroom units are roughly 750 to 800 square feet. Monthly rent for one-bedrooms typically falls between $750 and $850; two-bedrooms range from $950 to $1,100. These figures shift seasonally and with unit renovations, so confirm current pricing directly. Lease terms are standard 12 months. The complex requires a deposit equal to one month's rent, plus a non-refundable application fee of around $50 per applicant.

Included utilities vary by lease; confirm whether water, trash, and pest control are covered or billed separately. Most units include basic cable, though streaming service subscriptions are tenant responsibility.

How Hillcrest Compares to Other Central Oklahoma City Apartments

Hillcrest's pricing and unit size place it between economy options like those near the airport and higher-end complexes in Bricktown or Uptown. The main trade-off is neighborhood character. Bricktown apartments cost 20 to 30 percent more per month but offer walkable entertainment, dining, and nightlife within the building's immediate surroundings. Uptown complexes command similar or higher premiums and often include fitness centers and pools that Hillcrest does not. Hillcrest's advantage is affordability paired with walkability to independent coffee shops, restaurants, and a quieter residential block. Choose Hillcrest if you want central location without paying premium rates for managed amenity clusters; choose Bricktown or Uptown if you value on-site fitness facilities and a more commercial feel.

Who Hillcrest Suits and Does Not Suit

This property works well for renters who work downtown or midtown and want to avoid a 20-minute commute, young professionals who prefer neighborhood independence over resort-style amenities, and tenants comfortable with older construction in exchange for lower rent. It does not suit families seeking extensive on-site recreation, tenants who require pet-friendly policies (confirm pet restrictions before applying), or renters unwilling to use off-site laundry or storage. The neighborhood has bus service via EMBARK, but does not have bike infrastructure on every adjacent street, so car ownership or willingness to use rideshare is practical.

What the First Visit Involves

Contact the leasing office to schedule a walkthrough. Bring a valid ID and proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return). The office will show available floor plans and, if units are vacant, at least one move-in-ready model. Expect questions about employment, rental history, and references. Applications are processed within two to three business days. Once approved, you sign the lease, submit your deposit, and receive keys. Move-in typically occurs within five to seven days of lease execution, depending on turnover cleaning.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

The leasing office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday by appointment. Parking is included in rent and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; confirm whether covered or open spaces are available. Each unit gets one assigned space; additional parking is limited. The address is accessible by vehicle from 23rd Street, with drop-off loading available during move-in. Public transportation via EMBARK bus routes serves the neighborhood, though frequency is lighter than downtown-adjacent stops.

Hillcrest Residence fills a practical niche in Oklahoma City's rental market: it offers reasonable rates in a genuinely walkable neighborhood without forcing tenants to pay premium prices for amenities they may not use. For renters prioritizing location and budget over managed recreation, it deserves consideration.