Lake Stella Apartments in Oklahoma City: Mid-Range Option Near Crossroads Mall
Lake Stella Apartments is a 150-unit complex offering one- and two-bedroom floor plans in the Crossroads area of Oklahoma City, roughly two miles south of downtown near the intersection of South Santa Fe Avenue and East Reno Avenue. Built in the 1980s and renovated in phases, the property serves renters seeking affordable housing with basic amenities in an accessible location rather than new construction or luxury finishes.
What Lake Stella Apartments actually is
Lake Stella is a garden-style apartment community positioned in the moderate-price segment of Oklahoma City's rental market. The complex occupies a single landscaped lot and consists of two-story buildings arranged around parking areas. Unit types run from one-bedroom, one-bath floor plans (approximately 650 square feet) to two-bedroom, one-bath units (approximately 850 square feet). The property does not include luxury upgrades like granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, or smart-home features; instead it targets stable renters who prioritize location and affordability over finishes.
Pricing and lease terms
As of late 2024, one-bedroom units rent between $550 and $650 per month, while two-bedroom units range from $700 to $800 monthly. Lease terms are typically 12 months; shorter-term options may be available at a higher monthly rate. The standard security deposit equals one month's rent. Renters should confirm current pricing and any specials with the leasing office, as rates adjust seasonally and with market conditions. Utilities are tenant-paid. Pet policies exist but should be verified directly, as breed and weight restrictions are common at Oklahoma City apartment communities.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City options
Lake Stella occupies a middle ground between budget and mid-market apartments. Comparable alternatives include Brittany Pointe Apartments (also in the Crossroads area, similar pricing but slightly newer buildings), and the more upscale Midtown Oklahoma City options closer to Bricktown, which command $900 to $1,200 monthly for equivalent square footage. South Oklahoma City complexes near I-44 offer similar pricing to Lake Stella but often lack the proximity to retail and services that the Santa Fe corridor provides. For renters prioritizing lowest cost, budget properties like those on South Lindsay Avenue run $450 to $550 but typically offer fewer community amenities and older finishes. Choose Lake Stella if you need a balance of affordability and location; choose newer mid-market communities if you will accept higher rent for updated appliances and common areas; choose budget options only if lowest monthly payment is the sole priority.
Who Lake Stella suits and who it does not
Lake Stella works well for single professionals or small families on fixed or modest incomes, tenants with vehicles who do not require covered parking, and renters without pets or with small animals within breed policies. It does not suit those seeking luxury finishes, quiet adults-only communities, or properties with extensive amenities like fitness centers or pools. The Crossroads location is walkable to small retailers and restaurants but is not a walkable neighborhood for daily errands; a vehicle is practical.
What the first visit involves
The leasing office, located in one of the central buildings, is staffed during standard business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with Saturday hours varying). Prospective renters can tour a model unit or an available floor plan during office hours. The application process requires proof of income, usually a credit check, and landlord or professional references. Approval typically takes three to five business days. A move-in inspection documenting the unit condition protects both tenant and landlord.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The leasing office maintains standard Monday-through-Friday hours; Saturday hours should be confirmed by phone before visiting. Parking is unassigned surface lot parking included with rent, with additional guest parking available. The complex sits one block east of South Santa Fe Avenue and is accessible via Reno Avenue from downtown or via I-44 from the south. Public transit service via METRO (Oklahoma City's public transportation system) includes routes on nearby Santa Fe Avenue.
Lake Stella fills a legitimate need for stable, affordable renting in an established Oklahoma City neighborhood where location matters more than brand-new amenities.
