Housing & Apartments

Renting in Rowlett — every apartment complex ranked with honest reviews

Rowlett's rental market has grown significantly with new construction near Sapphire Bay and the DART station. Here's the honest breakdown.

Newer complexes (built after 2018):

  1. The Sapphire (Sapphire Bay area)

    • Built: 2022
    • Price: 1BR $1,400-1,600 / 2BR $1,800-2,200
    • Pros: Newest in Rowlett. Modern finishes. Pool is resort-quality. Walkable to Sapphire Bay boardwalk and restaurants. Maintenance is responsive.
    • Cons: Most expensive in Rowlett. Thin walls — you will hear your neighbors. Parking garage fills up by 8pm on weekends (visitors competing with residents).
    • Rating: 4.2/5 (Google)
  2. Station at Rowlett (near DART station)

    • Built: 2019
    • Price: 1BR $1,250-1,450 / 2BR $1,600-1,900
    • Pros: Walking distance to DART Blue Line. If you commute to downtown, this is the play. Good gym. Responsive management.
    • Cons: Train noise is noticeable in units facing the tracks. Not as much nearby retail/dining as Sapphire Bay area.
    • Rating: 4.0/5 (Google)

Mid-range complexes:

  1. Villas at Rowlett Creek

    • Price: 1BR $1,100-1,300 / 2BR $1,400-1,650
    • Pros: Quiet location near Rowlett Creek. Good value for the size. Pool is decent. No train noise.
    • Cons: Older appliances in some units. Management turnover has led to inconsistent maintenance response times. Some residents report pest issues in ground-floor units.
    • Rating: 3.7/5 (Google)
  2. Lakeview Apartments (Lakeview Pkwy area)

    • Price: 1BR $1,050-1,250 / 2BR $1,300-1,550
    • Pros: Central Rowlett location. Close to Kroger, restaurants, and 66/PGBT access. Affordable for the area.
    • Cons: Dated interiors. Pool is small. Parking lot is poorly lit at night. Some reviews mention slow maintenance.
    • Rating: 3.4/5 (Google)

Budget options:

  1. Older complexes along 66 corridor
    • Price: 1BR $850-1,050 / 2BR $1,100-1,300
    • Pros: Cheapest rent in Rowlett. Month-to-month leases sometimes available.
    • Cons: Older construction, less maintained, some have pest/mold issues reported in reviews. Read Google reviews carefully before signing.
    • Rating: Varies widely, 2.5-3.5/5

What to know about renting in Rowlett:

  • Average rent has increased 22% since 2021. Source: Apartments.com
  • Most complexes require proof of income (3x rent) and credit check
  • Pet deposits are typically $300-500 with $25-50/month pet rent
  • Renter's insurance is required at most complexes ($15-25/month through most providers)

Renter's rights in Texas:

  • Security deposit must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions. See my Texas law post for details.
  • Landlord must make repairs within a "reasonable time" after written notice. Texas Property Code Section 92.052.
  • You can terminate a lease for uninhabitable conditions (no AC in Texas summer = uninhabitable).

Sources:

  • Apartments.com — Rowlett, TX listings and pricing
  • Google Reviews (50+ reviews per complex)
  • Texas Property Code Chapter 92
  • Personal apartment shopping in Rowlett, March 2026
Community ReportAutomatedSource: Community ReportPublished: Apr 4, 2026, 5:24 AM

5 Comments

The Sapphire is nice but $1,500 for a 1BR in ROWLETT is wild. Three years ago that got you a 2BR anywhere in east DFW. The Sapphire Bay premium is real.

Station at Rowlett is worth it if you use the DART. I walk to the train every morning. No car payment, no gas, no parking downtown. The train noise is real but you get used to it in a week. Earplugs if you're sensitive.

u/budget_dfw·

Renter's insurance through Lemonade is $12/month and covers everything. Every landlord in Rowlett requires it now. Just get it.

Ground floor at Villas at Rowlett Creek — don't do it. We had roaches within 3 months despite being clean. Pest control came 4 times. We moved to a second-floor unit and the problem vanished.

For anyone on a budget: the older complexes on 66 aren't all bad. I lived in one for 2 years while saving for a house. $950 for a 1BR, no major issues. Just tour the specific unit before signing and check for water damage, pests, and working AC.