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):
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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)
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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:
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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)
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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:
- 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
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.