Chesapeake Apartments Austin Review: $749 Rent in 78750 With 6 Weeks Free (Honest Review)

A one bedroom in Northwest Austin’s 78750 zip code for under $800 a month. That number makes people stop scrolling, and I get it. I track Austin rental pricing daily, and rent starting at $749 in a zip code that feeds into Round Rock ISD is hard to find in 2026. Chesapeake Apartments at 12300 Hymeadow Dr has been on my radar for a while. Partly because of that price point. Partly because this property has been through more management changes than most renters have addresses.

Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you about Chesapeake: this is a 1984 build. It got a renovation in 1992 and cosmetic updates around 2015 (granite counters, vinyl plank flooring, stainless appliances), but the plumbing, the walls, the structure underneath are all still 40+ years old. Five of 77 Google reviewers specifically mention rats. The leasing office keeps being closed during posted hours. And the management company has changed hands multiple times in recent years, most recently when GVA Real Estate Group sold the property in December 2024.

Those are real trade-offs. But at $663 to $707 a month net effective rent after the current special, they might be trade-offs worth making, depending on your situation. That’s what this review is about.

Quick Facts: Chesapeake Apartments

The 3.4 Google rating tells part of the story. What’s more telling? Twenty-five of those 77 reviews specifically tag “new management.” About a year ago, the reviews turned positive as a new team settled in. But the most recent ones from the past month or two have turned negative again, with complaints about the office being closed and unreachable. I’ll break down what that pattern looks like below.

Best For

You’re on a tight budget and need to stay in Northwest Austin. Starting at $749 for a one bedroom, Chesapeake is one of the cheapest options in the 78750 zip code. For context, the average one bedroom in Northwest Austin runs around $1,165 according to Apartments.com. That’s $416 a month less. And with the current 6 weeks free special, your net effective rent drops to $663. If you’re earning $13-15 an hour and trying to keep rent under 30% of your income, the math here works where most other places in this area don’t.

You’ve been denied at other properties. One Google reviewer specifically mentioned being denied at two other communities before getting approved at Chesapeake. That tells me something about how the screening works here. If you’re dealing with credit issues or a thin rental history, this property is worth a conversation. Not sure where you stand? Reach out to me first and I can tell you whether your profile matches before you spend money on an application.

You need Round Rock ISD schools on a budget. Chesapeake feeds into Anderson Mill Elementary, Grisham Middle School (rated 8/10 on GreatSchools), and Westwood High School (rated 9/10). Westwood High is literally across the street. Finding rent under $900 in a Westwood High attendance zone is rare, and that alone makes this property worth looking at if school access matters to your situation.

You need a short lease. Chesapeake offers 6 to 12 month lease terms, which gives you options if you’re in between things and don’t want to lock into a full year.

Skip If

Pest issues are a dealbreaker for you. I’m going to be direct about this. Multiple Google reviews describe rats in the roofing, walls, and storage closets, plus ongoing roach problems. One resident posted video evidence. Another said pest control was never sent out despite showing management the problem. If you have a low tolerance for pests, this property is a hard no.

You need a responsive leasing office. Two of the most recent reviews (within the last month) describe showing up to a closed office during posted hours with no sign on the door, no cancellation notice, and no one answering the phone. That’s a pattern, not a one time thing.

You need modern finishes or reliable infrastructure. This is a 1984 building. The cosmetic updates around 2015 gave units granite counters and vinyl plank flooring, but the walls, plumbing, and structure are still 40+ years old. ApartmentRatings reviewers specifically call out hearing neighbors through the walls and mold. If you’re sensitive to noise from neighbors above you, this building’s construction doesn’t do you any favors.

Ready to See If Chesapeake Fits Your Situation?

I can tell you whether your profile matches this property’s screening before you spend money on an application. If it doesn’t, I know which nearby properties in the 78750 area will work better.

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Chesapeake sits on Hymeadow Drive, tucked into a residential pocket right off US-183 in the Village at Anderson Mill area. You need a car here (Walk Score: 50, Transit Score: 10), but most of what you need day to day is a short drive.

Your closest grocery options are Randalls on Cypress Creek Road (about 3 miles) and H-E-B on Parmer Lane (about 3.5 miles). Lakeline Mall is roughly 1.5 miles north along 183, with JCPenney and the other big stores. Westwood High School is directly across the street on Mellow Meadow Drive, and Spicewood Center shopping plaza is a 10 minute walk at 0.6 miles.

The Austin Aquarium is nearby on 183, and you can get to the Greenbelt trails in about 10 minutes by car. If you need a hospital, Seton Northwest is about 4.5 miles away (roughly 9 minutes).

Commute Math

The 183 commute south toward downtown is painful during rush hour. I’m talking 45 to 55 minutes if you’re heading into the city between 7 and 9 AM. Going north toward Cedar Park or Georgetown? Much easier. And if you work at Apple, Dell, or any of the tech campuses along Parmer Lane, you’re looking at 15 to 25 minutes.

Neighborhood Vibe

This stretch of Hymeadow Drive is quiet and residential. It’s not flashy. It’s not walkable in the way that South Lamar or East Austin would be, and there’s no nightlife within walking distance.

What it is: affordable, near good schools, and right off 183 for getting places by car. The area around Anderson Mill and Spicewood Springs has a settled, suburban feel. You’re not going to hear live music drifting through your window, but you’re also not going to deal with 6th Street traffic at 2 AM. If you just want a quiet place to sleep and easy access to schools and errands, the location works.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

Net Effective Rent Calculation

The current special is 6 weeks free on a 12 month lease. Here’s how the math works using the daily multiplier method:

1BR at $749/mo (lowest listed price):

• Lease term: 12 months = 365 days
• Free rent: 6 weeks = 42 days
• Multiplier: (365 – 42) / 365 = 0.8849
• Net effective rent: $749 × 0.8849 = $663/mo
• Monthly savings: $749 – $663 = $86/mo
• Total savings over 12 months: $1,032

1BR at $799/mo (some units run a bit more):

• Net effective rent: $799 × 0.8849 = $707/mo
• Monthly savings: $92/mo

2BR/1BA at $870/mo:

• Net effective rent: $870 × 0.8849 = $770/mo
• Monthly savings: $100/mo

One thing to know: the income requirement uses the base rent ($749, $799, or $870), not the net effective. At 3x rent, you need $2,247/mo gross income for the 1BR at $749 or $2,610/mo for the 2BR/1BA.

Fee Breakdown

Required Fees (Everyone Pays):

Optional Fees (If Applicable):

True Monthly Cost Scenario

A renter in the 1BR at $749 with the current special, including laundry:

• Net effective rent: $663
• Utilities (electric, water, internet estimate): $150-200
• Laundry (2 loads/week at $4.50/load): $36
• True monthly cost: $849 – $899

Without the special, that same renter pays $935 to $985 per month all in. Still one of the cheapest setups in the 78750 zip code, but the gap between the advertised $749 and reality is worth knowing.

Want to Compare This Property’s True Cost to Nearby Options?

I track pricing across every property in Northwest Austin. I can show you how Chesapeake stacks up against Lantern, Meadows at Anderson Mill, Toscana, and other options within a mile, including which ones have better specials right now.

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Screening Criteria

Income Requirement

The 3x income requirement is standard for Austin. At $12.96 an hour, the 1BR at $749 is within reach if you’re working full time in food service, retail, or warehouse jobs around Austin.

If you’re a couple splitting the 2BR/1BA, each person needs to earn about $7.53 an hour to meet the 3x combined. That makes it one of the more affordable two bedroom options in the area for roommates or couples.

Credit Expectations

The property hasn’t published a credit score minimum in any of the sources I checked. But look at the picture: 1984 build, budget pricing, and at least one reviewer got approved here after being denied at two other properties. That tells me Chesapeake likely works with credits in the 550 to 580 range, possibly lower if you have other things working in your favor.

Chesapeake doesn’t publish credit minimums, eviction lookback periods, or background check criteria on any listing site or on their own website. I searched every major platform and came up empty. That’s not unusual for properties in this price range, but it means you should call the leasing office at (512) 520-8686 or ask me to check before you apply.

What Gets You Denied

Without published screening criteria, I can only go by what’s typical for budget properties managed by smaller companies in Austin:

• Active property debt (money owed to a previous landlord) is usually an automatic decline
• Evictions within the past 2 years are harder to work around, though this property may do individual review
• Violent felonies within 5 years typically get declined at properties in this price range
• Not enough income (below 3x rent) without a cosigner or third party guarantee

Application Process

The standard process is: apply, screening runs, decision within 2 to 5 business days, then move in scheduling. I couldn’t find the application fee listed anywhere online, so check with the leasing office before applying.

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can tell you whether your income, credit, and rental history are likely to pass Chesapeake’s screening before you spend money finding out. If Chesapeake looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby communities have more flexibility.

Resident Reviews Decoded

Pattern Analysis

What Residents Praise

Staff gets the most consistent praise. Ashley’s name shows up in at least seven reviews, usually with words like “amazing” and “went above and beyond.” Diego, Imani, and Charlotte also get called out by name across multiple reviews. One resident described Diego letting them walk the apartment at their own pace and writing down what would be repaired before move in. Another said Ashley helped them get their first apartment and later helped them transfer to a larger unit.

The leasing process also gets positive marks, particularly from renters who had trouble elsewhere. One reviewer wrote that after being denied at two other places, Ashley and the team “worked their absolute hardest” to get her approved. That’s a good sign for anyone with a rough rental history.

What Residents Criticize

The pest reviews are specific and hard to ignore, and they show up across platforms. On Google, one resident posted video of rats and said management never sent pest control despite being shown the problem directly. Another described rats in the roofing, walls, and storage closets, plus roaches that pest control couldn’t get rid of.

On ApartmentRatings, one reviewer wrote in all caps about roaches, saying they “tried to reason with management but that was a JOKE.” How management handles the pest complaints depends on who you talk to. In one case they claimed a pest inspection was scheduled and found no signs. The resident tells a completely different story.

ApartmentRatings pulls up patterns that don’t show as clearly on Google. Mold gets mentioned alongside the pest issues. Noise is another one. Thin walls and ceilings show up across multiple reviews, with one resident describing upstairs neighbors who “sound like elephants walking around.” At least one reviewer also described a lease renewal switcheroo: they were quoted one price and lease term in the office, but the printed lease had completely different terms.

That’s a trust issue.

The most recent Google reviews (within the past month) describe an empty leasing office during posted business hours with no communication. Two different people said the same thing without knowing each other. That’s a red flag, especially when combined with the property’s history of management turnover.

On the other side, a recent Apartments.com review says the property is “experiencing a fantastic turnaround” under new management. Maintenance requests handled quickly. Communication from the office called “outstanding.” That review was posted since Gordon & Bilyeu took over, which is a good sign that the current team might be fixing the problems from before. Whether it sticks, we’ll see.

Management Response Pattern

Management responds to most reviews, but the responses read as templates. Positive reviews get enthusiasm (“We’re over the moon!”). Negative reviews get a standard apology and redirect to email. In at least two cases, management claimed they couldn’t verify the reviewer as a resident, which feels more defensive than helpful.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to kill the deal. I want you to know what you’re signing up for.

The Pest Problem Is Real

This isn’t one angry reviewer exaggerating. Multiple residents across different time periods describe rats in walls, roofing, and storage closets. Roach infestations that survive pest control treatments. Video evidence posted to Google reviews. And management responses that either deny the problem or claim inspections found nothing.

Why does it keep happening? In a 1984 building where the walls, plumbing, and structure are original despite cosmetic updates, there are gaps and cracks everywhere for pests to get in. That’s just what happens with buildings this old. The question isn’t whether the property has pests. It’s whether the current management is going after the problem hard enough. Based on the reviews, the answer so far is no.

You’re Betting on the Fourth (or Fifth) Management Company

Here’s something that tells the story better than any single review: Yelp has three separate closed business listings for this property. “Chesapeake Apartments” (closed). “Chesapeake by RPM Living” (closed). “Chesapeake by GVA Property” (closed). Each one is from a different management company, and each one got abandoned when the next company took over. GVA sold Chesapeake in December 2024. The current operator is Gordon & Bilyeu Property Management.

One longer term resident on Google described “2-3 years of frequent management changes” that turned the property from quiet and well kept into a mess. An ApartmentRatings reviewer mentioned a community director whose assistant manager quit because she was doing all of the director’s work.

New management can fix things, but it takes time. And this property hasn’t let any single team stick around long enough to show results. A recent Apartments.com review says the turnaround is real. I hope so. But the track record says “wait and see.”

The Leasing Office May Not Be There When You Need It

Two of the most recent Google reviews describe the office being closed during posted hours with no notice, no sign on the door, and no one answering calls. For a property where you need the leasing office for maintenance requests, package issues, and lease questions, not being able to reach anyone is a real problem.

Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Alternatives?

If Chesapeake’s price works for your budget but the issues concern you, I can show you what else is available in the same price range along the 183 corridor. There are 3 to 4 other properties within a mile that I’d compare against.

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FAQ

How much is rent at Chesapeake Apartments Austin?

One bedrooms start at $749 per month for 501 square feet, with some units priced at $799. Two bedrooms range from $870 to $1,299 depending on floor plan. With the current 6 weeks free special, net effective rent on the lowest 1BR drops to about $663 per month.

Does Chesapeake Apartments accept pets?

Most listing sites say pets are allowed with no breed or weight restrictions, max 2 pets, and a $300 non-refundable pet fee. Apartments.com is the only site that says no pets, which looks like a data error. Call the leasing office at (512) 520-8686 to confirm before applying.

What school district is Chesapeake Apartments in?

Chesapeake feeds into Round Rock ISD. The attendance zone schools are Anderson Mill Elementary, Grisham Middle School (8/10 GreatSchools), and Westwood High School (9/10 GreatSchools). Westwood High is directly across the street.

Does Chesapeake Apartments have in unit laundry?

No. There’s an on site laundry facility. Washers and dryers cost $2.25 each per reviews. Some listings mention washer/dryer hookups or units supplied in select apartments, but this varies. Confirm with the leasing office which units have hookups.

What is the income requirement at Chesapeake?

You need 3x the monthly rent in gross household income. For the 1BR at $749, that’s $2,247 per month or about $12.96 per hour at 40 hours per week.

Who manages Chesapeake Apartments?

Gordon & Bilyeu Property Management runs it now (contact: chesapeake@gbatx.com). Before them it was GVA, who sold in December 2024. Before GVA, it was RPM Living. Yelp actually has three separate closed listings for this property, each under a different management company. That tells you how often the baton has been passed here.

Is Chesapeake Apartments safe?

Five of 77 Google reviews mention safety. Some talk about broken gates and security concerns. The property is gated but reviews suggest the gates aren’t always functional. The surrounding neighborhood on Hymeadow Drive is residential and generally quiet.

Does Chesapeake offer short term leases?

Yes. Lease terms run from 6 to 12 months.

How far is Chesapeake from downtown Austin?

About 15 miles. Off peak that’s around 25 minutes. During rush hour, expect 40 to 55 minutes heading south on 183 or Mopac.

The Bottom Line

Chesapeake Apartments makes mathematical sense. Rent starting at $749 in a zip code with top rated Round Rock ISD schools, 6 weeks free bringing your effective rent to $663, and a short drive to the tech employers along Parmer Lane. You won’t find those numbers many other places in 78750.

But the math only works if you can live with the trade-offs. A 42 year old building with real pest problems. A management company that may or may not still be the same one by the time you read this. A leasing office that sometimes isn’t there when it’s supposed to be.

The staff who are there, particularly Ashley, get genuine praise from residents. And a recent review under the current management team says the turnaround is real. The building’s history says be cautious.

This property makes sense if:

• Your budget is under $900 and you need to stay in the 78750 area
• You’ve been denied elsewhere and need a property with flexible screening
• Round Rock ISD school access is a priority and you can’t afford the newer builds in the zone
• You’re looking for a short lease while you figure out a longer term plan

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• Pest issues are a hard line for you
• You need reliable communication from your leasing office
• You’re moving from a newer property and expect comparable finishes and infrastructure
• You want in unit laundry or modern common area amenities

My honest take: Chesapeake is a budget play, and it knows it. If you go in with clear eyes about what $749 buys in Austin in 2026, you won’t be surprised. If you expect a $749 apartment to feel like an $1,100 apartment, you will be.

Need Help?

Work With Me

My service is free. The apartment community pays a referral fee from their marketing budget, so your rent is the same whether you use me or apply on your own. I can screen your application against Chesapeake’s criteria, compare the true cost against nearby options, and save you from wasting money on application fees at properties that will decline you.

Go Solo

If you want to apply directly, contact Chesapeake at (512) 520-8686 or visit their website at chesapeakeapartmentsaustin.com.

Just tell them “Ross Quade from Austin Apartment Team” referred you on your tour and application. Text me at 512-360-0852 when you apply so I can make sure everything’s on track.