An eclectic mix of housing combined with a lively, vibrant culture and nightlife make East Austin a unique choice not replicable in any other area of the city. Historic homes, contemporary architecture, bungalows, and lofts over retail coexist in one small geographical area and is the perfect choice for someone looking for a convenient, central location that’s far from cookie cutter. Over the past decade, real estate values in East Austin – particularly in zip codes 78702 & 78721 – have steadily increased due to the renovation boom we’ve seen on virtually every street. Gentrification began in the early 1900s with architectural styles ranging from revitalized bungalows to stately, ornate Victorian homes. Newer, modern-style homes have crept their way in the last ten years giving East Austin a full range of distinctive architecture. Scroll Down to Read our East Austin Neighborhood Guide.
East Austin Homes for Sale
East Austin Neighborhood Map
We are defining East Austin as the area bordered by 290 to the north, 35 to the west, 183 to the east and 71 to the south. The map below shows some of the most popular East Austin neighborhoods. For more info, click on the shaded areas for the neighborhood name, description and link for more info Scroll Down to Check Out Our East Austin Neighborhood Guide.
East Austin Neighborhood Guide
Use the buttons below to explore our East Austin neighborhood guide. The profile next to each neighborhood is what you can expect to find as of March 2024.
What Draws Buyers to East Austin?
What draws buyers to East Austin today is very different than what drove buyers to East Austin years ago. We’ll focus on today.
If you told someone 25 years ago you lived “east of 35” they’d wonder what you were thinking. Though that stigma is still alive for long time residents, it has all but lifted for most. Over the past 20 years, East Austin has gentrified itself and became an extension of downtown Austin. There are distinct differences, however. Downtown is more corporate, with high rise office buildings and condos. East Austin is more eclectic with small business, local restaurants and low rise, if any, condos. The majority of housing in East Austin are historic or homes that are built decades ago. You are starting to see some tear down, rebuilds, so you will find new construction as well.
Those who choose East Austin do so because they are looking for a more urban setting that’s far from cookie cutter. They like the local restaurants and coffee shops, bars and established neighborhoods with character. They don’t mind bright paint colors and a street mixed with new construction and older, smaller homes. Scroll down to continue reading our East Austin neighborhood guide.
East Austin Historic Homes and Properties
East Austin is home to some of the city’s oldest residential districts. When built, these areas were outside the original city limits, but now have long been a part of Austin. As gentrification moved through East Austin some of these historic sites were destroyed. Others, like homes, businesses and churches remain today. Some charming historical sites to visit are the George Washington Carver Library, Texas State Cemetery, Tejano Walking Trail, French Legation Museum, Dedrick Hamilton House, Victory Grill, Huston-Tillotson University and Downs Field. Looking to live in an historic home? Try one of these 4 historic districts in East Austin.
East Austin Photos
Things to Do in East Austin
There are some pretty unique activities in East Austin. Travel back in time at Callahan’s General Store where you’ll find farm and western wear, clothing, gardening supplies, chickens, housewares and feed. Callahan’s has been serving the East Austin community since 1978.
If you are more interested in golf, try Morris Williams Golf Course off Manor Road or Riverside Golf Course south of the river off Riverside Drive. Both are City of Austin maintained public courses with reasonable rates. There is a driving range, putting greens and 18 holes. Morris Williams was Austin’s third golf course, built in 1964. It was recently renovated and has some beautiful Austin skyline views. Riverside Golf Course was home to the Austin Country Club for over 30 years and is known for its picturesque, historic, tree lined fairways.
For disc golf, Roy G Guerrero Disc Golf Course is one of the best courses in the city. Located off S Pleasant Valley Road at the river, the course is pretty and challenging. The only complaints seem to be that it needs better signage. But, once you play there once or twice, you’ll know how to navigate the course.
Urban Axes is another unique activity for date night or a group outing. Located off Airport Blvd just south of Bolm Road, participants can try their skills at axe throwing. There are walk in hours for small groups, leagues for people who want to get more competitive and the ability to book group and corporate events.
Austin Bouldering Project is another great spot to try your physical skills. This time with rock climbing. They have a kids course and an adult course. Both are fully padded and have different levels of skill and difficulty. It is a great place for an afternoon activity or party. There is also a small gym with all sorts of weight lifting and cardio equipment and even some group classes making it the perfect alternative for someone who wants to have a variety of fitness options.
If you’re looking for a small, urban area with a few bars and restaurants but don’t want to go downtown, Mueller is a great place to check out. It’s big enough where you can spend an evening bar hopping and eating, and small enough where you don’t have to fight the crowds or spend hours trying to find a place to park. They also have a great HEB with more food options and some walking trails if you want to explore.
Parks and Greenbelts in East Austin
Though you don’t hear much about parks and greenbelts in East Austin, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Most talk about Barton Creek Greenbelt or Bull Creek Greenbelt on the west side of town, which are both great options, but a little bit of a trek from East Austin. If you live east and want to take spend some time in nature, try these spots.
Colorado River Park Wildlife Sanctuary is my favorite of the East Austin parks and greenbelts. Located just under 183 along the Colorado River, this park is rarely ever busy. The majority of the park is heavily wooded, so you can go even on a hot day. And, at the end of the trail, you can get in the Colorado River. It’s a great place to bring dogs or just to go for a short walk. The entrance to the park from the parking area is a little steep, so you might want to enter the park closer to the 183 overpass. Then, after you’ve hiked through it, head up to the pedestrian section of the 183 overpass and watch the sunset.
If you’re looking to get in a long run or bike ride, the Lady Bird Lake Trail is a great place to go. You can enter either at Holly Shores at East Cesar Chavez and Pleasant Valley or at the Lakeshore entrance at Pleasant Valley and Lakeshore drive. There are several bridges where you can cross the water to make a shorter loop, or you can run the entire trail to MoPac and back. It’s pretty well lit and isn’t super packed. Busy, but not super packed. There is an off leash dog park on the way as well as several places to sit and enjoy the downtown or lake view.
Govalle Park is another great spot for biking, walking or taking the kids or pets to run around the park. Located off Bolm Road just east of Airport Blvd along the Boggy Creek Greenbelt, Govalle Park has a pool, playground, basketball courts, paved trails, baseball/softball field and sports field. There are also picnic tables and BBQ pits if you want to bring food. This 26 acre city park is getting an overhaul with some pool improvements, so it will soon be a nice place to relax on your down time.
Mabel Davis District Park in the southern end of East Austin is a city park with a 12,000sqft skate park, pool, basketball courts and walking trails. If you live on the northern end of East Austin, try Patterson Neighborhood Park where you’ll find an outdoor area with picnic tables, basketball and tennis court, playground and skate park.
If you live on the northern end of East Austin, check out Bartholomew District Park, a 57 acre city run park with disc golf, picnic areas and sports facilities. Mueller Lake Park is a private, 30 acre park built around a lake with walking trails, amphitheater and picnic area. Scroll down to continue reading our East Austin neighborhood guide.
Restaurants in East Austin
As development along East Cesar Chavez and Airport Blvd fills in, East Austin is becoming home to some of the city’s top rated restaurants. With everything from food trucks to casual dine in, take out and upscale sit down restaurants, you’ll find something no matter what mood you’re in. And, the majority of them are fairly easy to park or they have valet. Here are a few of our favorites.
For casual, quick eats try Veracruz All Natural Food Truck on East Cesar Chavez. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, but their breakfast tacos are some of the best in Austin. The Original New Orleans Po-Boy and Gumbo Shop on E 12th is good for Cajun fare. They are open for lunch and dinner. Patrizi’s is an excellent Italian food truck outside the Vortex Bar with housemate pasta and Italian favorites. It is located on Manor Road. For Pan-Asian, try 888 Pan Asian on Oltorf Street where they have everything from pho to pad thai and a buffet. And, they are open late night too. For a quick breakfast, try Rockstar Bagels on Rosewood Ave. Hoover’s Cooking is a great choice for your good old fashioned Southern cooking with chicken fried steak, pork ribs and sandwiches.
For something casual, but slightly more upscale, Hillside Farmacy on 11th is a popular choice for American comfort in an historic building. They also have groceries. Licha’s Cantina on East 6th is a great spot to enjoy Mexican food and margaritas on the patio. Salty Sow is a great spot for happy hour and dinner on Manor Road. They have a wide range of offerings and great drinks. Their chicken liver mousse and bread is some of the best we’ve had in Austin. Contigo is another great choice for casual, patio dining with quality food and drinks. And, if you’re in the mood for pizza, Buffalina on East Cesar Chavez is a top pick. Want to sit on a patio and overlook the water? Try Tillery Kitchen and Bar for Mediterranean inspired eats.
If you’re looking for something fancier, Jacoby’s on East Cesar Chavez serves Southern classics with farm fresh ingredients. Brunch is also one of their fan favorites. Pitchfork Pretty is another Southern inspired restaurant with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. If you’re looking for upscale Mexican inspired cuisine, try Grizzelda’s on Tillery Street. Sawyer and Co is great for your Cajun inspired retro diner with a bar and patio. Intero Restaurant on East Cesar Chavez is farm to table Italian with pasta and artisanal chocolate.
Schools in East Austin
The majority of East Austin is served by the Austin ISD and a small section on the east side of 78741 at the end of Riverside near 183 is served by the Del Valle ISD.
The highest rated elementary schools in East Austin are found in the Austin ISD. Blackshear Elementary and Allison Elementary are the highest rated on GreatSchools.org. For middle schools, Kealing Middle is the highest rated on GreatSchools.org. For high schools, Austin High is the highest rated, but only serves a small section. McCallum High is a close second and serves a bigger section of East Austin. Thanks for reading our East Austin neighborhood guide.
East Austin Sold Data – What East Austin Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in East Austin and for how much? Where can I find pictures of homes that actually sold? How many days does it take to sell a home in East Austin? How many homes are currently for sale in East Austin? What’s the median sold price in East Austin? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in East Austin? How’s the East Austin market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our East Austin Sold Data Report.
Realtors Specializing in East Austin
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are East Austin Realtors. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in East Austin, Rebecca and Raymond know the area well and have the experience and tools necessary to make your next real estate transaction stress free. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out Buying a Home in East Austin and Selling a Home in East Austin.