Riverside Neighborhood Guide

With its vibrant charm, stunning views, and evolving real estate scene, Riverside has become a sought-after area for home buyers looking for a unique yet convenient neighborhood. From its tree-lined streets to its growing hub of dining and entertainment, Riverside offers a mix of old-school Austin nostalgia and modern-day revitalization. Riverside is a made up of several smaller communities, condominiums, apartment complexes, strip malls and taquerias. Historically very popular with musicians and artists, as well as students looking for cheaper rent, the recent construction boom has caused prices to increase and the area to change rapidly. The older, cheaper apartment complexes are being replaced by brand new luxury condos, vacant parking lots are filling up with fancy food trucks, iconic music venues like Emo’s are relocating and the new addition of the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk Trail is attracting outdoor enthusiasts. Even the neighborhoods that make up Riverside (Colorado Hill Estates, Woodland Hills and Bellvue Park) are getting their own facelift. You can still find some original 1960’s brick homes, but most of these homes are now completely renovated or replaced with larger, 2-story modern construction. Riverside neighborhoods are hilly with tree-lined streets and some of the houses have great views of Downtown Austin. Sadly, you won’t find any more $100K diamonds in the rough. Today you are hard-pressed to find a home below $300K. Though the days of cheap rent is fading, you can still find a damn good taco. This Riverside neighborhood guide covers what you can expect when living in Riverside, from the homes you’ll find to the amenities and attractions that make the neighborhood stand out. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to relocate within Austin, you’ll discover why Riverside is the place to be. Scroll Down to Read Our Riverside Neighborhood Guide.

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Riverside Neighborhood Map

Riverside is located on the the southeast shore of Lady Bird Lake in East Austin. The neighborhood is bordered by Highway 35 on the west, Lakeshore Boulevard to the north, South Pleasant Valley Road to the east and East Oltorf Road to the south. To get to Riverside, take 35 to East Riverside Drive and head east. Riverside is shaded in yellow on the map below. Explore other East Austin neighborhoods in our East Austin Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Riverside neighborhood guide.

What Does Riverside Look Like?

Riverside is a visually dynamic neighborhood that blends mid-century charm with modern flair. The area consists of hilly, tree-lined streets, many of which offer stunning views of Downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake. Historically home to smaller 1950s and 1960s brick homes, Riverside has undergone a surge in redevelopment beginning in the 2010s, with older structures being replaced by sleek, two-story modern homes boasting clean lines and contemporary designs.

The neighborhood streets have a mix of new and old. Over the last decade, Riverside has evolved from being known as an artsy enclave with affordable living into a thriving community featuring upscale apartment complexes, luxury condos, and multi-million dollar homes.

For potential home buyers, this means you’ll find properties ranging from renovated mid-century gems to state-of-the-art modern homes with all the bells and whistles.

Living in Riverside

One of the biggest draws of living in Riverside is its proximity to Downtown Austin. With its central location just 10 to 15 minutes from downtown, Riverside is perfect for those who want an urban lifestyle while still enjoying the peace of a residential neighborhood.

The Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk Trail, located on Riverside’s northern border, is a favorite among residents seeking outdoor activities. From scenic jogs to peaceful walks, the trail connects you to the natural beauty of Austin while providing one of the city’s most picturesque views.

Beyond the recreational opportunities, Riverside boasts a diverse and vibrant community. The area’s eclectic vibe draws creatives, professionals, students, and retirees alike. Whether you’re searching for a relaxed pace of life or want to be part of an energetic community with frequent events and social opportunities, Riverside has something to offer everyone.

Neighborhood Amenities

Riverside has rapidly grown into a hub of activity and convenience, with everything you need just a short drive or walk away. Here’s what you can expect in terms of amenities:

• Grocery and Shopping: From H-E-B supermarkets to specialty local stores, Riverside residents can easily stock their kitchens while supporting local businesses.
• Dining and Coffee:
  • Best Coffee Shops: For remote workers or coffee enthusiasts, spots like Cafe Creme or Buzz Mill are ideal for getting caffeinated while enjoying a cozy, community-centered environment.
  • Must-Visit Restaurants: Craving authentic Mexican food? Try Rosita’s Al Pastor for delicious tacos or Taqueria El Vallecito for flavorful barbacoa.
• Parks and Recreation:
  • Lady Bird Lake and its Boardwalk Trail offer outdoor enthusiasts a place to bike, jog, or simply relax by the water.
  • Numerous smaller parks in the area are ideal for picnics or dog walking.

Riverside doesn’t just meet your basic needs; it enhances your lifestyle with its range of thoughtfully curated amenities.

Why Home Buyers Love Riverside

Riverside is rapidly becoming one of Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods, and for good reason. Home buyers are drawn to its central location, outdoor attractions, and bustling lifestyle. Here’s why it’s a top choice:

• Convenient Location: With downtown just minutes away, commutes are short and sweet.
• Growth Potential: Riverside’s desirability has been steadily rising thanks to redevelopment.
• Lifestyle Versatility: Whether you’re into outdoor activities, food culture, or live entertainment, Riverside caters to diverse preferences.

It’s no surprise that Riverside is attracting a range of home buyers—from those looking to settle into an active lifestyle to entrepreneurs and professionals wanting to stay connected to Austin’s energy.

Commuting to and From Riverside

Living in Riverside comes with easy access to major thoroughfares like Interstate 35, putting you just 10-15 minutes from Austin’s downtown core. Ride-sharing apps are popular in the area, and public transit options like Capital Metro make commuting seamless for those looking to minimize car use. Whether you’re heading to work or exploring other parts of the city, Riverside’s connectivity keeps you close to everything. Scroll down to continue reading our Riverside neighborhood guide.

Riverside Property Tax Rate

The property tax rate in East Austin’s Riverside neighborhood is 1.8092% as of the 2023 tax year, down from 1.9749% as of the 2022 tax year. The property tax rate was 2.1767% as of the 2021 tax year.

Riverside Schools

Kids who live in East Austin’s Riverside neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:

• Linder Elementary - 3/10
• Sanchez Elementary - 2/10
• Travis Heights Elementary - 7/10
• Lively Middle - 3/10
• Martin Middle - 2/10
• Austin High - 8/10
• Travis High - 2/10

School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of January 2025. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.

Parks and Outdoor Activities Near Riverside

What’s putting fuel to the fire on the gentrification of Riverside is its proximity to Lady Bird Lake. Austinites are drawn to the water and the location of Riverside gives residents easy access to the water, as well as the hike and bike trails. In 2014, the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk Trail was completed, bridging the gap between the west and east sides of the trail. The 10-mile loop is a popular destination for joggers, dog walkers and residents who just enjoy the beauty of the lake with Downtown Austin in its backdrop.

Things to Do Near Riverside

For music enthusiasts, the iconic Emo’s is located at 2015 Riverside Drive. Emo’s new venue isn’t as “rough around the edges” as the original South Austin location, but the authentic fervor is still there. From punk to country, Emo hosts them all on their modern stage. Looking for a quick bite? Some of the best Mexican food can be found in the area like Taqueria El Vallecito or Rosita’s Al Pastor. Scroll down to continue reading our Riverside neighborhood guide.

Riverside Photos

Riverside Sold Data – What Riverside Homes Actually Sold For

What sold recently in Riverside 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 Riverside? How many homes are currently for sale in Riverside? What’s the median sold price in Riverside? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Riverside? How’s the Riverside market trending?

All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Riverside Sold Data Report.

Riverside’s Food and Social Scene

One of Riverside’s highlights is its lively food and entertainment scene. Here are some favorites you won’t want to miss:

• Coffee Shops to Work From:
  • Buzz Mill: Perfect for grabbing coffee while soaking up Austin’s culture.
  • Noble Joe Coffee Co.: Known for its cozy atmosphere and expertly crafted brews, it’s an ideal spot to unwind or catch up on work.
  • Cafe Creme: A favorite for its warm ambiance and delectable pastries, it’s a great spot to enjoy a relaxed coffee break or meet with friends.
• Restaurants & Bars:
  • Rosita’s Al Pastor: Beloved for its mouthwatering tacos and laid-back atmosphere.
  • The Jackalope South Shore: A lively spot offering hearty pub food, creative cocktails, and a relaxed vibe, making it a favorite for casual hangouts or late-night bites.
  • JNL Barbecue: Renowned for its tender smoked brisket and flavorful ribs, this laid-back spot combines authentic Texas barbecue with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for BBQ enthusiasts.
  • Brunch Brunch Baby: A vibrant brunch haven known for its decadent breakfast dishes, creative mimosas, and cheerful ambiance, making it the ideal weekend spot for food lovers.
  • Frazier’s Long & Low: A cozy neighborhood gem offering a robust menu of craft beers, comforting comfort food, and a friendly, unpretentious setting that invites guests to linger and relax.

Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends, settling in for some laptop work, or exploring the neighborhood’s nightlife, Riverside has plenty to offer. Scroll down to continue reading our Riverside neighborhood guide.

Staying Fit in Riverside

For fitness enthusiasts, Riverside has an array of options to help you stay active:

• Gyms:
  • Local studios and boutique gyms cater to Riverside residents looking for a mix of trendy workout sessions and traditional fitness facilities.
  • CrossFit 2024: This high-intensity gym offers a supportive community and functional fitness programs designed to challenge all experience levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.
  • Athletic Outcomes: A unique fitness studio specializing in performance training and recovery, perfect for those looking to enhance their athletic abilities while focusing on overall wellness.
  • F45 Training: Known for its innovative and efficient 45-minute workout sessions, this studio combines elements of HIIT, circuit training, and functional movement to deliver a full-body workout.
• Outdoor Activities:
  • Beyond the Lady Bird Lake Trail, Riverside’s parks offer open spaces for yoga, frisbee, and running groups.
  • Roy Guerrero Park: A spacious urban retreat featuring scenic trails, shaded picnic areas, and sports fields, perfect for family outings or a peaceful escape into nature.
  • McKinney Falls State Park: A stunning natural area offering hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife observation, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fun Things to Do Near Riverside

Life in Riverside is never dull, thanks to its proximity to some of Austin’s most popular attractions. Here’s how you can spend your weekends:

• Attend a concert at Emo’s, Riverside’s iconic live music venue that channels classic Austin vibes.
• Catch a live show at Come and Take It Live, a vibrant music venue offering an eclectic mix of performances, from local bands to touring acts.
• Explore East Austin’s vibrant culinary and arts scene, just a stone’s throw from Riverside.
• Take paddleboards onto Lady Bird Lake for a relaxing day on the water.

Whether you’re into music, food, or outdoor fun, Riverside’s location makes it easy to explore and enjoy all that Austin has to offer. Thanks for reading our Riverside neighborhood guide.

Make Riverside Your Next Home

Riverside brings together everything you could want in a neighborhood—proximity to downtown, outdoor adventure, and a thriving sense of community. The balanced mix of charm and modernity makes it a compelling choice for home buyers looking for the perfect place to put down roots in Austin.

Are you ready to make Riverside your home? Connect with our team of experienced Riverside buyer’s agents today to explore available homes and discover why so many people are falling in love with this neighborhood.

East Austin Realtor Specializing in Riverside Homes

Contact an East Austin Realtor Specializing in Riverside

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