Swede Hill Neighborhood Guide | Living in Swede Hill Austin 78702

Swede Hill is one of East Austin’s most charming and historical neighborhoods, seamlessly blending rich history with modern convenience. If you’re a home buyer considering Swede Hill, you’re in for a treat. From its tree-lined streets and historic homes to its close proximity to downtown Austin, this neighborhood offers a unique lifestyle that balances the past and present. Swede Hill is a well kept neighborhood built around Oakwood Cemetery. Housing in the area is a mix of apartment style condos near 35 and single family homes. Given its awesome location close to Downtown, you’ll see plenty of new construction – both modern and historic style. Plus, there are several historic homes sprinkled throughout the neighborhood – and even some smaller, bungalow style and colonials, if you’re looking for something with a little more character. Residents are drawn to the mature trees and skyline views that the slight elevation brings, especially from second floor windows. Though there are no sidewalks, the streets are fairly wide and not heavily traveled, so you can still walk to the restaurants and shopping on 11th Street. If you’re looking for an established neighborhood near Downtown in a highly rated section of the Austin ISD, Swede Hill is a great place to start your search. This Swede Hill neighborhood guide will walk you through everything you need to know about living in Swede Hill, including its homes, amenities, and why so many home buyers choose this vibrant area. Scroll Down to Read Our Swede Hill Neighborhood Guide.

Swede Hill Homes for Sale

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Swede Hill Neighborhood Map

Swede Hill 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 Swede Hill neighborhood guide.

What Does Swede Hill Look Like?

Swede Hill is a small, well-preserved neighborhood known for its historical charm. Situated around Oakwood Cemetery, the area features mature trees and scenic views, including glimpses of the Austin skyline. While its historic roots date back to the 1870s, Swede Hill has evolved into an eclectic community that combines its Swedish heritage with modern sophistication.

The infrastructure retains its peaceful, residential vibe. The neighborhood has wide streets, perfect for enjoyable evening strolls, though sidewalks are scarce. This serene atmosphere is complemented by Swede Hill Pocket Park, a green oasis in the heart of the neighborhood.

What Do the Homes in Swede Hill Look Like?

One of Swede Hill’s most prominent features is its mix of historic and modern homes:

Historic Homes: Dating as far back as the 1880s, the neighborhood’s historic homes are often small in size, with two bedrooms and one bathroom, at about 1,150 square feet. These cozy houses lack garages but typically feature off-street parking. The architectural styles include late Victorian designs, complete with intricate woodwork and charming corner porches.
Modern Homes: Contemporary construction began in the 2000s, adding sleek properties with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, about 2,150 square feet. Many of these homes also include larger garages, accommodating up to three vehicles. The new builds are designed to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood’s historic character while offering modern conveniences and amenities.

Whether you’re after a vintage treasure or a modern masterpiece, Swede Hill has something for every type of home buyer.

What’s It Like Living in Swede Hill?

Living in Swede Hill provides a unique blend of calm, community, and connectivity. Its central location means you’re never too far from the action, but the neighborhood itself remains quiet and inviting. Residents are a diverse mix of professionals, retirees, students, and artists, creating a welcoming vibe.

The mature trees offer shade and serenity, while the slight elevation provides the bonus of a cooling breeze and skyline views. The ability to walk to nearby restaurants and shops enhances the neighborhood’s appeal. You’ll also appreciate the deep sense of history that’s tangible in Swede Hill’s architecture and landmarks.

Neighborhood Amenities in Swede Hill

Living in Swede Hill means easy access to local conveniences that make life better. Here are just a few amenities residents enjoy:

Swede Hill Pocket Park: This park offers open green spaces perfect for picnics, outdoor yoga, or just relaxing in nature.
Nearby Shopping and Dining: 11th Street is just a short walk away, packed with boutique shops, trendy cafes, and local favorites.
Access to Austin’s Greenbelt: Nature lovers will appreciate how close Swede Hill is to Austin’s outdoor attractions, including Lady Bird Lake and several parks.

Why Do Home Buyers Choose Swede Hill?

Swede Hill attracts home buyers for various reasons, including:

Historic Charm: The neighborhood’s historical designation gives it an unmatched character.
Location: Situated just east of downtown Austin, Swede Hill offers a short commute and easy access to the city’s cultural and business hubs.
Eclectic Community: The diverse population enhances the neighborhood’s vibrancy and creativity.
Upside Potential: With its desirable location and historic charm, properties in Swede Hill often hold or increase their value.

How’s the Commute to and From Swede Hill?

Swede Hill is a dream for commuters. The neighborhood has quick access to I-35, as well as alternative routes via 12th Street and East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. For many Austin professionals, downtown offices are just a short, stress-free drive or bike ride away.

Public transit options are also available, making commuting convenient for those looking to avoid the hassle of driving. Scroll down to continue reading our Swede Hill neighborhood guide.

Swede Hill Property Tax Rate

The property tax rate in East Austin’s Swede Hill 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 rate.

Swede Hill Schools

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

Blackshear Elementary - 3/10
Campbell Elementary - 3/10
Kealing Middle - 6/10
Eastside Memorial High - 2/10
McCallum High - 8/10

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.

Swede Hill Photos

Swede Hill Sold Data – What Swede Hill Homes Actually Sold For

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

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

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The Best Coffee Shops in and Around Swede Hill

Coffee enthusiasts will feel right at home in Swede Hill. Some of our favorite spots nearby include:

Dear Diary Coffee – A charming, plant-based cafe that offers a variety of vegan-friendly treats, specialty lattes, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for catching up on work or relaxing with a good book.
El Tigre Coffee Roasters – Known for their expertly roasted beans and commitment to quality, this spot offers a unique selection of specialty coffees sourced from around the globe, making it a must-visit for true coffee aficionados.
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors: This laid-back coffee shop is perfect for working remotely, with delicious brews and ample seating.
Café Crème: Known for its welcoming atmosphere and Instagram-worthy latte art, this spot is a crowd-pleaser.
Flitch Coffee: Enjoy your caffeine hit from this charming trailer park coffee bar with outdoor seating.

Favorite Restaurants and Bars

Swede Hill’s proximity to some of Austin’s best eateries and bars is another highlight. Some local favorites include:

Paperboy: A trendy eatery offering creative breakfast and brunch options with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a rooftop patio.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya: A must-visit spot for rich, flavorful bowls of ramen, offering a cozy ambiance and an authentic taste of Japanese comfort food.
Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar: A cozy and eclectic space perfect for book lovers and wine enthusiasts alike, offering a curated selection of books alongside an impressive wine list and light bites in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Franklin Barbecue: Just a quick walk from Swede Hill, Franklin Barbecue is world-famous for its mouthwatering brisket and long lines (totally worth it!).
Bar Mischief: An intimate, stylish cocktail bar known for its inventive drink menu and lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends or a special date night experience.
Nickel City: This retro-inspired bar serves great cocktails alongside comforting bar food.

Where Do I Work Out or Stay Active?

Staying active near Swede Hill is a breeze with plenty of fitness options:

Urban Lagree: This studio offers high-intensity, low-impact Pilates-inspired workouts on state-of-the-art Megaformer machines, perfect for toning and strengthening your entire body.
Activate HER FiT: A women-focused fitness community offering empowering group training sessions designed to build strength, confidence, and camaraderie.
Dane’s Body Shop: A welcoming fitness hub that combines group classes, personal training, and wellness coaching to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Lady Bird Lake Trail: Head a little further south and enjoy walking, running, or biking along this scenic trail.
Swede Hill Pocket Park: While small, the park offers open space for yoga, stretching, or a quick outdoor workout.

Fun Things to Do Near Swede Hill

You won’t run out of things to do while living in Swede Hill. Here are some of our top picks:

Historic Walking Tours: Learn about Swede Hill’s Swedish heritage and Victorian homes via a guided tour.
Live Music on 6th Street: Just a short trip away, you’ll find Austin’s legendary 6th Street, home to incredible live music venues.
Blanton Museum of Art: Located near the University of Texas, this museum is ideal for art lovers.
Urban Axes: Try your hand at axe throwing in a fun and social atmosphere, perfect for group outings or a unique date night.
Stubb’s BBQ for Live Music: Enjoy world-famous barbecue while catching live performances from local and touring bands at this iconic venue.

Discover Swede Hill Today

Its blend of rich history, community charm, and unbeatable location make it an excellent choice for home buyers.

If you’re ready to explore Swede Hill further, connect with our team of experienced Swede Hill buyer’s agents who can guide you through the process. Whether it’s securing a historic gem or a modern masterpiece, we’ll help you find the perfect home. Get in touch today!

East Austin Realtor Specializing in Swede Hill Homes

Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are East Austin Realtors specializing in Swede Hill. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Swede Hill, 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 Swede Hill and Selling a Home in Swede Hill.