East Austin - Homes, Schools, and Market Guide
Austin's fastest-appreciating area spanning East Cesar Chavez, Holly, and Govalle - where historic craftsman bungalows meet modern infill, all 8 minutes from downtown.
#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold
Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 25+ years selling homes across Austin, including East Austin's rapid transformation.
Austin Neighborhood Guide
East Austin Neighborhood Guide - Austin Real Estate
East Austin homes for sale in 78702. Fastest-appreciating Austin area: East Cesar Chavez, Holly, Govalle. 8 min downtown. Keenan Group, #1 ABoR Team 2024.
Who is the best realtor in East Austin?
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors team (2024), with 25+ years, 1,000+ homes sold, and $1B+ in career volume serving East Austin. Joe and Cara Keenan represent buyers and sellers in East Austin with data-driven pricing, full-scale marketing, and direct access to qualified luxury buyers.
Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, Austin TX
Luxury Buyer Fit Snapshot
Compare East Austin on price, schools, and lifestyle access before scheduling private tours.
Buyer Fit
Best for buyers evaluating current inventory depth and value pockets in East Austin.
Lifestyle Fit
Austin ISD (78702) helps anchor school-driven search and day-to-day livability.
Keenan Group Authority
- ZIP codes
- 78702
- School district
- Austin ISD
- Active listings
- 295 active listings
What is East Austin like?
East Austin is a collection of historic neighborhoods in Austin's 78702 ZIP code, located immediately east of I-35 and 8 minutes from downtown. In the 12 months ending October 15, 2026, 726 homes sold in East Austin at a median price of $589K (Keenan Luxury Market Index, from MLS closed sales). It includes East Cesar Chavez, Holly, Govalle, and Chestnut. The housing stock ranges from original 1920s-1950s craftsman bungalows to modern infill construction. East Austin is the center of Austin's independent food, art, and live music scene, with dense walkable corridors along East Cesar Chavez, East 6th, and East 7th streets. Austin ISD serves the area with Sanchez Elementary, Kealing, Marshall or Lively Middle School (Martin Middle closed after 2025-26), and Austin High School.
- 78702 ZIP code east of I-35, 8 minutes from downtown Austin
- Austin ISD: Sanchez Elementary, Kealing, Marshall or Lively Middle School (Martin Middle closed after 2025-26), Austin High School
Source: Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 25+ years selling homes across Austin, including East Austin's rapid transformation.
Trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales
Map & Boundary
East Austin Neighborhood Map
Active Listings
East Austin homes for sale, schools, and articles
Why Buyers Choose East Austin
East Austin is where proximity and culture intersect. At 8 minutes from downtown - closer than Tarrytown, Barton Hills, or nearly any other established neighborhood - you get walkable restaurants, live music venues, and galleries without the downtown price tag. The independent food and art scene here is not a marketing pitch; it is the daily reality of living east of I-35.
The housing stock tells the neighborhood's story. Original craftsman bungalows from the 1920s through the 1950s sit alongside modern infill homes built in the last five years. Buyers who want an urban lifestyle without a condo, along with investors, are the primary buyer profiles.
- East Cesar Chavez corridor: The main artery with restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and retail. Walkable from most East Austin homes.
- East 6th and East 7th streets: Live music venues, breweries, and restaurants that have become Austin's most active nightlife district outside of downtown.
- Saltillo District: The Plaza Saltillo TOD (transit-oriented development) added mixed-use density with the MetroRail Red Line station providing direct rail access to downtown and North Austin.
- Austin ISD school path: Sanchez Elementary, Kealing, Marshall or Lively Middle School (Martin Middle closed after 2025-26), and Austin High School. Verify address-level assignments - school boundaries have shifted with redistricting.
- Investment fundamentals: East Austin has delivered the strongest appreciation in Austin over the past decade. Proximity to downtown and limited remaining land keep upward pressure on values.
Current East Austin Market Data
In the 12 months ending October 15, 2026, 726 homes sold in East Austin at a median price of $589K, with a median of 54 days on market and a median of $389 per square foot (Keenan Luxury Market Index, from MLS closed sales).
As of October 15, 2026, East Austin had 295 active and 64 pending listings, with 4.9 months of supply and a 95% sale-to-list ratio in the 12 months ending October 15, 2026.
- Median sale price, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: $589K
- Closed sales, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: 726
- Active listings as of October 15, 2026: 295
- Product filter: Single Family Residence only
- Price bands: review the live comp set by property type, lot, condition, and street-level position
Daily Geography in East Austin
East Austin is 8 minutes from downtown Austin. That proximity - combined with walkable food, music, and retail corridors - is the reason buyers pay a premium over comparable neighborhoods that are 15-20 minutes out. Everything you need for daily life is within biking distance.
- Downtown Austin: 8 minutes via East Cesar Chavez or East 7th Street. Bikeable in 15 minutes.
- UT Austin campus: 10 minutes via I-35 or Red River Street.
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport: 12-15 minutes via Highway 71. One of the closest neighborhoods to the airport.
- The Domain and Apple campus: 20-25 minutes north via I-35 or MoPac.
- MetroRail Red Line: Plaza Saltillo station provides direct rail to downtown, MLK, Highland, and North Austin tech employers.
- Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail: 5-10 minute walk from most East Austin homes. The Boardwalk section connects east-side trail access.
- East Cesar Chavez dining: Suerte, Loro, Nixta Taqueria, Dai Due, and dozens of independent restaurants within walking distance.
- Grocery: H-E-B on East 7th, Fiesta on East Riverside, plus multiple specialty markets and corner stores.
Local Anchors That Shape the Neighborhood
East Austin's identity is built on independent businesses, art, and food. This is not a neighborhood defined by a country club or a single school - it is defined by the density of creative businesses and cultural venues packed into a few square miles. That identity drives both the lifestyle appeal and the property values.
- East Cesar Chavez corridor: The backbone of the neighborhood. Restaurants, galleries, coffee shops, and retail stretch from I-35 to Pleasant Valley. Walkable from most East Austin homes.
- East 6th Street district: The live music and nightlife corridor that has become Austin's most active entertainment zone. Hotel Vegas, Sahara Lounge, Whisler's, and dozens of venues.
- Plaza Saltillo / Saltillo District: Mixed-use development around the MetroRail station. Apartments, retail, office, and the weekly Eastside Pop Up market.
- Boggy Creek Greenbelt: A neighborhood-scale greenbelt with trails and creek access running through the eastern portion of the area.
- Huston-Tillotson University: A private HBCU established in 1875, anchoring the Chestnut neighborhood and East Austin's institutional history.
- Fiesta Gardens and Edward Rendon Sr. Park: Community gathering spaces on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, hosting cultural events and festivals year-round.
For buyers who want to walk to dinner, bike to work downtown, and live in a neighborhood with genuine cultural energy - not manufactured amenities - East Austin is the answer. The tradeoff is noise, density, and a neighborhood still in active transition. If you want quiet streets and a finished feel, this is not the right fit.
How East Austin Compares to Nearby Alternatives
East Austin buyers typically compare with Mueller, Travis Heights, Holly/South Shore, and downtown condos. The decision comes down to walkability, housing type, school path, and how much you value an established versus emerging neighborhood feel.
- Compared with Mueller: Mueller is master-planned with consistent architecture, community amenities, and a finished neighborhood feel. East Austin is organic, eclectic, and still evolving.
- East Austin is younger in feel, denser in restaurants, and more affordable per square foot.
- Compared with Holly/South Shore: Holly overlaps with East Austin geographically. South Shore (south of Lady Bird Lake along Riverside) offers lake proximity at lower prices but with more apartment-dominated density and fewer single-family options.
- A $725K downtown condo gives you 800-1,000 square feet with HOA fees of $500-$1,000/month. Different lifestyles entirely.
- Good alternative for buyers priced out of core East Austin.
Quick Answers About East Austin
East Austin is 8 minutes from downtown Austin by car via East Cesar Chavez or East 7th Street. It is bikeable to downtown in about 15 minutes. The Plaza Saltillo MetroRail station also provides direct rail access to downtown. This is one of the closest residential neighborhoods to downtown Austin.
East Austin is served by Austin ISD. The typical school path is Sanchez Elementary, Kealing, Marshall or Lively Middle School (Martin Middle closed after 2025-26), and Austin High School. School boundary lines have shifted with redistricting, so always verify address-level assignments before making an offer. LASA (Liberal Arts and Science Academy) is available as a magnet high school option.
East Austin has been the fastest-appreciating area in Austin over the past decade, driven by proximity to downtown (8 minutes), limited remaining land, and strong demand from owner-occupants and investors. Duplex and ADU-eligible lots offer rental income potential. The key is evaluating each lot individually for zoning, flood risk, and development potential.
East Austin includes several distinct sub-neighborhoods. East Cesar Chavez is the most walkable with the densest restaurant and retail corridor. Holly is closest to Lady Bird Lake. Govalle is more affordable with larger lots. Chestnut is anchored by Huston-Tillotson University. The Saltillo District around Plaza Saltillo offers transit-oriented living near the MetroRail station.
The Keenan Group is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024) with 25+ years of Austin market experience spanning East Austin's full transformation. We specialize in evaluating block-by-block value, zoning potential, and flood risk - the factors that separate smart East Austin purchases from overpriced ones. With $1B+ in career sales and 1,000+ transactions, we know this market inside out. Contact us at (512) 415-7653.
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) with 25+ years serving East Austin. Joe and Cara Keenan have completed 1,000+ career transactions and $1B+ in career sales volume, with deep expertise in East Austin pricing, schools, and market dynamics. Contact Keenan Group for a confidential consultation: (512) 415-7653.
To list your home in East Austin, start with the Keenan Group - Austin's #1 Board of Realtors team (2024). The process: a pricing analysis built on live East Austin market data and recent sales, a full marketing plan (professional media, the Compass network, and our private-exclusive channel), and negotiation through closing. Keenan Group's median days on market is 13, including off-market, private, and pocket sales that close at zero days on market. Contact the Keenan Group to list your home: (512) 415-7653.
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) and a luxury listing specialist in East Austin - 25+ years, 1,000+ homes sold, and $1B+ in career volume. Joe and Cara Keenan represent sellers with data-driven pricing, full-scale marketing, and direct access to qualified luxury buyers. Contact the Keenan Group: (512) 415-7653.
Best Restaurants Near East Austin
Where East Austin buyers and residents actually eat - from date night to weeknight favorites.
| Name | Cuisine / Type | Price | Highlights | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas BBQ | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Mexican / Contemporary | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Mexican / Taqueria | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| New American | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Caribbean | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Japanese / Texas BBQ Fusion | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Mediterranean | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Argentinian | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Detroit-Style Pizza | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Japanese / Ramen | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Bakery / Beer Garden | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Brewpub / Tex-Mex | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Cocktail Bar | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Brewery / Sour Beer | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
Best Trails & Outdoor Spots Near East Austin
Trails and outdoor activities that buyers and locals ask about most.
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (Lady Bird Lake) |
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Boggy Creek Greenbelt |
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Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Park |
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Mueller Lake Park |
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Southern Walnut Creek Trail |
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Patterson Neighborhood Park |
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East Metropolitan Park |
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Things To Do Near East Austin
Family favorites, date night ideas, and local experiences close to the neighborhood.
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
Hotel Vegas |
|
Canopy |
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Zilker Brewing Company |
|
HOPE Outdoor Gallery |
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Eastside Kings Festival |
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East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) |
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Sahara Lounge |
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Grackle Coffee |
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Central Machine Works |
|
East Austin Support Pages
East Austin Homes for Sale
Browse active listings in East Austin with photos, pricing, and open house schedules.
78702 ZIP Guide
Demographics, schools, walkability, and community profile for ZIP 78702.
Austin ISD
School ratings, enrollment data, and campus profiles for Austin ISD.
Our Results
1,000+ homes sold over our career. See our track record and client results.
How East Austin Compares
Side-by-side comparison with similar Austin neighborhoods based on price range, school district, and location.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Active Listings | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
East AustinCurrent | $589K | 295 | You're here |
| $700K | 47 | View Guide | |
| $653K | 223 | View Guide | |
| $1.78M | 33 | View Guide | |
| $1.14M | 22 | View Guide |
Median sale price, trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales. Contact Keenan Group for a personalized comparison.
Neighborhood listings
East Austin Real Estate Market
Homes in East Austin sell for around $389 per square foot, roughly 1.3 times the City of Austin median of $297.
| Metric | East Austin | City of Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sold Price (12M) | $589K | $603K |
| Median Days on Market | 54 days | 52 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.5% | 93.4% |
| Median $/sqft (typical home) | $389 | $297 |
| Active Listings | 295 | 3,260 |
| Homes Sold (12M) | 726 | 8,844 |
| Months of Supply | 4.9 | 4.4 |
Data as of . Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, Austin MLS (ACTRIS). City of Austin reflects closed sales within its city limits over the trailing 12 months.
How East Austin Compares
| Neighborhood | Median Price | School District | ZIP | Active Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Austin (you are here) | $589K | Austin ISD | 78702 | 295 |
| Holly | $700K | Austin ISD | 78702 | 47 |
| Downtown Condos | $653K | Austin ISD | 78701 | 223 |
| Tarrytown | $1.78M | Austin ISD | 78703 | 33 |
| Bouldin Creek | $1.14M | Austin ISD | 78704 | 22 |
Median sale price, trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales
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