Welcome to Central East Austin
Eclectic and trendy, attracting creative and hip professionals with an abundance of hip coffee shops and restaurants that embody the "Keep Austin Weird" slogan.
This culturally diverse area just west of Downtown across I-35 features an urban lifestyle featuring both worldly and authentic cuisine, a high walkability score, beautiful parks, and a perfect blend of old and new communities. 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. From historic homes and bungalows to new contemporary architecture this area is quickly gaining popularity with residents who want to live in a vibrant and walkable neighborhood.
WHAT TO LOVE
- Walkability in rapidly growing + trendy area
- Diverse selection of restaurants + breweries
- Bustling nightlife + dive bars
- Convenience to Downtown and the Airport
- Walking and biking trails
- Dog-friendly
PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE
East Austin is an urban area that welcomes people from all walks of life: young professionals, students, artists, families, and retirees. With so many dog-friendly bars and restaurants in the area, you can easily walk to grab a cocktail or a bite to eat and bring the pups with you. It’s also very bike-friendly. For a blend of natural scenery amongst downtown views, jog along the Ann and Roy Butler boardwalk trail alongside the water's edge. East Austin boasts a rich history of jazz and blues music, which is evident in the vibrant community today. This heritage is showcased through the area's art, music, and residents. The buildings are eclectic and colorful, often adorned with artwork that captures significant moments from Austin's past.
DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING
While Downtown is just a quick drive (or scooter) away, you don't have to leave this area to dine at some fantastic Austin restaurants! Make reservations at Suerte on East 6th for a trendy atmosphere and try their famous suadero tacos! Craving an authentic Tex-Mex experience? This area is filled with iconic Austin restaurants like Cisco's and Tamale House! Try Cosmic Saltillo if you like to bring your laptop and work at a coffee shop. For Brunch get in early start and put your name on the list at Paperboy or grab the world-famous breakfast tacos from Juan and a Million. For barbeque, you have to try Franklin Barbecue and Le Barbecue. There are also many dog-friendly restaurants on this side of town! In the mood for a dive bar or live music? I recommend Shangri-La or White Horse. There are a few grocery store options in East Austin including HEB, Whole Foods and Royal Blue Grocery. Spice up date night and watch a movie at the local drive-in theater.
EAST AUSTIN REAL ESTATE
You’ll find everything from early 20th-century craftsman homes to sleek new builds and contemporary townhomes tucked into walkable, tree-lined streets. Popular pockets like East César Chávez, Rosewood, and Holly offer easy access to Lady Bird Lake, downtown, and some of Austin’s most beloved hangouts. Home prices vary widely, with smaller condos and fixer-uppers in the $400Ks and modern new builds or architectural standouts pushing into the $1M+ range. Whether you're drawn to its cultural depth, vibrant street life, or the perfect mix of old and new, Central East Austin is a top choice for buyers seeking an urban lifestyle with true Austin character.
To view current home listings in East Austin, click here!(Please note that this does not show you every home listing on the market, as Austin has a large network of homes for sale off-market. To see the full list of homes available for sale, please inquire here.)
CENTRAL EAST AUSTIN MARKET UPDATE - AUGUST 2026
August was close to flat on price and heavy on supply. Thirty-one homes closed, and across the 29 with a reported sale price the median was $749,000 - down 1.7% from July and up 20.8% from August of last year. A year-over-year gap that wide reflects which homes happened to trade more than any one home changing in value. The number that stands out is inventory: at the current pace of sales, just under seven months of supply is sitting on the market.
- Median sale price: $749,000 (29 closed sales)
- Average sale price: $686,000
- Median price per square foot: $458
- Median days on market: 41
- List-to-close ratio: 96.5%
- Active listings: 216 · Under contract: 38
- Months of inventory: 6.9
At 6.9 months of supply, buyers have a wide field to choose from and time to work through it, with closings landing a few percent under the most recent asking price. For sellers, that level of competition puts the weight on the opening number - homes priced to the current market are still going under contract in about six weeks, while the ones that start high are generally the ones still sitting.
Figures reflect Unlock MLS (ACTRIS) data on single-family homes in Central East Austin for August 2026, pulled September 17, 2026. Market conditions change - reach out for a current read on a specific property.
THINGS TO DO
Residents of East Austin always have plenty to do. This neighborhood is lively, offering unique event locations and a variety of gatherings. Hotspots like the Pershing host live music events in stylish and distinctive settings, embodying the vibrant Austin atmosphere. Once a lumber shed, Pershing now features live concerts, fashion shows, art shows, retreats, and benefits in a chic 1940s-style, three-story lounge with an outdoor courtyard complete with bistro tables and hammocks. Another trendy meeting place is Fair Market, a 12,000-square-foot Quonset warehouse that hosts numerous community and social events, providing an open-air space indoors with an authentic and unique Austin vibe.
SCHOOLS
Central East Austin is a part of the Austin Independent School District
Garza Independence High School
Kealing Middle School/Magnet Program
Maplewood Elementary School
Richards School for Young Women Leaders
For more information on the East Austin community, reach out to local Realtor Kelsey Easton.
Kelsey Easton
Your Go-To Austin Realtor & Local Expert
📧 [email protected]
📞 512-699-6091