Austin is attracting many potential homebuyers who are interested in settling down within the city limits. Famously considered the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the Lone Star Capital teems with entertainment venues, trendy eateries, and a vibrant culture of outdoor activities, but all of these desirable qualities come at an increasingly high price due to escalating real estate values. 

However, certain areas of the city still offer reasonable home prices and don’t sacrifice their neighborhood individuality. One prime example is Southeast Austin, a once-industrial area now growing in popularity thanks to its comparatively inexpensive housing inventory, convenient location, and businesses and services catering to Austinites of all stripes.

It’s a neighborhood well worth your attention, and here are five reasons why Southeast Austin is the best.

Prime Location

Sun setting on airport with control tower in view.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport

For many years, Southeast Austin’s primary claim to local recognition came from its position directly beside the Austin-Bergstrom Airport. The airport is less than 10 minutes away by car, making Southeast Austin a strong choice for residents who frequently travel for work or pleasure.

Southeast Austinites also benefit from an easy commute within city limits; drivers enjoy easy access to major thoroughfares like I-183, I-35, and I-71, which enable residents to reach Downtown Austin in under 20 minutes and the University of Texas in under 25 minutes.

In terms of public transit, Southeast Austin is primarily served by the 322 route on the CapMetro bus system. With multiple connections, the CapMetro can connect Southeast Austin residents to Downtown Austin and UT in under 45 minutes.

Reasonably Priced Homes

Exterior of southwest home with brick and wood and blue sky.

Housing prices in Southeast Austin fall well below the city average. Many of the homes in Southeast Austin come in the form of single-family residences, although there are a few condos and apartments sprouting up in the area. Currently, home prices in Southeast Austin range from the mid $100s to the low $500s, making this neighborhood one of the more affordable housing options within Austin proper.

Highly Rated Schools

Exterior shot of parking lot and school building
Blazier Elementary School / Photo by Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA

Southeast Austin is also home to some of the city’s top-rated schools. The public schools in Southeast Austin fall under the umbrella of the Austin Independent School District, an educational network consistently achieving “Met Standards” ratings from the Texas Education Agency and boasting a graduation rate of over 90 percent.

Two public schools worth noting include Blazier Elementary School and Allison Elementary School, which both received high scores from GreatSchools.org. With top-notch schools in the area, it’s easy to see why more families with children flock to Southeast Austin. 

Plenty of Public Greenspaces

Waterfall pouring into small lake with treeline in background.
McKinney Falls State Park

Austinites love to take advantage of their city’s typically warm temperatures, making the Texas capital an outdoorsy metropolis. As a result, Austin residents cherish close proximity to major public greenspaces, and Southeast Austin denizens can find two of the the city’s most popular examples in their own backyards.

Directly to the neighborhood’s southeast, you’ll find McKinney Falls State Park, a spacious and scenic Hill Country landscape with picturesque waterfalls, well-equipped campsites, hiking and biking trails, swimming and fishing areas, and plenty of space for picnic gatherings. 

Running through McKinney Falls State Park, Onion Creek spans 79 miles and also courses through its own eponymous public greenspace: the Onion Creek Greenbelt. At the greenbelt, residents will find paths for running, walking, and biking, as well as athletic fields, a dog park, picnic grounds, equestrian facilities, and—of course—plenty of opportunities to walk along the creek.

Great Dining and Social Scene

Businesses and homes along street with outdoor seating.

While not quite as white-hot as the restaurant scene in neighborhoods like East Austin and South Congress, the foodie cred of Southeast Austin is rapidly growing. Southeast Austin offers plenty of local restaurants, watering holes, and community hangouts.

Favorite spots include Catfish Parlour, a down-home eatery specializing in Southern seafood, and Patsy’s Cowgirl Cafe, a charming restaurant and saloon with nightly live music and an Americana-inspired menu of comfort eats. 

Southeast Austin’s industrial past produced architecture and infrastructure very well-suited for breweries and distilleries, and local entrepreneurs have taken advantage of this. In addition to St. Elmo’s Brewing, Independence Brewing and Orf Brewing have facilities in the neighborhood, complete with tap rooms. For those who prefer the hard stuff, Fierce Whiskers Distillery distills bourbon and rye.