Apartments in East Austin: Your Local Neighborhood Guide for 2026
Most apartment sites lump all of East Austin together, as if a $2,400 loft near Rainey and a $1,200 unit off Springdale Road are the same thing. They’re not even close.
I’ve helped over 500 clients find apartments in Austin over the past decade, and East Austin generates more questions than any other area. Where exactly does it start? Is 78702 still worth the premium? What about those new buildings popping up past 183? The confusion makes sense. East Austin has changed more in the past five years than most neighborhoods change in twenty. And it’s still changing, block by block, month by month.
Here’s what I can tell you after touring nearly every community on this side of I-35: the “East Austin” you’re imagining depends entirely on which East Austin you’re looking at. The difference between sub-neighborhoods isn’t subtle. It’s hundreds of dollars per month and completely different lifestyles.
This guide breaks down the five distinct sub-areas within East Austin, with current rent prices I’m tracking from 56 communities. You’ll find specific move-in specials (not “call for pricing”), honest trade-offs for each pocket, and the mistakes I watch people make here constantly. If the walkable scene around 6th Street appeals to you, great. If you’re hunting for better value further east, I’ve got you covered. This gives you the real picture, not the marketing version.
π East Austin at a Glance
| Boundaries | I-35 (west) to US-183 (east), Lady Bird Lake (south) to E. 51st Street (north) |
| Zip Codes | 78702, 78721, 78722, 78723, 78724 |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,012β2,200 (varies significantly by sub-area) |
| Vibe | Austin’s most dynamic neighborhood with a walkable arts and food scene meets rapid change |
Table of Contents
- What Makes East Austin Different
- The 5 Sub-Neighborhoods of East Austin
- East Austin Rent Prices: What You’ll Actually Pay
- Apartments by Lifestyle
- Living in East Austin
- East Austin Apartment Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes East Austin Different (And Whether It’s Right for You)
East Austin runs from I-35 on the west to US-183 on the east. That’s roughly four miles that feel like completely different cities depending on where you are. The southern edge touches Lady Bird Lake. The northern boundary hits around E. 51st Street, give or take.
Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground: East Austin is Austin’s most dynamic area, and that cuts both ways. You get the street art, the converted warehouse bars, the restaurants that end up in national magazines. You also get construction noise, changing streetscapes, and the reality that the block you loved six months ago might feel different now.
The gentrification conversation is unavoidable here. Historically Black and Hispanic neighborhoods have transformed dramatically, especially in 78702. Some long-time residents have been priced out. New construction sits next to modest homes from the 1950s. I’m not going to pretend that’s not complicated. But understanding this history matters if you want to understand why East Austin feels the way it does.
The trade-off compared to other Austin areas? You’re paying for character and walkability that you can’t replicate in the Domain or Round Rock. But you’re also accepting more noise, tighter parking, and the possibility that your favorite coffee shop becomes a condo building.
East Austin vs. Other Austin Areas
| Comparison | East Austin | The Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| vs. Downtown | 20-30% lower rent, more neighborhood character, street-level retail | High-rise living, covered parking, more corporate feel |
| vs. South Austin | Faster-changing, more new construction, younger food and bar scene | Established “Keep Austin Weird” vibe, more stable neighborhoods |
| vs. The Domain | Authentic local culture, historic buildings mixed with new | Chain restaurants, predictable suburban-urban design |
| vs. Far East Austin | Walkable (in parts), established amenities, higher prices | Much cheaper, car-required, still developing |
If you want urban Austin without downtown prices, and you’re okay with a neighborhood that’s actively evolving, East Austin makes sense. If you want stability and predictability, look elsewhere.
The 5 Sub-Neighborhoods of East Austin (And What They’ll Actually Cost You)
This is where most apartment guides fall short. “East Austin” isn’t one neighborhood. It’s five distinct areas with different price points, different vibes, and different practical realities. The difference between a $2,400 one-bedroom in 78702 and a $1,200 one-bedroom off Springdale Road isn’t just price. It’s a completely different lifestyle.
East Austin Sub-Neighborhoods at a Glance
| Sub-Area | Zip Code | Avg 1BR Rent | Known For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central East | 78702 | $1,230β2,200 | Walkable nightlife, restaurants, galleries | Noise from bars, parking costs ($100-150/mo extra) |
| Plaza Saltillo | 78702 | $1,279β1,800 | MetroRail access, newest construction | I-35 construction disruption through 2027 |
| Mueller | 78723 | $699β2,000 | Master-planned, H-E-B, 25% affordable units | Less “Austin character,” waitlists for affordable |
| Manor Road Corridor | 78722 | $790β1,500 | Restaurant row (Dai Due, Suerte, Patrizi’s) | Very limited apartment inventory |
| Springdale / Far East | 78721, 78724 | $1,012β1,500 | Most affordable, newer construction | Car absolutely required, fewer amenities |
Central East (78702) β The Premium Zone
This is what most people picture when they think “East Austin.” East 6th Street bars. The street art. Whisler’s and Zilker Brewing and the whole walkable scene between I-35 and Airport Boulevard.
The 78702 zip code commands the highest rents on the east side, often $1,200 to $2,500 for a one-bedroom depending on the building and finishes. The Arnold (built 2017) on E. 6th Street starts at $1,230 for studios. 7East (built 2015) on E. 7th starts at $1,375. Both sit right in the action where you can walk to dozens of restaurants and bars. That access costs money.
Newer options include Eastpoint (built 2024) and Nexus East (built 2021) near Airport Boulevard, both offering 2.5 months free right now. Eastpoint starts at $1,279 before concessions. For something with character, Volume on Manor Road is a renovated 1964 building with studios starting at $790.
The character here varies block by block. West of Chicon Street tends to be more polished, more expensive. East of Chicon, you’ll find slightly older buildings and (sometimes) slightly lower prices. Both feel distinctly East Austin, but the price gap can be $200-300/month for essentially the same commute.
The insider tip: If you’re set on 78702 but can’t stomach $2,200 for a one-bedroom, look at Nexus East or Eastpoint near Airport Boulevard. Same zip code, same access to the scene, but $300-500 less per month than The Arnold or 7East. The walk to East 6th adds ten minutes. That’s the trade.
Plaza Saltillo / East 5th Street β Transit-Oriented Living
Plaza Saltillo sits at the intersection of East 5th Street and I-35, anchored by the Capital Metro MetroRail Red Line station. This is the newest pocket of East Austin development with lots of construction in the last five years, mid-rise buildings, and ground-floor retail.
The MetroRail access is the main draw. You can get to downtown in about 5 minutes, and the line runs north to the Domain and eventually to Leander. For commuters who hate driving, this is one of the only places in East Austin where you can realistically ditch your car.
Fair warning: The I-35 Capital Express Central project is a $4.5 billion, eight-mile reconstruction. Construction runs directly through this area and will continue through at least 2027, with some phases extending to 2033.
I’ve had clients sign leases at buildings that looked great on paper, then discover that highway noise at 7 AM made their bedroom unlivable. Some buildings are more affected than others, even on the same block.
Rent here typically runs $1,600 to $2,200 for a one-bedroom. Slightly cheaper than the heart of 78702, with newer construction and better transit.
Mueller β Master-Planned, Mixed Feelings
Mueller is a 700-acre master-planned development built on the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. It’s got the H-E-B, the Alamo Drafthouse, the Thinkery children’s museum, the Sunday farmers market. Everything is walkable within Mueller itself.
Here’s what I tell my clients: Mueller is the most “suburban” feeling part of East Austin. The streets are planned. The buildings are uniform. The parks are manicured. Some people love that because it feels clean and organized and quieter than inner East Austin. Other people find it generic, like it could be anywhere.
Your options at Mueller: AMLI North Park (built 2024) is the newest and priciest, starting at $1,945. AMLI on Aldrich (built 2017) starts at $1,578. SYNC at Mueller (built 2013) offers one-bedrooms starting at $1,307 with look-and-lease specials that credit back your app fee, admin fee, and deposit. Mosaic at Mueller (built 2009, renovated 2023) starts at $1,495. Rivette Tower (built 2024) is offering 6 weeks free right now.
For budget options near Mueller: The Lowell at Mueller is a renovated 1969 property starting at $699. Tides at Mueller starts at $750. Mueller Crossing starts at $1,107 with first month free.
One detail most people don’t know: 25% of Mueller’s housing is reserved for affordable units through the Mueller Affordable Homes Program. These have income limits (typically 60-80% of area median income) and often carry waitlists, but the prices are dramatically lower than market rate. If you qualify, this is worth investigating.
The insider tip: Mueller’s affordable housing waitlists move faster than people expect. I’ve had clients get calls within 3-4 months. If your income qualifies, get on that list now, even if you’re not moving for six months.
Manor Road Corridor (78722) β The Foodie Pocket
Manor Road between I-35 and Airport Boulevard has quietly become one of Austin’s best restaurant streets. Dai Due. Suerte. Patrizi’s. Sour Duck Market. The Long Goodbye. Vic and Al’s for late-night pizza. This three-mile stretch punches above its weight.
The catch? Very limited apartment inventory. Most of Manor Road is houses, duplexes, and small multi-family buildings. Your options: Starlight (built 2022) at 2901 Manor Rd starts at $1,022 for studios. The Emma Browning (built 2025) at 3219 Manor Rd is brand new, starting at $1,420 with 8 weeks free on 15-18 month leases. Volume at 2604 Manor Rd is a renovated 1964 building with studios starting at $790. That’s basically it for this corridor.
When apartments do come available here, they typically run $1,000 to $2,000 for a one-bedroom. That’s often cheaper than Central East 78702, with arguably better food access. But choices are thin.
The insider tip: If Manor Road is your priority, tell me early. The Emma Browning just opened in 2025 and is offering solid specials. Starlight has been struggling with occupancy, which means negotiating power. I track this corridor closely because inventory is so limited.
Springdale / Far East (78721, 78724) β The Value Play
East of Airport Boulevard, the character shifts. Streets like Springdale Road and Ed Bluestein Boulevard have newer apartment construction, much of it built in the last five years, at significantly lower prices than anything west of the airport.
This is where your dollar stretches furthest. Bridge at Delco Flats (built 2023) starts at $1,012 with 2.5 months free. Banks of Springdale (built 2021) starts at $1,080 with 6 weeks free. Lenox Park (built 2021) starts at $1,290. Citizen House MLK (built 2023) starts at $1,380 but offers 10 weeks free plus a $1,500 gift card. Bluestem at Loyola (built 2024) starts at $1,300 with up to 10 weeks free.
Brand new in 2025: Loyola Junction on Ed Bluestein is offering 50% off for 5 months plus a $1,500 gift card. Lirica on E 7th Street (built 2025) starts at $1,459 with 2 months free. These are Class A finishes at Far East prices.
The trade-off is real: you need a car. There’s no walkable bar scene. The H-E-B run is a drive, not a stroll. You’re trading the walkability that defines inner East Austin for space and savings.
But here’s the thing. This area is changing fast. The 78721 zip code was ranked among the fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods in America by Realtor.com. What feels “far” today might feel very different in three years. If you’re budget-conscious and can handle a 15-minute drive to the action, Springdale and Far East are worth considering.
The insider tip: The specials out here right now are insane. Loyola Junction’s 50% off deal drops a $1,300 one-bedroom to around $900/month net effective. Bridge at Delco Flats at $1,012 with 2.5 months free comes out to about $800/month. That’s hard to beat anywhere in Austin for Class A construction.
East Austin Rent Prices: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026
Here’s where most apartment websites fail you: they show sticker prices. The number on the listing. What they don’t show is your actual monthly cost after concessions, which right now in East Austin can be $200-400 less than advertised.
I track pricing across 56 East Austin communities. The table below reflects what I’m seeing in January 2026. Fair warning though: specials change weekly. What’s available today might be gone by the time you tour.
Current Pricing by Unit Type and Sub-Area
| Unit Type | Central East (78702) | Plaza Saltillo (78702) | Mueller (78723) | Manor Road (78722) | Springdale/Far East |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $960β1,500 | $1,171β1,500 | $1,100β1,600 | $790β1,022 | $974β1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,230β2,200 | $1,279β1,800 | $1,307β2,000 | $1,022β1,500 | $1,012β1,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,900β3,500 | $1,800β3,000 | $1,800β3,500 | $1,400β2,500 | $1,400β2,200 |
Pricing based on January 2026 data from 56 East Austin communities I actively work with. Ranges reflect base rent before concessions.
Why Net Effective Rent Changes Everything
That $1,778 East Austin apartment with 2 months free? Your actual cost is $1,481/month net effective. Nearly $300/month less than the sticker price. When comparing properties, net effective rent is the only honest comparison.
Here’s the formula: base rent Γ lease term β free months Γ· lease term.
Specials You Should Know About Right Now
These are real specials I’m tracking as of January 2026. They won’t last forever. Some expire end of February, others are month-to-month.
| Property | Address | Current Special | Approx. Net Effective 1BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solomon | 1414 E 51st St | 2 months free + $3,500 gift card | ~$1,100/mo |
| Bluestem at Loyola | 8101 Loyola Lane | Up to 10 weeks free + $1,000 gift card | ~$1,050/mo |
| Loyola Junction | 6525 Ed Bluestein Blvd | 50% off for 5 months + $1,500 gift card | ~$900/mo |
| The Blockyard | 1909 Alexander Ave | 2 months free + $1,500 gift card | ~$1,000/mo |
| Bridge at Delco Flats | 7601 Springdale Rd | 2.5 months free | ~$850/mo |
| Citizen House MLK | 6117 FM 969 | 2.5 months free + $1,500 gift card | ~$1,100/mo |
| Eastpoint | 760 Airport Blvd | 2.5 months free + $1,000 gift card | ~$1,050/mo |
| The Goodwin | 3706 Goodwin Ave | 2.5 months free + $1,000 gift card | ~$1,200/mo |
The gift cards are real money. Use them toward move-in costs, furniture, whatever. Some communities structure them as rent credits instead. Either way, factor them into your true cost calculation.
Want the current list of East Austin specials? I update this weekly. Call me at (512) 981-5509 or contact me here and I’ll send you what’s actually available right now, not what was available when this article was written.
Finding the Right East Austin Apartment for Your Situation
This is where I can actually help beyond what a listing site offers. Different situations need different properties, and screening criteria varies more than people realize.
Luxury Options in East Austin
“Luxury” gets thrown around loosely, so let me be specific. In East Austin, true luxury usually means: newer construction (2018+), high-end finishes (quartz, stainless, smart home features), and amenities like rooftop pools, co-working spaces, or podcast studios.
Properties like The Arnold (built 2017), 7East (built 2015), AMLI North Park (built 2024), and Rivette Tower (built 2024) fit this category. Expect $1,600-2,200+ for a one-bedroom at these spots. AMLI North Park at Mueller runs $1,945-3,665, while The Arnold near East 6th starts around $1,230 for studios. These communities typically require credit scores above 620 and income at 3x monthly rent. If your credit is above 700 and income is strong, approval is straightforward.
Budget-Friendly Options Under $1,400
Yes, they exist in East Austin. You just have to know where to look.
The Springdale/Far East corridor is your best bet. Bridge at Delco Flats starts at $1,012 for a one-bedroom. Banks of Springdale starts at $1,080. Lenox Park on Ed Bluestein starts at $1,290. With current specials offering 6-10 weeks free, net effective rent can drop below $900/month at some of these communities.
For even more affordable options, older renovated properties like Tides at Mueller start at $750, Sage Hill at $775, and Wildwood at $815. These are Class C properties with 1970s-80s bones but recent updates. Not luxury, but solid value.
A note on screening: some of these communities have more flexible credit requirements. I’ve placed clients with credit in the 550-600 range at certain Far East properties that still required 3x income but were willing to work with lower scores. This is very property-specific. It varies by ownership group and even by which leasing agent you work with. If you’re in this situation, talk to me before you apply anywhere.
Larger Floor Plans (2-3 Bedrooms)
If you need space for roommates, a home office, or any other reason, East Austin has options across price points.
Mueller has the most inventory of larger units. SYNC at Mueller offers up to 3-bedroom units reaching 2,271 sqft. AMLI on Aldrich has 3-bedrooms up to 1,993 sqft. Mosaic at Mueller goes up to 1,761 sqft. Two-bedrooms at Mueller typically run $2,200-3,200.
For value on larger units, look further east. Huntington Meadows on Decker Lane offers 1-4 bedroom units starting at $1,111. Lenox Park has 3-bedrooms up to 1,353 sqft starting around $2,400. Eagles Landing on Decker Lane has 3-bedrooms. Two-bedrooms at these Far East properties run $1,500-1,800. That’s often $800-1,000 less than equivalent square footage in 78702 or Mueller.
Pet-Friendly Considerations
Most East Austin apartments accept pets, but fees add up: $200-500 deposit plus $25-50/month pet rent. If you have a legitimate ESA, you can avoid these fees under Fair Housing protections. That’s $500+ upfront and $300-600/year in savings.
Remote Worker Considerations
Working from home full-time? East Austin has some specific advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Advantages: Many newer buildings include co-working spaces, private offices, or reservable conference rooms. Properties like SYNC at Mueller, AMLI North Park, and Trailhead have dedicated work-from-home amenities. Gigabit internet is standard in most construction from 2018+.
Disadvantages: Street noise in Central East (78702) can be significant during the day. Delivery trucks, construction, general urban activity. If you take video calls regularly, ask about soundproofing and visit during business hours to assess noise levels. Mueller tends to be quieter during workdays.
If your income is tight relative to your target rent, tell me upfront. I know which East Austin communities have flexibility on income requirements and which don’t. (For the full breakdown on income verification and requirements, see my complete Austin apartment guide.)
4 East Austin Apartment Mistakes That Cost My Clients Money (And How to Avoid Them)
I’ve helped hundreds of people move to East Austin. These are the mistakes I see over and over, and they’re all avoidable if you know what to watch for.
Mistake #1: Assuming All of East Austin Is Walkable
People hear “East Austin” and picture walking to bars on East 6th, grabbing coffee at Cenote, strolling to dinner at Suerte. That’s true for maybe 20% of the area. Specifically, the western edge of 78702 between I-35 and Airport Boulevard.
Once you cross Airport Boulevard heading east, walkability drops dramatically. By the time you reach Springdale Road or Ed Bluestein, you’re in car-required territory. The apartments are newer and cheaper, but you’re not walking anywhere.
The fix: Before you sign, actually walk from the apartment to the places you’d want to go. Google Maps walking directions will tell you the truth. If it’s 25+ minutes to anything you care about, factor in that you’ll be driving everywhere.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the I-35 Construction Timeline
The I-35 Capital Express Central project is the most significant upgrade to I-35 in Austin since 1974. Construction runs directly through the Plaza Saltillo area and will continue through at least 2027, with some phases extending to 2033.
I’ve had clients sign leases at buildings that looked great on paper, then discover that highway noise at 7 AM made their bedroom unlivable. Some buildings are more affected than others, even on the same block.
The fix: If you’re looking at anything west of Chicon Street in 78702, visit during different times of day. Morning rush hour and evening rush hour will give you the real noise picture. Ask the leasing office directly: “How has the I-35 construction affected residents?” Their answer (or non-answer) tells you a lot.
Mistake #3: Missing Mueller’s Affordable Housing Program
Mueller’s affordable housing isn’t marketed heavily, which means many people who qualify never even apply. The Mueller Affordable Homes Program reserves 25% of housing units for income-qualified renters. Typically those earning 60-80% of Austin’s Area Median Income.
For a one-bedroom, that can mean $900-1,200/month instead of $1,800-2,200 at market rate. Same buildings, same amenities, dramatically different price.
The fix: Check if you qualify based on AMI limits from the City of Austin (these change annually, currently around $52,000/year for a single person at 80% AMI). If you’re anywhere close, get on the waitlist now. I’ve seen waitlists move in 3-4 months, which is faster than most people expect. Even if you’re not moving for six months, getting your name in early gives you options.
Mistake #4: Not Calculating Net Effective Rent Before Comparing
This one costs people money constantly. They compare a $1,600/month apartment with no specials against a $1,900/month apartment offering 2.5 months free and pick the “cheaper” one.
Let’s do the math on a 12-month lease:
- Apartment A: $1,600 Γ 12 = $19,200 total
- Apartment B: ($1,900 Γ 12) β ($1,900 Γ 2.5) = $18,050 total
Apartment B is actually $1,150 cheaper over the lease term, despite the higher sticker price. That’s almost $100/month in real savings.
The fix: Always calculate net effective rent before comparing options. Take the total lease cost minus any free months or credits, then divide by your lease term. That’s your real monthly cost. I do this calculation for every client because it changes which apartment is actually the better deal.
What It’s Actually Like to Live in East Austin
I want to give you something you won’t find on Apartments.com or Zillow: an honest picture of daily life in East Austin, broken down by sub-area. Not marketing copy. Not neighborhood scores generated by algorithms. What it actually feels like to live here.
The East Austin “Vibe Gradient”
The vibe changes as you move east from I-35:
Zone 1 (I-35 to Chicon): The “sceney” zone. Dense, walkable, bars everywhere. You’ll hear live music and drunk people at 2 AM. Premium pricing.
Zone 2 (Chicon to Airport Blvd): The sweet spot. Still walkable to the action, but quieter residential streets. Often better value with the same zip code and lower noise.
Zone 3 (Airport to Springdale): Transition zone. Mueller lives here. Walkable within Mueller, but not to broader East Austin. Newer construction, more space.
Zone 4 (East of Springdale): Value zone. Car-required, suburban-feeling, but inside city limits. Lowest prices, newest buildings.
Food & Drink: What Each Sub-Area Actually Offers
Let me be specific, because “great restaurants” means nothing.
Central East / 78702: The highest concentration of notable spots. East 6th Street has Launderette, Suerte, Kemuri Tatsu-ya, and Intero within walking distance of each other. Rainey Street (technically downtown, but walkable from 78702) adds another cluster. This is where most of Austin’s James Beard nominees live.
Mueller: The H-E-B is genuinely excellent. One of the better grocery stores in Austin. Thinkery and Alamo Drafthouse are anchors. But restaurant options within Mueller are limited to chains and fast-casual. You’ll be driving for anything notable.
Manor Road Corridor: Punches way above its weight. Dai Due (whole-animal butcher and restaurant), Suerte (regional Mexican), Patrizi’s (outdoor pasta), Sour Duck Market, Vic and Al’s, The Long Goodbye. This three-mile stretch is a legitimate food destination. You just won’t find much apartment inventory here.
Springdale / Far East: Honestly limited. You’re driving to eat anywhere interesting. The tradeoff for cheaper rent is fewer walkable amenities.
Outdoor Access
East Austin has solid park access if you know where to look.
Lady Bird Lake is accessible from Central East. The trail runs along the southern edge of East Austin, with entry points near Holly Street and Festival Beach. The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail encircles the lake and is Austin’s most popular recreational area, with over 2.6 million visits annually.
Boggy Creek Greenbelt runs through the middle of East Austin, offering a quieter trail system than Lady Bird Lake. It connects several neighborhood parks and is genuinely underused compared to the main lake trail.
Mueller has Lake Park. A constructed lake with a 1.2-mile trail loop. Nice for a morning run, though it feels more “designed” than the organic trails elsewhere.
Commute Times from East Austin
These are realistic estimates during typical commute hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). I’m not giving you Google Maps times at 2 PM on a Sunday.
| Destination | From Central East (78702) | From Mueller | From Springdale/Far East |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin | 10β15 min | 15β20 min | 20β30 min |
| UT Campus | 10β15 min | 10β15 min | 15β25 min |
| The Domain | 20β30 min | 15β25 min | 20β30 min |
| Austin-Bergstrom Airport | 15β20 min | 15β20 min | 10β15 min |
| Tech employers (Apple/Meta campus) | 25β35 min | 20β30 min | 25β35 min |
Capital Metro runs bus routes throughout East Austin, and the MetroRail Red Line stops at Plaza Saltillo and MLK stations. The rail is useful for downtown commutes and Domain access, but frequency is limited (every 15-30 minutes depending on time). Most East Austin residents still drive.
Schools in East Austin
East Austin is served by Austin ISD. You can look up specific school assignments using the AISD School Finder by entering your address.
Elementary options include Maplewood, Blanton, and Pecan Springs-Marshall. Middle school is typically Martin or Pearce. High school is primarily Eastside Memorial or LBJ for the eastern portions, with some areas feeding into Reagan.
A note on the data: school performance varies significantly within East Austin. Some elementaries are highly regarded, others less so. If school assignments are a priority, check specific ratings before committing to an address. I can’t steer you toward specific schools (Fair Housing rules), but you can research ratings independently.
The Character of East Austin
East Austin’s character draws people who value creative scenes, food culture, and walkability over suburban polish. The neighborhood has more murals than you can count, more taquerias than you can try in a year, and a pace that’s fast by Austin standards but slow by any coastal city standard.
What you won’t find: the manicured suburban experience. HOA-level uniformity. Chain restaurant convenience. If those things matter to you, look at Mueller (which has some of it) or the suburbs (which have more).
What you will find: a neighborhood that actually feels like Austin. The Austin that existed before the tech boom made the city national news. It’s changing, sure. But it hasn’t been scrubbed of its character yet.
East Austin Apartment FAQs
Is East Austin more affordable than Downtown?
Yes, meaningfully so. A one-bedroom in Downtown Austin typically runs $2,200-3,500. In Central East Austin (78702), you’re looking at $1,700-2,500 for comparable quality. In Far East Austin (78721, 78724), that drops to $1,100-1,600.
The gap narrows when you factor in parking. Downtown usually includes one space, while many East Austin buildings charge $75-150/month extra. But even then, East Austin typically wins by $300-600/month for equivalent square footage.
What’s the difference between 78702 and 78721?
About $500-800/month in rent and a completely different lifestyle.
78702 is inner East Austin: walkable, restaurant-dense, gentrified, expensive. You’re paying for location and walkability.
78721 is Far East Austin: car-required, newer construction, affordable, still developing. You’re trading walkability for savings and space.
They’re both “East Austin” on a map. They’re different neighborhoods in practice.
Is Mueller considered East Austin?
Technically yes. Practically, it depends who you ask.
Mueller sits in 78723, which is geographically in East Austin. But it doesn’t feel like the East Austin that people picture. It’s master-planned, suburban in character, and more connected to the North Austin vibe than the East 6th Street scene.
If someone says they want to live in “East Austin,” they usually mean 78702. Walkable, artsy, bar-filled. Mueller is a different product. Not worse, just different. Know which one you’re actually looking for.
How’s the commute from East Austin to Downtown?
From Central East (78702): 10-15 minutes by car, longer during peak traffic. Biking is genuinely viable with flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes on some routes, 15-20 minutes to most of downtown.
From Mueller: 15-20 minutes by car. The MetroRail is an option but adds time versus driving.
From Far East: 20-30 minutes by car. No practical alternative to driving.
What credit score do I need for East Austin apartments?
This varies more than people realize, and it’s something most apartment guides never mention.
Luxury buildings (The Arnold, 7East, newer construction in 78702): Typically require 620+ credit, sometimes 650+. These are the most restrictive.
Mid-tier buildings (most of Mueller, older 78702 stock): Often approve down to 580-600 with strong income (3x monthly rent).
Value buildings (Springdale, Far East): Some will work with credit in the 550-580 range if income is solid. A few properties work below 550 with additional deposits or third-party approval services.
This is where working with someone who knows screening criteria actually matters. I’ve placed clients with 560 credit at properties that other locators said were impossible because I knew which ownership groups had flexibility. If your credit isn’t perfect, tell me upfront. There are options.
Are there affordable apartments in East Austin?
Yes, in two senses:
Market-rate affordable: Far East Austin (78721, 78724) has one-bedrooms in the $1,100-1,400 range. With current specials, net effective rent can drop below $1,000/month. That’s genuinely affordable by Austin standards.
Income-restricted affordable: Mueller’s affordable housing program has units at 60-80% AMI. Roughly $900-1,200/month for one-bedrooms if you income-qualify. Other scattered-site affordable properties exist throughout East Austin. These often have waitlists but move faster than people expect.
If you need rent under $1,200/month and want to stay in Austin city limits, East Austin (specifically the eastern half) is one of your best options.
Ready to Find Your East Austin Apartment?
East Austin isn’t one neighborhood. It’s five distinct sub-areas with different price points and lifestyles. The difference between Central East and Far East isn’t just $500/month. It’s a completely different way of living.
If your situation is straightforward, use the breakdown above. If you have credit below 620, tight income, or any screening concerns, that’s where I can help. I know which East Austin properties have flexibility.
My service is free. I’m paid by the apartment community.
For the full breakdown on how the apartment search process works, including application timing, what documents you need, how to negotiate, and questions to ask on every tour, fill out this short form here.

About Ross Quade
Ross Quade is the founder of Austin Apartment Team, providing apartment locating services to help renters find their ideal home across the Austin metro area. He and his team have toured 500+ properties and helped hundreds of renters navigate Austin’s competitive rental marketβall at no cost to you. Reach out online or text us and you’ll hear back within 15 minutes with personalized guidance from search to signed lease.
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Last updated: January 2026. Pricing and specials change frequently. Contact Ross for the most current information.
