The 2025 Guide to East Austin’s Most Walkable Apartments

Howdy! If you’re looking to move to a walkable part of Austin, but don’t want to splurle on Downtown, this post on East Austin is for you.  I’ll be detailing the neighborhood, why you want to live here, and the apartments you should know about.

East Austin has gone through an incredible transformation over the past few years, evolving from a slightly rough-around-the-edges area into one of the hottest residential destinations in the entire city. With its restaurants, nightlife scene, and one-of-a-kind artistic vibes, it’s a great for young professionals, creatives, and anybody looking to build a solid community. Plus, it’s where I live here. So I’m one of the amenities.

I’m going to break down the parts of East Austin that will give you the best access to Downtown and the best walkability, and highlight the top apartment my clients typically lease. Whether you’re looking for modern luxury, funky charm, or that perfect blend of urban and serene, East Austin has what you need.

East 6th Corridor: Core East Austin

The core of the neighborhood, closest to downtown along East 4th, 5th, and 6th have a super metropolitan feel, with dense midrise buildings like Residences at Saltillo, Corazon, East Side Station, Arnold, Sentral, 7East, and E6. Each offer hyper walkability steps from all the action. Whole Foods, Target, and tons of bars and restaurants nearby make it very easy to live here without a car. If you thrive off the energy of being right in the thick of it all, with bars, restaurants, and live music venues nearby, this could be the ideal spot.

East 11th Corridor

If you’re craving some more breathing room and a slightly quieter vibe, check out central East Austin neighborhoods along the East 11th Street corridor. Places like AMLI Eastside, Eleven by Windsor, The Waller, The Alexan Waterloo, and Avenir Apartments strike that perfect balance – you’re still close enough to all the East Austin happenings, but you can come home to a more laidback, residential setting. And many of these complexes have some pretty killer amenities, from rooftop pools to jaw-dropping skyline views. I lived in this area for four years, and it’s one of my favorite places in Austin.

Pros, Cons, and Must-Have Amenities

No matter which part of East Austin you’re drawn to, there are some definite perks to consider. Walkability is a major plus in this neighborhood, with places like the Saltillo area putting tons of shops, restaurants, and services right at your fingertips. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, East Austin has some amazing green spaces, from the scenic river trails to the expansive Walnut Creek.

Of course, with the upsides come a few potential downsides as well. Certain areas, especially closer to the lively Red River district, can get a bit noisy and trafficky. And highway access, while manageable, may require a bit more planning on your part.

But in my opinion, the pros of East Austin living far outweigh the cons. You get that perfect blend of urban energy and laid-back charm, all while avoiding the sky-high prices of living right downtown. Plus, the variety of apartment options means you’re sure to find the right fit, whether you’re looking for luxury high-rise living, funky artistic vibes, or something in between.

So there you have it, my fellow apartment hunters – your ultimate 2025 guide to navigating the East Austin rental market. If you found this blog post helpful, please reach out to me on the website so I can help you find an apartment to live in!