Neighborhood Guide: Riverside, Austin

Also known as East Riverside-Oltorf, Riverside is a down-to-earth neighborhood with a mix of residential areas, urban amenities, strip malls, greenspace, and quirky pubs. It's a desirable location for its proximity to Downtown and local attractions, but it is still undergoing revitalization. As a result, you'll see more development going up around Riverside during the next few years.

Before you pick up and move to Riverside, here's what to know about this Austin neighborhood.

Types of Homes and Apartments to Rent in Riverside, Austin

Riverdale, sometimes called East Riverside, is still undergoing revitalization. Yet, unlike other neighborhoods in Austin, rents are still relatively affordable. Unless you live near areas like East Riverside Drive, the streets have a quiet and residential feel.

Locals rent a mix of single-family homes, renovated bungalows, new apartment complexes, and high-rise condo buildings. A new 10-million square foot Riverside project is also looking to expand the area with mixed-use spaces, office, residential, retail, restaurant, and entertainment areas.

Riverside, Austin Landscape

Riverside’s urban neighborhood features small yards and tree-lined streets. Parks include the Mabel Davis District Park and the neighborhood gem, Roy G.

Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park. The stunning space features an ACC Golf Course on Grove Blvd., with the Colorado River running along the back of the park. Residents near Lady Bird Lake enjoy urban views along the tree-lined banks for more time outdoors.

Must-See Attractions

Riverside doesn't have the nightlife and pub crawls of nearby Downtown Austin or SoCo. Don’t worry. You'll still have plenty to see, do, and savor in this growing neighborhood. Riverside is also near Lady Bird Lake, making urban paddleboarding a favorite pastime.

Living in Riverside, Austin

Riverside is just 4.2 miles from Downtown and near some of the best neighborhoods in Austin. The area features a few urban amenities, like the famed Emos music venue and popular food trucks. Unfortunately, green space isn't plentiful, but you can paddleboard and kayak along Lady Bird Lake or spend the afternoon at Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park.

Things to Keep in Mind

Riverside, Austin welcomes renters with more affordable prices than most of the city's nearby neighborhoods. You'll find a mix of working professionals commuting to work, families, and young professionals. Riverside is also near the University of Texas and a good option for college students looking for reasonable rents with access to the best of what Austin offers.

You'll need to consider safety when living in Riverside, as the neighborhood still has a reputation for crime spikes. Residents should stay aware of their surroundings and not walk home in the middle of the night. However, new development and a growing population make it a more desirable place to live.

Things to Do in Riverside, Austin

Whether you're looking for weekend fun or a place to unwind after work, here's what to see and do in Riverside, Austin.

Catch a Live Show at Emo’s

Enjoy a concert at Emo's, which got started as a punk club in Houston before opening its new location in Austin. Musical acts include The Psychedelic Furs and up-and-coming musicians.

Check Out the Ruiz Branch of the Austin Public Library

The Ruiz Branch of the Austin Public Library offers books, DVDs, a teen center, and an outdoor stone path leading to a meadow behind the library. The bright and airy space is ideal for remote workers and digital nomads looking for some quiet and free WiFi.

Have a Picnic at Peace Point

The 5-acre Peace Point is a peninsula nestled along the Colorado River with a waterfront gazebo. Peace Point features nearby running trails with urban views as part of the greater Lady Bird Lake.

Rent a Paddle Board on the Lake

The proximity to Lady Bird Lake makes Riverside the perfect neighborhood for paddleboarding and waterfront recreation. Enjoy the water with Austin skyline views.

Visit Mabel Davis District Park

Mabel Davis District Park is the city's first public skate park, boasting 12,000 sq ft of skate surface, a seasonal pool, basketball courts, and walking trails.

Spend the Afternoon at Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park

The 400-acre park is a gem in Riverside with a 3.5-mile hiking trip, baseball feels, nature preserves, and hiking trails. There's also a small, secret beach tucked into the park.

Where to Eat and Drink in Riverside, Austin

After a day on Lady Bird Lake or exploring the neighborhood, here's where to eat and drink in Riverside, Austin.

Longhorn Daiquiris

As the name implies, Longhorn Daiquiris serves a wide variety of diaquiris, crab legs, and savory sausages with potatoes. You can also try their jello shots or enjoy a crab and shrimp boil.

La Tunica 512

La Tunica 512 serves Mexican bites from a low-key food truck. Locals come for affordable tacos and authentic fare.

The Jackalope South Shore

The Jackalope South Shore is a lively watering hole with craft cocktails and juicy burgers. Bring your dog to imbibe on the patio and play a game of cornhole outdoors.

Pueblo Viejo

Pueblo Viejo serves breakfast tacos, gorditos, and other popular Mexican dishes. The founders strive to keep the flavors of their hometown in Mexico while creating affordable, tasty plates.

1618 Asian Fusion

Asian Fusion is the place for fusion and fine-casual dining with a diverse range of Asian flavors. Choose classics like grilled octopus, Pho, and crispy redfish. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

In a Nutshell

Riverside, Austin, is a residential neighborhood undergoing plans for major development. Rents are still reasonable, although the new project will likely drive up prices in the area.

The neighborhood is also a convenient place to live. You can get into Downtown Austin quickly or spend the afternoon strolling through Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park. Then, head to your favorite watering hole when the sun sets or take in some live music in Emos.

Final Thoughts

Ready to find the perfect apartment in Riverside, Austin? Sign-up with Apartment List to start your search.

If Austin doesn't seem like the right place for you, consider other places to live in Texas.

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San Antonio:

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