Market Overview for Zip Code 78702
There are 219 active listings in Zip Code 78702 with a median list price of $639K and a median sold price of $694K.
Homes average 66 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 23 homes have sold, with 324 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $525.
About Zip Code 78702
Zip code 78702 covers East Austin, the area immediately east of Interstate 35 from the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake) north to approximately Manor Road, in central Travis County. This zip code includes the historically significant neighborhoods of East Cesar Chavez, Holly, Govalle (western portion), and the Saltillo redevelopment district along East 5th Street. For decades, East Austin was the city's primary Hispanic and African American residential area, shaped by mid-20th century racial covenants and the construction of I-35 as a dividing line. Since the mid-2000s, the area has undergone rapid redevelopment with new condominiums, restaurants, and mixed-use projects transforming formerly industrial and residential blocks.
Real estate in 78702 has experienced significant price escalation over the past 15 years. The median home price is approximately $650K, up from under $200K in 2010. Single-family homes — primarily 1940s to 1970s bungalows and cottages — range from $450K for unrenovated properties on smaller lots to over $1.2 million for fully remodeled homes on quarter-acre lots. New construction townhomes and modern infill homes list from $600K to $900K. Condominiums in developments like Saltillo Lofts, Corazon, and East Avenue start around $350K for one-bedroom units. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown (less than one mile from I-35) drives demand, and teardowns of original housing stock for higher-density projects continue at a rapid pace.
Students in 78702 attend Austin ISD schools. Sanchez Elementary, Zavala Elementary, and Metz Elementary serve the elementary grades. Martin Middle School covers 6th through 8th, and Eastside Memorial High School serves 9th through 12th. Austin ISD has faced enrollment challenges in East Austin as gentrification has shifted the area's population, with some campuses operating below capacity. The district offers dual-language programs at multiple East Austin campuses. Private and charter school options include KIPP Austin Public Schools and East Austin College Prep. Huston-Tillotson University, a private historically Black university established in 1875, is located on Chicon Street within 78702.
East Austin's location adjacent to downtown makes it one of the most transit-accessible areas in the city. Capital Metro's MetroRail Red Line stops at the Plaza Saltillo station on East 5th Street, and numerous bus routes run along East 7th, East Cesar Chavez, and Springdale Road. The Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail runs along the southern edge at Lady Bird Lake. Driving to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport takes approximately 15 minutes via SH-71. The East Austin commercial corridor along East 6th and East 7th Streets has become a destination dining and nightlife district, while East Cesar Chavez retains taco stands, bakeries, and legacy businesses alongside new establishments.
Living in Zip Code 78702
East Austin has changed markedly since 2010, with rising prices reshaping the area's housing costs and inventory. Median household income in 78702 has risen to approximately $75,000, though significant income disparity exists between longtime homeowners and newer arrivals. The median age is in the mid-30s, with a growing concentration of tech workers, creative professionals, and dual-income households without children. Homeownership rates have declined as property values have pushed longtime residents toward rentals or relocation, and investors have converted single-family homes to short-term rental properties.
The East Austin food and beverage scene is one of the most active in Central Texas. Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street draws multi-hour lines and has been featured in national media since its 2009 opening. East 6th Street (also called "East Sixth" or the "East Side") has over 40 bars, restaurants, and music venues between I-35 and Chicon Street, including Whisler's, Lazarus Brewing, and Hillside Farmacy. Fiesta Gardens on the south end hosts festivals and cultural events along Lady Bird Lake. Pan Am Neighborhood Park on East 3rd Street has a pool, basketball courts, and a recreation center. The Thinkery children's museum operates at the Mueller redevelopment on the northern edge. Weekly events include the Hope Farmers Market on Saturdays at Plaza Saltillo and live music at the Sahara Lounge and the White Horse.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78702
- Franklin Barbecue: Nationally recognized barbecue restaurant on East 11th Street. Open Wednesday through Sunday with typical wait times of 2 to 3 hours.
- East 6th Street Bars and Music: Over 40 bars, restaurants, and live music venues between I-35 and Chicon including Whisler's, Lazarus Brewing, and the White Horse.
- Hope Farmers Market: Saturday morning outdoor market at Plaza Saltillo with local produce, prepared foods, and artisan vendors. Year-round operation.
- Fiesta Gardens: City park on Lady Bird Lake hosting cultural festivals, quinceañera celebrations, and the annual Dia de los Muertos event.
- Thinkery Children's Museum: Interactive science and arts museum at the Mueller redevelopment, with indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78702
- Austin ISD East Austin campuses (Education): Multiple elementary, middle, and high school campuses employing several hundred teachers and staff across East Austin.
- Huston-Tillotson University (Education): Private HBCU on a 23-acre campus employing approximately 300 faculty and staff.
- Capital Metro (Transportation): Regional transit authority with its main operations and administrative offices near the East Austin corridor.
- Austin Energy (Utilities): City-owned electric utility with service center facilities in the East Austin area employing several hundred workers.
Zip Code 78702 Schools
Austin ISD serves 78702 with several elementary campuses, Martin Middle School, and Eastside Memorial High School. Huston-Tillotson University provides higher education.
School District: Austin ISD
Public Schools
- Blackshear Elementary
- Zavala Elementary
- Oak Springs Elementary
- Kealing Middle
- Martin Middle
- O Henry Middle
- Eastside Memorial echs
- McCallum High School
- Austin High School
Pre-Schools
- Austin ISD Pre-K - Free public pre-K at multiple East Austin elementary campuses.
- KIPP Austin Pre-K - Charter school pre-K program on Springdale Road.
Private Schools
- East Austin College Prep - Charter school serving 6th through 12th grade with a college-preparatory curriculum.
Higher Education
- Huston-Tillotson University - Private HBCU on Chicon Street established in 1875, serving approximately 1,100 students with bachelor's and master's programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78702?
78702 covers East Austin immediately east of I-35, from Lady Bird Lake north to Manor Road. It includes the East Cesar Chavez, Holly, and Saltillo districts.
What do homes cost in 78702?
The median home price in 78702 is approximately $650K. Unrenovated bungalows start around $450K, remodeled homes reach $1.2 million, and new condos start at $350K.
Has East Austin gentrified?
78702 has experienced significant gentrification since the mid-2000s, with median home prices rising from under $200K in 2010 to approximately $650K.
What school district serves East Austin?
Austin ISD serves 78702 with elementary schools like Sanchez and Zavala (both offering dual-language), Martin Middle School, and Eastside Memorial High School.
Is East Austin close to downtown?
East Austin is adjacent to downtown, separated only by I-35. The Plaza Saltillo MetroRail station provides direct transit access, and most of 78702 is within a 5 to 10 minute drive of the Capitol.
