The East Riverside neighborhood is located in Southeast Austin. By living in here, you will have access to the city of Austin’s natural amenities, like: Lady Bird Lake, the dozens of running, biking, and hiking trails, and—of course—close proximity to Austin’s famous live music and downtown nightlife. Think of how much fun you could have on Rainey and 6th streets with all the money you will save by moving just a short bus-ride from campus.
Speaking of Rainey Street, this area is a historic district from the 1880s featuring old bungalow style homes – it’s even in the National Register of Historic Places. While people new to Austin may only recognize Rainey Street as a hub for sophisticated fun and nightlife, it has only been this way since the early 2010s; many of the historic homes were reimagined into bars, restaurants, hookah lounges while quite a few hotels have risen as well. G’Raj Mahal offers authentic and delicious Indian cuisine, Parlor Room bar has board games and a dance floor for your dabbing pleasure, or if you’re in need to an abundance of sausage, Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden offers everything from a smoked hot dog to a duck, bacon & fig sausage (over 30 kinds of sausage)! Just a reminder that this would only be a $7 uber ride away, all if you decided on Riverside…
Wonderful restaurants that are actually located inside the Riverside district: Baby Acapulco, El Taquito, Rosita’s Al Pastor, Pho Please, Chi’Lantro, and Taquerias Arandinas are a few favorites.
The trails along Lady Bird Lake are favorite spots for joggers living in the South Austin area. During the milder season, it is common to see Austinites walking their dogs, or just walking alongside the lake with their kids and significant others (#datenight). And the lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle-boarding, feeding ducks (no bread please), and swimming with your loved ones and furry friends.
If you enjoy live music, head on over to Emo’s on 2015 East Riverside Dr. for performances by some of the biggest names in music. Check their website for upcoming shows and dates. The venue is divided into two stages, and it is not uncommon to see some of the biggest names in Metal—like Veil of Maya—performing across the hall from a well-known alternative rock band like New Found Glory. Of course, if metal music isn’t your jam – they also feature rap artists such as Vince Staples. The audiences at Emo’s are as diverse as the city itself, just don’t forget your ID!
If you’d like to know more about the day-to-day details – there’s an H-E-B Plus right at East Riverside/Pleasant Valley, a Walmart Supercenter just on the other side of I-35 on East Ben White Blvd, and a Planet Fitness near the H-E-B to work off all those sausages! If you’re a book worm, the Ruiz Branch of the Austin Public Library is on Grove Blvd, between East Riverside and the Riverside Golf Course.