Summary
Martin Luther King, or MLK, is a larger eastside neighborhood. It is rather far from downtown and known as being rundown but actually it is gradually improving with newer, larger homes and townhouses being built in the area. There is ample green space in the neighborhood which, along with the new construction, offsets the remoteness from central Austin and tends to drive up property values.
Several local highways and major thoroughfares pass through the neighborhood, making it easier to commute to other parts of the city. Public transportation is readily accessible with multiple public bus routes.
Features
MLK is named for Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., which is one of several major thoroughfares that pass through or near the neighborhood. The neighborhood is on the far east side of town. But public bus routes are readily accessible, making it easy and inexpensive to reach the University of Texas, downtown, or other parts of central Austin.
Although there is crime, it is generally confined to several locations in the neighborhood with low-rent apartments, and there are nicer sections as well. However the neighborhood has few entertainment or nightlife options, and dining options consist mainly of fast food and casual Mexican restaurants.
But there is abundant green space. The Givens District Recreation Center has fields around it, and inside, the center has a gymnasium, a weight room, and a swimming pool that’s open in the summer. Also in the area are Springdale Park, J.J. Seabrook Park, and Morris-Williams Golf Course, one of the city’s favorite.
The north section of the neighborhood, around E. 12th St. and the golf course, has steep hills and is where the more upscale townhouses are located. The central section, just south of 12th St., has modest but charming houses on tree-lined streets. Residents tend to be friendly and show neighborly spirit, even though about half of the population is below the poverty line.
Neighborhood Association WebsiteViews From the Street
| Blueberry Tr. | Walden Cir. | Woodmoor Dr. |
| York Hill Dr. | Astor Pl. | Rimrock Tr. |
| King Henry Dr. | Alf Ave. |
Facts and Figures
Community Information
ShoppingReal Estate and Apartments
MLK has two- and three- bedroom homes built mainly in the 1960s, with some dating to the 1950s and 70s. There is also new contruction taking place. Home prices range widely from the low $100K to $300K and above.
Martin Luther King (MLK), Austin, Texas
Major Zip Code: 78721
Other Zip Code: 78723