Charming pockets of single family homes are studded throughout this hidden gem of a neighborhood, and although certain parts of the area are given over to apartment complexes, duplexes and fourplexes, this is an overlooked area with enormous potential. Bounded by I35 to the west, Ben White to the south, Riverside to the north, and Montopolis to the east, this rising star offers a wide range of restaurants, a big park with loads of amenities, an ACC campus, and the promise of an area on the way up.

Both Burleson and Parker streets, two of the main north-south arteries between Oltorf and Ben White/Riverside, have many smaller streets branching off, and these streets hold mature trees, a wide array of single family homes, and a feeling of being in a secret oasis. Prices are still extremely reasonable here, and there is easy access to central Austin, as well as Ben White and I35. Following Oltorf east past Pleasant Valley, the homes are newer, with manicured lawns and a more suburban feel.

Both Oltorf and Riverside offer an abundance of restaurants, from Vietnamese at Hai Ky, Indonesian at Java Noodles, Middle Eastern at Jerusalem, Italian at Aljohn’s, or the many great Mexican places in the area, including La Tapatia, Taqueria Vallarta, El Regio, and many more. Rapidly becoming the cultural center of the area is Café Ventana, an expansive coffee shop with a wide range of offerings and a large area for relaxing, meeting, or working on your computer.

Mabel Davis District Park, recently reopened after major renovations, provides a wonderful outdoor sanctuary in this urban setting. Close to 50 acres, including 30 acres of open green space, provide room for sports, picnics, and other activities. The park also has a basketball court, an olympic-size swimming pool, a great playscape, and a good sized picnic area with shade. To the great delight of teen aged boys, the first skate park in Austin was opened here in 2005, featuring a skate bowl, streetscape elements and lawn for nervous parents to observe.

Also on the horizon is the Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park, in the northeast corner of the area. Work is schedule to begin on this undeveloped tract, and the master plan includes trails, a large playscape, and as much acreage as Zilker Park, providing lots of open space. Also located in the neighborhood are the Riverside Golf Course, and the Krieg Field Softball complex.

This area provides both an urban feel, with the shopping, restaurants and businesses located on Riverside and Oltorf, and an idyllic, quiet, residential feel, with winding streets and hills tucked away from the hustle and bustle. With businesses looking more and more to Southeast Austin for development opportunities, this area is on the verge of becoming one of the hot-spots in town.

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