Welcome to Swede Hill

One of the most historic neighborhoods in all of Austin, Swede Hill is within short walking distance of downtown, the East 11th and 12th Street revitalization districts, yearly East Austin artist studio tours and public celebrations, libraries and historic landmarks. It is less than one mile from both the State Capitol and the University of Texas campus, around the corner from delicious, eclectic restaurants. Swede Hill is only a few blocks from downtown Austin, with its plethora of worthwhile attractions, and is an integral part of the fabric of East Austin, a vibrant community full of rich history, delicious food and abundant art.

Swede Hill Real Estate

Many historic houses remain in the neighborhood, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Along Waller St., between 13th and 14th St., sit six newly built homes, directly across the street from Swede Hill Park, a public space with magnificent, centuries-old oak trees. These homes, among the most charming new homes in all of Austin, typify New-Century Ornament, which merges the detail work and finery of late 19th Century construction with 21st Century floor plans, construction methods and efficiency. Each house captures a distinct vernacular style: sprawling Texas farm house; meticulous Arts & Crafts bungalow; convincing Mexican-style bungalow; spacious New Orleans row house; decorative Victorian; and elegant Texas Colonial.

The houses are built with vintage architectural style and contemporary floor plans. Although the houses are new, they look and feel as if they have been part of the historic neighborhood fabric for more than 100 years. Each house offers the conveniences, luxuries and comforts of today’s high-end homes and is imbued with tremendous character, thanks to the generous use of such antique elements as long-leaf pine floors, front doors, stained glass windows and light fixtures. Each house has earned a 4-star rating from the Austin Energy Green Building Program, making for an environmentally friendly and economically efficient home.

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Swede Hill Attractions and Activities

Swede Hill is only a few blocks from downtown Austin, which is full of worthwhile attractions, most notably the State Capitol. The neighborhood is also part of the fabric of East Austin, a vibrant community full of rich history, delicious food and abundant art. Immensely walkable, the area offers urban streetscapes along such main thoroughfares as East 11th St. and peaceful bucolic hikes through two of the most historic and enormous cemeteries in Central Texas: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin’s oldest cemetery, and the Texas State Cemetery.

In addition to serene Swede Hill Park located in the heart of the neighborhood, there are six city recreation centers offering tennis courts, basketball, boxing and more. Area golf includes the Harvey Penick Golf Campus, Morris Williams Golf Course and (just south of the neighborhood) Riverside Golf Course. The hike and bike trail for Lady Bird Lake is also within walking distance. For dining, nearby East 11th Street and Manor Road are the two primary hot spots. Favorites include El Chile (Tex-Mex), Hoover's (Southern), Vivo (Tex-Mex), Gene’s (New Orleans po-boys), Stortini (Italian), Eastside Cafe (New American), Mi Madre's (breakfast tacos), Uncorked (Wine), and Clementine Coffee Bar. One of the best bars in Austin, Longbranch Saloon, is also located on East 11th St.

Swede Hill Schools

This area is served by the Austin ISD. The elementary school is Blackshear. The middle school, Kealing, features a Magnet program with some of the best teachers and students in the city. The high school that kids in Swede Hill would naturally attend is Johnston. Students in Swede Hill are also able to apply and possibly take part in the Magnet program at LBJ high school, which is considered by most to be excellent. Among the nearby private schools are Cathedral School of St. Mary, Redeemer City School, The Khabele School, St. Austin Catholic School, and Concordia Academy. St Martin's Lutheran School, The Montessori House of Children, and All Saints' Episcopal School are nearby Pre-K facilities.