When looking for the perfect place to call home in East Austin, McKinley Heights shouldn’t be overlooked. This neighborhood offers an eclectic blend of charming, older homes and modern builds, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to some of Austin’s best amenities. McKinley Heights is an eclectic East Austin neighborhood just off Airport Boulevard. Despite its proximity to a major thorough-fare, this established, older neighborhood is surprisingly quiet and has many mature trees. It is mostly comprised of single-story homes with carports, but there are some two-story homes with garages. There is also scattered new construction, mostly on 12th Street and Delano Street. Harvey Street, which borders the neighborhood to the west, has many small churches. If you’re thinking about buying in McKinley Heights, this McKinley Heights neighborhood guide will give you an in-depth look at what it’s like living here, the kinds of homes available, and everything else you need to know about life in one of Austin’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Scroll Down to Read Our McKinley Heights Neighborhood Guide.
McKinley Heights Homes for Sale
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McKinley Heights Neighborhood Map
McKinley Heights is located between E 12th St and MLK. To get to McKinley Heights, take 35 to MLK and head east. Make a left on Harvey St. Make a left on E 17th. McKinley Heights is shaded in orange on the map below. Explore other East Austin neighborhoods in our East Austin Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our McKinley Heights neighborhood guide.
What Does McKinley Heights Look Like?
McKinley Heights, located just off Airport Boulevard, is a quiet oasis nestled in bustling East Austin. While minutes from the hustle of downtown, the neighborhood is relatively calm, thanks to mature trees and lush greenery that shade its streets.
The area showcases a mix of original homes and newer construction, giving it a unique yet cohesive aesthetic. Wide sidewalks and well-kept yards make it a walkable, friendly community.
What Do the Homes Look Like?
McKinley Heights boasts a fascinating evolution in architecture, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking style and variety.
- Historic Homes (1930s–1960s): The original homes typically feature a cozy footprint of around 1,100 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. These single-story ranch-style homes reflect mid-century charm with carports or driveway parking.
- Modern Builds (2000s–2020s): As demand for city living has risen, newer construction has flourished. These homes, averaging 1,750 square feet, typically include 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. They fit the neighborhood vibe while incorporating modern amenities like open floor plans and updated designs.
Lot sizes in McKinley Heights are modest, meaning homes are close enough to foster a neighborly feel. If you’re not a fan of heavy yard maintenance, this might be the right spot for you!
Living in McKinley Heights
One of McKinley Heights’ biggest draws is how balanced life feels here. The neighborhood offers a small-town vibe in the heart of East Austin. Here’s why more and more buyers are calling this community home:
- Proximity to Downtown: Living in McKinley Heights means you’re just a short drive (or bike ride) away from Austin’s vibrant downtown, making it ideal for professionals or social butterflies.
- Community Connection: Homeowners describe the area as friendly, with a strong sense of community and neighbors who look out for one another.
- Variety of Amenities: From foodie-approved restaurants to places to stretch and stay active, McKinley Heights is packed with conveniences.
Why Homebuyers Choose McKinley Heights
Wondering why so many are drawn to this neighborhood?
- Convenience – The central location in East Austin provides easy access to the airport, major highways, and all the best the city has to offer.
- Affordable Options – Relative to other parts of Austin, real estate in McKinley Heights offers a chance to purchase property close to downtown without the extreme price tag of some neighboring areas.
- Modern and Historic Appeal – With so many choices between older, character-filled homes and sleek, modern construction, there’s something for everyone here.
Commuting To and From McKinley Heights
McKinley Heights provides a seamless commute for working professionals.
- By Car: Located about 4 miles from Downtown Austin, McKinley Heights offers quick access to I-35, MLK Boulevard, and Airport Boulevard.
- By Rail and Bus: The nearby MLK MetroRail station connects you to downtown and other key areas of Austin efficiently. Capital Metro bus routes also service the area regularly.
- Cycling: With bike-friendly lanes and East Austin charm, cycling enthusiasts will love commuting by bike.
Scroll down to continue reading our McKinley Heights neighborhood guide.
McKinley Heights Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate for East Austin’s McKinley Heights neighborhood is 1.9818% as of the 2024 year. It was 1.8092% as of the 2023 tax year, down from 1.9749% as of the 2022 tax year. The property tax rate was 2.1767% as of the 2021 tax year.
McKinley Heights Schools
Kids who live in East Austin’s McKinley Heights neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Campbell Elementary - 3/10
- Kealing Middle - 6/10
- McCallum High - 8/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of January 2025. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
McKinley Heights Photos
McKinley Heights Sold Data – What McKinley Heights Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in McKinley Heights and for how much? Where can I find pictures of homes that actually sold? How many days does it take to sell a home in McKinley Heights? How many homes are currently for sale in McKinley Heights? What’s the median sold price in McKinley Heights? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in McKinley Heights? How’s the McKinley Heights market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our McKinley Heights Sold Data Report.
Top Neighborhood Amenities
There’s never a dull moment living in McKinley Heights, thanks to its array of nearby amenities.
Favorite Restaurants and Bars
- Justine’s Brasserie (French): A romantic spot for French comfort food and cocktails.
- Nickel City (Dive Bar): Famous for laid-back vibes and killer cocktails.
- The Skylark Lounge (Live Music): A beloved venue for live music enthusiasts, offering a cozy atmosphere and a lineup of talented local artists.
- Sour Duck Market (American): Perfect for craft beer, locally-sourced food, and a spacious patio.
- Bird Bird Biscuit (Breakfast & Bakery): Beloved for its mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches, homemade biscuits, and friendly service.
- Birdie’s (New American): Known for its casual but refined atmosphere, natural wine selection, and innovative seasonal dishes.
- Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream (Dessert): A hidden gem offering creamy, hand-churned ice cream blended with fresh, seasonal fruit for a refreshing treat.
Best Coffee Shops to Work From
- Flitch Coffee: Located in a dreamy East Austin yard, serving up stellar cold brews.
- Fleet Coffee: A tiny but mighty café serving expertly crafted espresso drinks and unique seasonal specialties.
- Dear Diary Coffee: A charming plant-based coffee shop known for its vegan treats, sustainability focus, and inviting atmosphere.
Staying Active
- Gyms Nearby – Work up a sweat at Dane’s Body Shop for fitness classes or head to Austin Bouldering Project for indoor climbing.
- Outdoor Options – Keep active while enjoying the Texas sun at Alamo Pocket Park or on the hike-and-bike trail at East Boggy Creek Greenbelt.
Unique Features
For those who love culture, McKinley Heights is surrounded by music venues and small art galleries that celebrate Austin’s creative spirit.
Fun Things To Do Near McKinley Heights
Life in McKinley Heights is never boring. Some nearby activities include:
- Visit the Thinkery (Austin’s children’s museum) for interactive fun, perfect for families.
- Catch Live Music at The Sahara Lounge, an authentic Eastside experience with nightly performances.
- Explore the Mueller Neighborhood for its farmers’ market and the beautiful Mueller Lake Park.
Is McKinley Heights Your Dream Neighborhood?
McKinley Heights is bursting with potential for home buyers seeking a charming, conveniently located neighborhood with a welcoming community feel. From its diverse selection of homes to its proximity to Austin’s buzzing downtown, McKinley Heights truly offers the best of both worlds.
Thinking of making McKinley Heights your home? Our team of experienced McKinley Heights buyer’s agents is here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re drawn to a charming mid-century home or sleek modern construction, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Contact us today to start your search or visit our listings to browse available homes in McKinley Heights!
East Austin Realtors Specializing in McKinley Heights
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are East Austin Realtors specializing in McKinley Heights. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in McKinley Heights, Rebecca and Raymond know the area well and have the experience and tools necessary to make your next real estate transaction stress free. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out Buying a Home in McKinley Heights and Selling a Home in McKinley Heights.
