Neighborhood Guide: St. Johns, Austin

Located 5.7-miles from Downtown Austin, St. Austin is an older neighborhood situated at several intersections, including US-183, I-35, and state highway 29. It's an ideal spot for commuters looking for proximity to the rest of Austin without the sky-high rental prices. The neighborhood is still up and coming, but development plans are underway.

Types of Homes and Apartments to Rent in St. John's, Austin

Head north of Downtown Austin to find the residential area of St. John's, Austin. Despite the older single homes and duplexes and more updated buildings. The recent apartment building developments in St. John include pools, on-site fitness centers, bocce courts, and car charging stations for electric cars.

St. Johns, Austin Landscape

St. John's offers a mix of urban landscape with some green space and trees. Many single-family homes have sizable front and back yards compared to nearby urban neighborhoods. However, you'll need to head to neighborhood spots like Gustavo La Garcia District Park to find fields and a playground.

Several apartment complexes and duplexes offer limited communal outdoor space. As a result, renters with furry friends will face a few challenges. Although the neighborhood welcomes dogs, there aren't dog parks and places to run directly in St. John's.

Must-See Attractions

St. John's is a small, residential neighborhood, great for commuters and locals looking for less expensive Austin rents. A handful of attractions include joining the locals at Ojo Locos Sports Cantina for the UFC game and shopping at Austin Creative Reuse.

Living in St. Johns, Austin

St. John's blends urban living and a suburban feel with access to Downtown Austin. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is still working on its reputation for crime spikes, and it’s necessary to exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings while living in St. John’s. Looking for apartments with secure parking and security systems is also a good idea.

Luckily, the city recently evaluated plans for new housing, retail, and recreational space off of I-35 in St. John’s. Austin is also looking to turn 19 acres of St. John's city lands into a community center. The inevitable development will come to St. John's and will likely transform the neighborhood over the next decade.

For now, you won't find many amenities in this residential neighborhood, but there are a handful of shops and restaurants to try. There are also authentic ethnic eateries and an international vibe to St. John's. In addition, you'll likely hear Spanish spoken in this Austin neighborhood, as 62% of the population are Hispanic.

Things to Keep in Mind

St. John's is still a neighborhood on the rise, and although there are signs of new development, it still lacks the amenities and reputation of safety compared to nearby areas. However, you'll still find places to eat, drink and get groceries, including at the local H-E-B grocery store.

Despite being less than six miles from Downtown Austin, traffic can get congested in St. John. The city is considered among the worst in the nation and requires some extra planning. Public transportation options and rideshares are also available.

Things to Do in St. Johns, Austin

Despite its small size and quieter vibe, there are a few things to do around St. John's, Austin.

Check out the Cambio Cultural Tours

Cambio Cultural Tours started as an exhibition of the CAMBRIA art Gallery, an Austin-based art gallery founded in 2014. Cambio Cultural Tours includes cultural trips and adventures to explore the local art scenes and culture. Some of their trips include Oaxaca, Guatemala, Antigua, and Bolivia.

Grab a Drink at Ojos Locos Sports Cantina

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina serves ice-cold cervezas, authentic fare, and popular happy hours. As a premier Lait Sports Cantina, locals come to watch boxing UFC, NFL, NBA, and MLB on dozens of TVs.

Shop Around Austin Creative Reuse

Shop at Austin Creative Reuse for gently used materials from individuals and businesses. They also host community workshops and events.

Peruse The LINC

LINC Austin is a network of organizations and churches offering mobile outreach to those experiencing homelessness. From food to clothing and sleeping bags, the community-focused organization strives to strengthen Austin's underserved communities.

Check Out Clockwork Con

Steampunk lovers unite at Clockwork Con, the group’s first official convention in Austin. The gathering focuses on a science-fiction subculture with live entertainment, burlesque shows, and dance parties.

Where to Eat and Drink in St. Johns, Austin

Before you head into Downtown Austin for dinner, you can consider a few stops around St. John's.

Sushi Japon & Hibachi Grill

Sushi Japon & Hibachi Grill features authentic Asian cuisine and fresh, high-quality sushi from Japan. Locals come for fresh soups, deep-fried chicken breasts, innovative rolls, and classic fare.

Texture

Located inside DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin, Texture offers house-smoked meats, locally grown dishes, edgy cocktails, and craft brews.

Nancy's Sky Garden

Austinites like to stay active and focus on their health. Nancy's Sky Garden Austin delivers healthy food options, including poke bowls, spicy tuna, and avocado spring rolls.

Pappasito's Cantina

Pappasito's Cantina Austin features Tex-Mex dishes and margaritas in a festive setting. Classics like Baja fish tacos and Fajita Wednesday keep locals coming for more and top it off with homemade tres leches.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers cajun specialties, lobster, crab, and steaks. Happy hours are also available with drinks like Pomelo Collins and the Grand Hennessey.

Crossroad's Grill

Located inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crossroads Grille Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet, prime ribs, barbecue brisket, and cocktails.

North Loop and Central Austin aren't far away for more restaurant options.

In a Nutshell

St. John's is still an up-and-coming neighborhood in Austin, but plans for development are underway. For now, locals enjoy cheaper rents than many other nearby neighborhoods and are about a 15 to 20-minute drive into Downtown Austin. During rush hour, you'll need to battle the traffic. A handful of amenities are also available in St. John's, including restaurants, watering holes, and sports bars.

Final Thoughts

Ready to find the perfect apartment in St. John's, Austin? Sign-up with Apartment List to start your search.

If Austin doesn't seem like the right place for you, consider other places to live in Texas.

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