Market Overview for Zip Code 78721
There are 100 active listings in Zip Code 78721 with a median list price of $495K and a median sold price of $458K.
Homes average 66 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 14 homes have sold, with 139 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $381.
About Zip Code 78721
Zip code 78721 covers the Govalle and Johnston Terrace neighborhoods in east Austin, approximately 3 miles east of downtown, in Travis County. The zip code is bounded roughly by Airport Boulevard to the north, US-183 to the east, the Colorado River to the south, and Springdale Road to the west. This area has historically been a working-class residential and light-industrial district, with housing stock dating primarily from the 1940s through 1970s. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown — just across I-35 and through 78702 — has made it a target for redevelopment and investment in recent years, though the pace of gentrification has been slower than in adjacent East Austin zip codes.
Real estate in 78721 offers some of the more affordable options in central Austin, with a median home price of approximately $400K. Small frame houses and postwar bungalows on lots of 5,000 to 7,000 square feet range from $300K to $500K, depending on condition and lot size. Renovated and new-construction homes command $500K to $800K. Duplex and triplex properties are common, appealing to investors and owner-occupants seeking rental income. Mobile homes and manufactured housing on permanent foundations are present in some areas. Multi-family development has increased along Springdale Road and Airport Boulevard, with new apartment projects adding density. The area retains a mix of industrial parcels, some of which are being rezoned for residential and mixed-use projects.
Students in 78721 attend a mix of Austin ISD and Del Valle ISD schools, depending on their specific address. Austin ISD campuses serving the area include Allan Elementary and Govalle Elementary for pre-K through 5th grade, and Eastside Memorial High School for 9th through 12th. Del Valle ISD serves the southeastern portions. Both districts offer dual-language programs and career and technical education pathways. The area's schools have historically served lower-income populations and receive additional Title I federal funding. Charter school options include KIPP Austin and Harmony School of Innovation.
The 78721 zip code benefits from proximity to both downtown Austin (about 10 minutes via Airport Boulevard and I-35) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (about 10 minutes via SH-71). Capital Metro bus routes run along Airport Boulevard and Springdale Road. The Govalle neighborhood is adjacent to the Mueller redevelopment, a former airport site now home to over 5,000 housing units, retail, and the Thinkery children's museum. Major employers accessible from 78721 include the Samsung semiconductor fab in east Austin, Austin Energy facilities, and the growing logistics and manufacturing corridor along US-183.
Living in Zip Code 78721
The 78721 population is predominantly Hispanic and African American, though the demographic mix is gradually shifting as rising prices attract new buyers and renters. Median household income is approximately $50,000, below the city average. The area has a higher proportion of renter-occupied housing than the Austin median, reflecting the presence of duplexes, triplexes, and smaller apartment complexes. Community ties remain strong through churches, neighborhood associations, and cultural organizations like Resistencia Bookstore and the Cantu Pan American Recreation Center. Longtime residents have expressed concerns about displacement as property values rise and development pressure increases.
The Govalle neighborhood has a growing food and beverage scene along Springdale Road, including Springdale General (a converted warehouse with Bantam Coffee and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue), Quickie Pickie convenience store and bar, and Dao Thai Kitchen. The Cantu Pan American Recreation Center on East 3rd Street provides a swimming pool, gym, and youth programs. Roy Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park, a 300-acre preserve at the southern edge of the zip code, offers mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and river access for fishing and kayaking. The Boggy Creek Farm on Lydia Street operates one of Austin's oldest urban farms with a twice-weekly farm stand. Grocery options include a local tienda network and the H-E-B on East 7th Street in adjacent 78702. The Mueller commercial district is 5 minutes north, with an H-E-B, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, and retail shops.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78721
- Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park: 300-acre metropolitan park with mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and Colorado River access for fishing and kayaking.
- Springdale General: Converted warehouse on Springdale Road with Bantam Coffee, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, and event space.
- Boggy Creek Farm: Urban farm on Lydia Street operating since 1992 with a twice-weekly farm stand selling organic produce.
- Mueller District: Mixed-use redevelopment 5 minutes north with H-E-B, Alamo Drafthouse, Thinkery museum, and retail shops.
- Cantu Pan American Rec Center: Community center on East 3rd Street with a swimming pool, gymnasium, and youth sports programs.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78721
- Samsung Austin Semiconductor (Manufacturing): Semiconductor fabrication facility on East Parmer Lane accessible from 78721, employing over 3,000 workers.
- Austin Energy (Utilities): City-owned electric utility with facilities in the east Austin area employing several hundred workers.
- Austin ISD / Del Valle ISD (Education): Combined school district campuses in 78721 employ approximately 300 teachers and staff.
- Logistics corridor (US-183) (Logistics): Warehousing and distribution facilities along US-183 collectively employing several hundred workers.
Zip Code 78721 Schools
78721 is split between Austin ISD and Del Valle ISD, with both districts offering dual-language and career tech programs.
School District: Austin ISD / Del Valle ISD
Public Schools
- Allan Elementary - Austin ISD pre-K through 5th grade campus on Bolm Road with a dual-language program.
- Govalle Elementary - Austin ISD pre-K through 5th grade on Gonzales Street serving the Govalle neighborhood.
- Eastside Memorial High School - Austin ISD 9th through 12th grade campus with career and technical education pathways.
Pre-Schools
- Austin ISD Pre-K - Free public pre-K at Allan and Govalle Elementary for qualifying families.
- KIPP Austin Pre-K - Charter school pre-K program on Springdale Road.
Private Schools
- Harmony School of Innovation - STEM-focused charter school on Ed Bluestein Boulevard serving K through 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78721?
78721 covers the Govalle and Johnston Terrace neighborhoods in east Austin, approximately 3 miles east of downtown between Airport Boulevard, US-183, and the Colorado River.
What do homes cost in 78721?
The median home price in 78721 is approximately $400K. Unrenovated postwar homes start around $300K, renovated properties reach $500K-$800K, and duplexes are common for investors.
What school districts serve 78721?
78721 is split between Austin ISD (Allan Elementary, Govalle Elementary, Eastside Memorial High School) and Del Valle ISD in the southeastern portions.
Is 78721 gentrifying?
78721 is experiencing gradual redevelopment, with new construction and renovated homes increasing prices. The pace has been slower than in adjacent 78702 but is accelerating along Springdale Road.
How far is 78721 from downtown?
78721 is approximately 3 miles and 10 minutes from downtown Austin via Airport Boulevard and I-35. The Mueller district is 5 minutes north.