MLK is named for Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., which is one of several major thoroughfares that pass through or near the neighborhood. The neighborhood is on the far east side of town. But public bus routes are readily accessible, making it easy and inexpensive to reach the University of Texas, downtown, or other parts of central Austin.

Although there is crime, it is generally confined to several locations in the neighborhood with low-rent apartments, and there are nicer sections as well. However the neighborhood has few entertainment or nightlife options, and dining options consist mainly of fast food and casual Mexican restaurants.

But there is abundant green space. The Givens District Recreation Center has fields around it, and inside, the center has a gymnasium, a weight room, and a swimming pool that’s open in the summer. Also in the area are Springdale Park, J.J. Seabrook Park, and Morris-Williams Golf Course, one of the city’s favorite.

The north section of the neighborhood, around E. 12th St. and the golf course, has steep hills and is where the more upscale townhouses are located. The central section, just south of 12th St., has modest but charming houses on tree-lined streets. Residents tend to be friendly and show neighborly spirit, even though about half of the population is below the poverty line.