Location of Odessa
Odessa is located in western Texas, and it got its name because of its similarity with the landscape of Ukrainian Odessa. The Prairie and the endless plain are the two Odessas’ hallmarks at the World’s two ends. Odessa, TX is 2,900ft(840m) high, and its area code is 432.
If you classically imagine Texas, with GMC and Chevrolet pickups cruising around town, jackrabbit monuments on every corner, people with Stetson hats and Ray-Ban glasses, legendary BBQ, and Mexican tacos, you are right. All the best of old-school Texas iconography is proudly retained. But the oil industry, as a traditional practice of animal husbandry and agriculture, has made living in Odessa, TX, modern and comfortable. Should you consider moving to this city, call our Odessa movers!
History and Overview of Odessa, TX
Until 1881, it was only incorporated land: an endless prairie with pastures. When the Texas and Pacific Railway built a water and cattle-shipping stop at that location, the outlines of a future settlement began to emerge.
With the discovery of oil on the Connell Ranch and the rapid expansion of jobs, mass immigration began. The rapid development contributed to the establishment of Odessa as a city in 1927.
If you don’t know what county Odessa, Texas, is in, the answer is Ector and Midland County. Odessa is the principal metropolitan statistical area. The Midland and Odessa metropolitan area has about 350,000 inhabitants, and its nickname is Petroplax.
Today, the population of Odessa, Texas, is 118,582, and it is an excellent place for raising families, students, and entrepreneurs. A particularly noticeable jump in the number of inhabitants between 2010 and 2020 was dominated by the Hispanic and Latino population, but members of various other races are also present. Diversity among the population, culture, food, and heritage is present, and it’s fun to be part of that reality.
Economy and Job Market
Given that the oil industry is dominant in Odessa, it goes without saying that the largest number of jobs are in this area. Many companies, such as Chevron, Anthem Oil & Gas, Halliburton, and Liberty Oilfield Services, are constantly positioned in this area.
Odessa, TX, jobs attract young people, with well-paid jobs in oil and gas extracting, manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare, education, transportation, etc. Odessa generally has a very young population, on average between 30 and 40 years old, throughout its territory, making the atmosphere vibrant and dynamic.
The good news is that Odessa Tx’s living cost is low. The index is 85. This enables a good start for young families without many loans and borrowing. For an average family, about $72,000 per year will be enough. We wrote earlier more on living in Odesa so you might want to check our article and learn more!
Also, the low cost of living attracts many retirees, who can find a peaceful and quality life here.
Education and Schools
Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), whose main center is Odessa, has 28 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and seven high schools. Odessa could also be called a college town. It is home to Odessa College and the University of Texas Permian Basin.
Odessa, TX, has numerous schools, and the offers are varied. Private schools and universities, public schools, and charter schools are available. Everyone can find what they want for their children. Even the pickiest and most demanding parents will be able to choose one of the existing eminent schools.
Just some of the famous ones are:
- The Harmony Science Academy
- George H.W. Bush New Tech Odessa (the top high school in the Odessa metro area)
- Odessa Collegiate Academy Early College H.S.
- St. Mary’s Central Catholic School
- Reagan Elementary School (in the top 100 in the state)
If you ask yourself why you should move to Odessa, you will have more answers. A good job, low cost of living, excellent education, and other attractive reasons await you in the following text.
Neighborhoods and Housing
Everyone wants to be a house owner, and in some places, it is more accessible, and wishes can be realized more easily. One such place is Odessa.
The prices of comfortable and beautiful houses will not make your head spin. What encouraging information! Let’s see what Odessa has to offer in terms of housing.
Here, you need to set aside about $195,000 for an average house. The bottom line is that for that money, you get renovated houses surrounded by old trees and excellent shade. The houses have three bedrooms and all other primary and auxiliary rooms. They say everything is bigger in Texas, which also applies to rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and other auxiliary rooms in houses of this type. There is no shortage of space and a small area in which you will live.
The old electricity, gas, and water installations were replaced with entirely new ones. The houses are surrounded by spacious yards, with room for children’s play and barbecue with friends. You must acknowledge that such offers are not rejected.
Larger and more luxurious houses have higher prices, but not too high. They cost around $450,900. They mostly have swimming pools, cozy fire beds, large rooms with beautiful granite floors, and decorative wooden elements. These are houses whose interior gives the impression of stability and reliable construction. Otherwise, the houses in these areas are primarily one-story but spread out in length and width, like haciendas.
The rent is about $1300; in Odessa, about half of the population are owners, and half are renters.
Odessa Neighborhoods
Some parts of Odessa are distinguished by their urban plan and house architecture. These neighborhoods were built around 1990 and contain innovations in project solutions.
It is a neighborhood of Mission Estates, which has about 600 houses. Public shelters were also built there in case of floods or sudden disasters. These houses have three bedrooms, which makes them suitable for families with children.
Vista del Norte
This is a neighborhood from 2002, and here, there are fences, landscaped green areas, and tall trees that protect residents’ privacy. The settlement is carefully designed, very safe, private, and walkable. These houses have four bedrooms and 3,700 square feet of space. Their price is higher, at about $675,000.
It is important to mention that residents consider Odessa, TX, to be a safe place to live.
Odessa, Texas Things to Do
Although the city has a busy atmosphere, I don’t think there are any fun and exciting places to spend time here. Texans know how to party and are known for their legendary dances and energetic spirit.
There are more fun things to do in Odessa, TX. We will start with an incredible rarity.
In Odessa, there is a faithful replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater called The Globe of the Great Southwest. In addition to performances, the annual Shakespeare festival is held there. This is surely a surprise for many, but it is a hidden charm that Odessa has and should be known for.
Odessa also has The Permian Playhouse, which was named the Best Community Theater in the Permian Basin. There, performances of all genres, concerts, and dance programs are presented.
If you are a sports fan, you can enjoy local teams’ ice hockey games at the Ector County Coliseum and high school football, which has the largest football field in the entire state.
Fun for children and the whole family takes place at Cinergy Odessa and Altitude Trampoline Park. Zipline courses, bowling alleys, and a laser tag arena are available there. Basketball is played on the trampolines, and competitions in various sports disciplines are held. Birthdays are celebrated here, and parties are organized. Of course, restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, and shops accompany and complement this party.
Mc Kinney Park, The Odessa Meteor Crater, and Monahans Sandhills State Park are worthy of attention, so residents and tourists regularly visit them.
Odessa offers more entertainment, it takes time to explore, and shopping at El Rancho and numerous restaurants should not be missed.
Odessa Climate
Two hundred sixty sunny days will await you in Odessa. Yes, some will be warmer than average, but this dry and warm climate will allow you to stay outside and do whatever you want all year round. A desert climate prevails here; summers are long and hot, and winters are mild and short.
The lack of precipitation is constant, and clear skies will accompany you for most of the year. Government opinion is that October is ideal in Odessa, TX.
Crime and Safety
Texans are known not to be peaceful when it comes to defending their property. That’s why Odessa, TX, is safe. The crime rate mainly refers to theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
Residents declare that they feel safe and that the police do their job efficiently and responsibly. Community engagement is an important part of safety here, as everyone knows, on both sides of the law. No one wants some angry Texan to deal with him and deliver him to the shelf.
Conclusion
Now you know the main features of this city, where tradition and modern lifestyle merge. Perhaps this information will be crucial in your decision to call West Texas Master Movers and move to Odessa, TX.
This is an excellent city for young professionals, families raising children, students, and retirees. This means that almost all categories of people are covered. Children here grow up peacefully, in clean air, and have excellent schools at their disposal.
What more could you ask for than a low cost of living, beautiful weather, a warm and friendly community, and great fun? Everyone quickly gets used to good, and good is what Odessa, Texas, has to offer.
