Searching for a peaceful suburban community with a small-town atmosphere, outdoor activities, and an affordable cost of living? Whether you’re relocating to be close to family or settling down in retirement, you’ll love living in Odessa FL.
A census-designated place in Central Florida, Odessa is known for its rural atmosphere, spacious lots, and strong sense of community. The Odessa area was initially settled in the mid 19th century by the Mobley family, who migrated to the area from Savannah, GA. In the 1880’s, a Russian immigrant named Peter Demens developed the community through the Orange Belt Railway and named it after the city in Ukraine.
In recent years, Odessa FL is a good place to live for those seeking a serene environment with a blend of rural and suburban living with plenty of outdoor activities. Thinking about moving to Odessa? Here is everything you should know before your big move.
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Where Is Odessa FL?
Odessa FL is in Pasco County Florida within the Tampa area. Commuters living in Odessa Fl have ample opportunities for transportation. The community is positioned directly at the intersection of Florida State Roads 589 and 54, offering quick access to Tampa and other parts of the state. Perfect for commuters moving to Odessa.
Odessa is known for its many glistening lakes, which add to its rural and community parks that contribute to its rural atmosphere. It’s also enveloped by nature at the Starkey Wilderness Preserve and the Cypress Creek Preserve. So outdoor enthusiasts living in Odessa FL will be pleased. Nearby communities include Keystone, Trinity, Seven Springs, River Ridge, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, and Cheval.
It’s about 25 miles from Odessa FL to Tampa FL.
Odessa Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Odessa FL population is 8,170. The area has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, and the number of people living in Odessa FL more than doubled between 2000 and 2010.
While that growth has slowed, the Odessa Florida population still increased by 12.5% between 2010 and 2020. Residents enjoy suburban comfort, and Odessa has a population density of 1,523 residents per square mile.
Many families living in Odessa FL are part of this affluent community. The median household income is $116,870, which is more than 50% higher than the rest of Florida. In Odessa, 25% of the population is under 18, and married couples make up 67% of households.
It’s also a relatively diverse area with a sizable Hispanic population and growing Black and Asian communities. The racial and ethnic breakdown of those living in Odessa FL is 61% white, 24% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Asian, 4% Black or African American, and 4% two or more races.
Other Odessa FL Demographics:
- The median age is 39.2 years old
- The Odessa population is 52% male and 48% female
- 98.6% of people living in Odessa FL have a high school diploma, and 50.4% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 14.6%
Living in Odessa FL, is safe based on crime statistics. It’s a peaceful, semi-secluded community with a rural feel that attracts residents who want a calm pace of life. Here is how the Odessa FL crime rate compares to the rest of Florida and the rest of the US.
- Total Odessa Florida crime rate: 592 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 65% lower than the rest of Florida and 72% lower than the national average
- Violent crime rate: 94 crimes per 100,000 people, 65% lower than the rest of Florida and 74% lower than the national average
- Property crime: 498 crimes per 100,000 people, 65% lower than the rest of Florida, 72% lower than the national average.
So if crime is a concern for you, then living in Odessa FL will be a dream come true. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office handles crime in the community with the assistance of approximately 1200 officers and civilian support staff.
Cost of Living in Odessa FL
Odessa offers an affordable cost of living, which often attracts growing families. A good way to get a sense of the cost of living in Odessa FL is to look at the cost-of-living index. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Tampa area is 98.5, which suggests that living in Odessa FL is about 1.5% less expensive than the typical US city. The Family Budget Calculator, created by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a great resource. It suggests that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids needs to earn $107,639 per month to afford the cost of living in Odessa FL.
Typical expenses of living in Odessa FL:
- 1 liter of milk: $1.07
- 1 pound loaf of fresh white bread: $3.26
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.31
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $15.00
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Regular cappuccino: $5.36
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.03
- Average Odessa monthly utility bill: $260.56
Source: Numbeo
Odessa FL real estate is also very reasonably priced. According to Redfin, the median listing price of homes for sale in Odessa FL is $402,500, which is 6% lower than the typical US city. The median price per square foot of Odessa Florida real estate is $244.
While most people living in Odessa FL own a home, renters will also find a range of options, including older residences and new developments. According to census data, 72% of homes in Odessa FL are owner-occupied, and 28% are rented out.
Rentcafe suggests that the average rent in Odessa FL is $1945 per month. Large-scale buildings with 50 or more units represent about 19% of rentals, while 67% are small-scale complexes with less than 50 units, and 12% are single-family homes. Rent prices in Odessa range from $1680 for a 1-bedroom to $3585 for 3 or more bedrooms.
Odessa Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Odessa FL
Odessa is a relatively small, census-designated place that doesn’t have many well-defined neighborhoods compared to a larger urban area. Starkey Ranch, a notable master planned community offering modern homes, park and hiking trails, and its own micro-hospital.
You’ll also find plenty of other beautiful communities with quiet streets, low crime, and a variety of housing options while living in Odessa FL. Being in Florida, there are also a few notable retirement communities in Odessa.
Overall, Odessa Florida, is a good place to live for those seeking rural splendor with easy access to urban amenities. In general, the best Odessa Florida homes for sale tend to be in the center of the city, while the most affordable are in the east.
Odessa Weather & Climate
Odessa FL weather tends to be mild year-round. It has a humid subtropical climate, meaning Odessa Florida weather is characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures year-round.
Temperatures typically range from 51°F to 90°F, although winter temperatures can drop to 38°F, while summer temperatures can reach 93°F. The best weather in Odessa Florida tends to be from mid-March to mid-May or October through December. Although it doesn’t snow, Odessa averages about 51 inches of rain each year. So be sure to bring an umbrella if you plan on living in Odessa FL.
Things to Do in Odessa
Although entertainment and nightlife options in the community itself are somewhat limited, you will find many exciting activities in the surrounding areas. You have easy access to fishing lakes and other outdoor recreation in the surrounding areas while living in Odessa FL.
The Hub at Bexley is a good place to go for convenience stores, restaurants, and other shopping options where you can spend money. Other nearby shopping areas include Wiregrass Ranch, Keystone Crossing, and Hyde Park Village. Outside of shopping, here are a few fun things to do in Odessa.
Odessa Community Park
Located in the heart of town, the Odessa Community Park is a small public green space featuring playgrounds, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, biking and walking trails, open spaces, a baseball field, and other amenities for families living in Odessa FL.
1627 Chesapeake Dr, Odessa, FL 33556 (813) 929-1229
Checkmate Escape Rooms – Bexley
Tucked away in the Hub at Bexley, Checkmate Escape Rooms is a fun, interactive destination where visitors are tasked with solving puzzles, riddles, and challenges designed to test their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
16810 Focus Lp, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638 (813) 367-6939
TPC Tampa Bay
TPC Tampa Bay is an 18-hole golf course and country club with a reputation as one of the best in Florida, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands, a restaurant, and a pro shop. It’s a great destination for avid golfers living in Odessa FL.
5300 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558 (813) 949-0090
Searching for more fun things to do in Odessa FL? The Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department operates numerous parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields in the community and beyond.
Additional Attractions in Odessa FL
Looking for more activities and attractions while living in Odessa FL? The Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department has a list of public facilities available on its website.
Odessa Restaurants
The Tampa area is known for its delicious seafood and Cuban sandwiches, packed with savory meats. So it will come as no shock that you’ll find a wide variety of delicious restaurants in Odessa FL. Here are a few of the best Odessa Florida restaurants.
Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company
Located in the West Pasco Industrial Park, the Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company is a local favorite and one of the top Odessa Florida restaurants if you want craft beers and an extensive menu of shareable snacks and bar food.
2330 Success Dr, Odessa, FL 33556 (813) 519-0179
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G Peppers Grill and Tavern
G Peppers is one of the best restaurants in Odessa Florida, if you’re in the mood for a wide range of comfort food, such as wings, burgers, and homemade desserts, served in a familiar setting.
8745 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, FL 33556 (813) 920-3439
Saikyo Kitchen
Saikyo Kitchen is a laid-back Asian eatery and one of the top Odessa FL restaurants for those who want ramen, sushi, and other Japanese-style dishes served in a clean and welcoming dining room.
8741 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, FL 33556 (813) 926-3333
Jobs in Odessa
Looking for jobs in Odessa FL? You’ll be happy to hear that it has a booming economy thanks to its strategic location just a short drive from Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. While job opportunities in the community itself are relatively scarce, residents can access employment in dynamic fields such as healthcare, construction, tech, and tourism in some of these larger cities.
Major developments in the nearby areas, such as the upcoming Moffitt Cancer Center and Angeline Ranch, are expected to create numerous Odessa FL jobs. It’s also a high-income area, and most residents living in Odessa FL have four-year degrees.
Largest employers in Pasco County FL:
- Pasco County Public Schools
- Pasco County Government
- HCA Healthcare
- State of Florida
- BayCare Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
Most jobs in Odessa FL, offer competitive salaries. According to Payscale, the average salary in Tampa FL is $78,000 per year. You can find a wide variety of fantastic jobs in Odessa Florida, from sales coordinator to communications supervisor.
Odessa Schools
The quality school system is another fantastic benefit of living in Odessa FL, for those with children. The community spans two districts; Pasco County School District and the Hillsborough County School District. So exact assignments for the local education system will depend on where you live.
Students living in Odessa FL on the Pasco County side will attend Starkey Ranch K-8 School. Those living in Odessa FL on the Hillsborough County side will attend Hammond Elementary School and possibly Walker Middle Magnet School, an IB World School with a strong academic performance.
Options for high schools include Sickles High School in Hillsborough County and James W Mitchell in Pasco County. Although it varies depending on your address.
Notable private schools in Odessa include Christian Crossing Academy and Odessa Christian School. Residents are also invited to stop by the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center for books and other media.
FAQ
Is Odessa FL Prone to Flooding?
Odessa has a minor risk for flooding. It’s about 14 miles west of the Coast so it’s fairly insulated from the ocean. However, there are plenty of community lakes nearby that can flood with heavy rain. So it may be wise to be prepared for some minor flooding if you plan on moving to Odessa, but it won’t be a major risk.
Is It Expensive to Live in Odessa FL?
No, living in Odessa Fl isn’t particularly expensive. The cost of living index for the Tampa area indicates it’s about 1.5% less expensive than the typical US city. The median home price is about $402,000, slightly lower than the national median. However, it has a high median household income, so your money will go a long way.
What Is Odessa Known for?
Odessa is known for being a rapidly growing suburb of Tampa and for its rural charm and beautiful master-planned communities. It’s also notable for its scenic lakes, orange groves, and spacious equestrian properties.
Map of Odessa FL
Explore activities, attractions, and things to do while living in Odessa FL with this map.
Odessa Statistics & Information
- Odessa County: Pasco County
- Odessa area: 5.7 square miles
- Odessa FL zip code: 33556 and 33558
- Odessa FL area code: 813
- Odessa elevation: 56 ft
- Odessa time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Odessa: The Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 20 miles away.
Ready to See What Living in Odessa Is Really Like?
Want to know what living in Odessa is really like? When the time comes to make the transition, you can trust the dependable Odessa FL movers at 2 College Brothers to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (813) 922-1528 for a free quote.
