Nestled in the heart of Pasco County, Odessa, FL, is a small yet rapidly growing community gaining popularity among those seeking a slower pace of life. While big cities have their appeal, Odessa offers a unique blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and modern amenities that make it an ideal place to call home.
Odessa, Florida, situated in Pasco County, United States, is a census-designated place (CDP) known for its suburban and semi-rural neighborhoods that offer a blend of residential and commercial properties.
Whether you’re in search of a home to raise a family or a vacation spot for some peaceful time amidst nature, we have provided comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision before purchasing property in Odessa, FL.
Overview of Odessa, FL
As of 2020, the population was estimated to be approximately 8,323people. Its surrounding neighborhoods are primarily suburban and semi-rural areas with a mix of residential and commercial development. Odessa, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate, which means it typically experiences hot and humid summers and mild winters.
The average high temperature in the summer months (June through August) is around 90°F (32°C), with lows around 70°F (21°C). The winter months (December through February) are milder, with average high temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C).
Where is Odessa, FL located?
It is about 20 miles northwest of Tampa and about 10 miles northeast of Land O’ Lakes, FL.
The land area of Odessa is approximately 8.9 square miles or 23.0 square kilometers. The city follows the EST time zone and follows daylight saving time. During DST, it is in the Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) zone, while during the rest of the year, it is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone.
Here are some primary roads to the area:
- State Road 54 (SR 54): This major east-west highway runs through Odessa and connects the area to neighboring cities, such as Wesley Chapel, FL to the east and New Port Richey, FL to the west.
- Gunn Highway: This north-south road runs through Odessa and connects the area to Tampa to the south and the Citrus Park area to the north.
Other important roads in the area include the Suncoast Parkway, which runs to the east of Odessa and provides a quick connection to the Tampa International Airport and downtown Tampa, and the Veterans Expressway, which runs to the south of Odessa and connects the area to other parts of the Tampa Bay region.
How far is Odessa, FL from the closest major cities?
Tampa is approximately 20 miles southeast of Odessa, driving about 30 minutes without traffic. St. Petersburg is about 35 miles southwest of Odessa, with a driving time of approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Other major cities within driving distance of Odessa include Orlando, which is approximately 85 miles east of Odessa, and Sarasota, which is located approximately 60 miles south of Odessa.
The transportation options are personal vehicles, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The primary mode of transportation in the area is by car, as there is no public transportation system in Odessa itself. Regarding public transportation options, Pasco County operates a bus system called Pasco County Public Transportation. However, PCPT provides limited service to Odessa and surrounding areas. If you own a bicycle, many bike trails and paths connect different cities and towns.
Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Checking Out
If you like the general outlook of Zephyrhills, FL but prefer to be a bit closer to the ocean, here are some nearby neighborhoods worth consideration.
Trinity – Located approximately 10 miles northwest of Odessa, FL, is known for its high-end homes.
Lutz – Small town located 12 miles southeast of Odessa, FL in Hillsborough County
Citrus Park – Unincorporated community located to 5-7 miles in the south
Westchase – A planned community located 15 miles to the southeast
Keystone – Rural community located 9 miles north
Demographics of Odessa, FL
We have sourced all our demographic data directly from census.gov. To access more in-depth information, kindly visit the official website. In the meantime, we have taken the liberty of breaking down the essential statistics for your convenience.
| Age and Sex | Odessa FL | United States |
| Persons under 5 years | 5.0% | 5.7% |
| Persons under 18 years | 24.7% | 22.2% |
| Persons 65 years and over | 17.4% | 16.8% |
| Female persons | 50.8% | 50.5% |
| Race and Hispanic Origin | Zephyrhills city, FL | United States |
| White alone | 75.6% | 75.8% |
| Black or African American | 5.6% | 13.6% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 0.0% | 1.3% |
| Asian alone | 6.5% | 6.1% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone | 0.0% | 0.3% |
| Two or more races | 10.4% | 2.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 21.5% | 18.9% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 63.5% | 59.3% |
| Income and Poverty | Odessa, FL | United States |
| Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $96,444 | $69,021 |
| Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $41,675 | $37,638 |
| Persons in poverty | 5.0% | 11.6% |
Is Odessa, FL Safe?
Crime rate in Odessa, FL
Odessa, FL, is generally considered a safe place to live in, with a crime rate lower than the national average. The crime rate in Odessa has been decreasing over the past few years. That makes it a great place to settle down and raise a family.
The crime rate in Odessa is 10.79 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in Odessa generally consider the western part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Odessa may be as high as 1 in 35 in the northwest neighborhoods or as low as 1 in 124 in the west part of the city. According to crimegrade.org common types of crimes are:
- Assault (1.312/1000)
- Theft (2.423/1000 residents)
- Vehicle Theft (0.2978/1000 residents)
- Burglary (2.230/1000 residents)
- Vandalism (1.041/1000 residents)
- Drug crimes (1.697/1000 residents)
Other Safety Considerations for Odessa, FL
Odessa, FL is generally a safe place to live in. However, it is a part of Florida that makes it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. However, the risk of flooding has been minor over the last 30 years.Odessa, FL, may also experience periods of drought due to its subtropical climate. Drought conditions can occur when there is a lack of rainfall, leading to water shortages and impacting agriculture, wildlife, and ecosystems.
To make sure you’re ready for any unexpected events, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage and be prepared with a disaster plan. Always try to follow any instructions from local weather experts.
Sinkholes in Odessa, FL
Sinkholes can cause significant damage to homes and properties, resulting in costly repairs and even safety hazards.
Sinkholes can occur in Odessa, FL, due to the underlying geology of the region. Check out our comprehensive map of sinkholes in Odessa, FL, before purchasing any property. Our map is regularly updated and provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
Additionally, take a moment to explore our search tool and email alert system to pinpoint local foreclosures. This will allow you to obtain up-to-date information on sinkhole activity, which can help you identify properties that are not at risk of sinkhole hazards.
What are the Best Odessa, FL Neighborhoods to Live?
Here are some neighborhoods to live in if you are planning to buy a house in Odessa FL:
Keystone
- Located just north of Odessa Known for its spacious homes, large lots, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Known for its scenic beauty and numerous lakes
- Lots of parks, recreational areas, and golf courses.
- Has a variety of dining and shopping options
Westchase
- A master-planned community located to the south of Odessa
- Known for its upscale homes, beautiful landscaping, and top-rated schools
- It has a town center with a variety of restaurants and shops
Citrus Park
- A suburban community located just to the east of Odessa
- Known for its shopping destinations, including the Citrus Park Mall
- Many outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.
Lutz
- S small community located just to the northeast of Odessa
- It has a rich history and a variety of attractions
- Several parks and nature preserves are worth visiting and provide lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures
What is the Cost of Living in Odessa, FL?
As of 2021, Odessa’s cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in regard to housing, transportation, and healthcare expenses. On the other hand, the costs of utilities and groceries are slightly lower.
The median value of owner-occupied housing in Odessa is $352,800, which is higher than the national average of $244,900. The median owner mortgage in Odessa is $1,951 per month, compared to the national average of $1,697. The median monthly owner cost without a mortgage in Odessa is $602, compared to $538 nationally. Additionally, the gross rents in Odessa are also high at $1,359, compared to the national average of $1,163.
What to do in Odessa, FL?
Odessa has a lot of outdoor adventures with its landscapes and natural beauty. Here are outdoor options if you have time:
- There are plenty of paved trails for hiking and biking, like Suncoast Trail.
- Several golf courses, including the Eagles and Silver Dollar Golf Club.
- Fishing spots in Odessa abound, including Lake Rogers Park and Lake Grace.
- Plenty of after-school and summer camp opportunities for children, like Keystone Park and Recreation Center.
- Brooker Creek Preserve offers unique and diverse native flora and fauna collections.
- The Old McMickey’s Farm is a theme family park with a wholesome experience for kids and adults.
- Odessa also has a variety of local restaurants and shops to explore, including the Odessa Farmers Market and the Keystone Market.
Final Thoughts on Living in Odessa, Florida
Overall, Odessa is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida and explore the surrounding area. Most of the residents have their own homes. The housing and cost of living are a bit higher, which makes it inaccessible for low-income families. The property’s value is also high with its peaceful surroundings and dense suburban feel.