cities | Odessa
Odessa
Odessa is a really unique area because it exists in two different counties – Hillsborough and Pasco – and depending on which side you’re on, you get a completely different experience. Odessa in Hillsborough County is known for that country feel with lakes, horse farms, orange groves, and lots of wide open space that still hasn’t been developed. It’s old Florida charm with rural vibes. Odessa in Pasco County is the complete opposite – it’s rapidly growing with new master-planned communities like Starkey Ranch, resort-style amenities, and modern suburban development. What both sides have in common is easy access to Tampa, beautiful outdoor spaces, and that laid-back relaxed atmosphere. Odessa attracts people who want more space and a quieter lifestyle compared to the denseness of Tampa proper, but still want to be close enough to commute to work or access shopping and dining in neighboring communities like Lutz, Land O Lakes, and Citrus Park.
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The Hillsborough County side of Odessa is in the northwest part of the county and it’s held onto that rural character. You’ve got established neighborhoods, lakefront homes, gated communities, and properties with acreage where you can have horses or just enjoy the privacy and space. This side hasn’t seen the same development boom, and a lot of people choose it specifically because they want that country feel while still being within reasonable distance of Tampa.
The Pasco County side of Odessa is where most of the growth is happening. Starkey Ranch is probably the biggest development – this master-planned community started building around 2014 and it’s become really popular because it sits right next to the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park (one of the largest parks in the area), but you’re also close to new restaurants and shopping. The communities on the Pasco side offer resort-style amenities, new construction, and that planned suburban lifestyle.
The location of Odessa (regardless of which side) puts you with easy access to Tampa. You can get to downtown Tampa in about 25-35 minutes depending on traffic and which part of Odessa you’re in. The major roads like Van Dyke Road and Gunn Highway connect you to surrounding areas. You’re close to the Suncoast Parkway for toll road access, and the Veterans Expressway isn’t far if you’re heading south toward the airport or Tampa.
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The big thing about Odessa is that it’s very relaxed and laid back. There isn’t a lot of hustle and bustle here – it’s more residential and suburban. You need to go to the neighboring communities for most of your shopping, dining, and entertainment. But that’s part of the appeal for people who choose Odessa – you get peace and quiet at home, and then you can drive 10-15 minutes to Lutz or Citrus Park or Land O Lakes for whatever you need.
On the Hillsborough side, you won’t find many restaurants in Odessa proper. There’s 3 Brothers Pizza and New China for takeout, but mostly you’re heading to neighboring areas for dining. On the Pasco side, there’s a larger selection of restaurants, though it’s mostly fast food and chains – Culver’s, Moe’s, Chicken Salad Chick, Chili’s, Panera, Chipotle. Often times one side of the road is Odessa and the other side is technically a neighboring community, so restaurant and shopping options are convenient even if they’re not technically “in” Odessa.
The outdoor spaces in Odessa are beautiful and a major draw for residents. The Upper Tampa Bay Trail for walking and biking travels through part of Odessa north of Van Dyke Road – it’s a great paved trail system that connects to other parts of the area. Starkey Ranch District Park on the Pasco side is 150 acres owned by Pasco County and includes a school, theater, library, and cultural center along with sports fields and trails. Keystone Park on the Hillsborough side is the hub of that small community with a playground, tennis and basketball courts, sports fields, community center, and library. Lake Rogers Park has popular walking trails and two freshwater lakes – Lake Rogers is one of the largest in Hillsborough County, and fishing and kayaking are permitted.
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The schools in Odessa vary depending on which county you’re in. The Pasco County side benefits from newer schools and the strong Pasco County school system. The Hillsborough County side has some good schools but you need to research specific zoning. A lot of families choose Odessa specifically because they want the space and outdoor lifestyle while still having access to decent schools.
The amenities on the Pasco side in communities like Starkey Ranch are really impressive – resort-style pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, sports courts, trails, and parks. The Hillsborough side is more about the natural amenities – lakes, horse properties, and access to county parks.
Healthcare is accessible with both AdventHealth and BayCare facilities in nearby Wesley Chapel and Lutz. You’re not far from major hospitals and urgent care centers.
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Odessa attracts people who want space, privacy, and a more rural or suburban feel while still being close to Tampa. On the Hillsborough side, you’ve got families who want acreage and horse properties, people who grew up in the area and want to stay, and buyers looking for lakefront homes with character. On the Pasco side, you’ve got families moving to the area who want new construction with amenities, good schools, and that master-planned community lifestyle.
The real estate market in Odessa varies significantly between the two sides. On the Hillsborough side, you’re looking at more established homes, properties with land, lakefront homes, and a wide range of prices depending on size, location, and condition. You can find homes in the $300s, $400s, $500s, and up depending on what you’re looking for. On the Pasco side, new construction dominates with homes in communities like Starkey Ranch typically ranging from the $400s to $600s and up depending on size and finishes.
The market on both sides has been relatively steady. The Hillsborough side doesn’t see as much turnover because people who buy there tend to stay long-term. The Pasco side has more activity because of the new construction and families moving to the area for the schools and amenities. If you’re considering Odessa, you really need to decide which vibe you want – rural and established with space and character on the Hillsborough side, or new and planned with modern amenities on the Pasco side. Both offer that laid-back Odessa lifestyle, just with different flavors.
Odessa FAQs
What are the main pros and cons of living in Odessa?
The pros of Odessa are pretty clear – you can find both rural vibes with horse properties and space on the Hillsborough side, or suburban planned community vibes on the Pasco side. New construction is readily available on the Pasco side. The area is well planned and not overdeveloped like some other Tampa suburbs. You’ve got easy access to Tampa for work with a reasonable commute. The outdoor spaces and parks are beautiful. The cons are that the rural character on the Hillsborough side is slowly disappearing as development expands. There aren’t a lot of major employers right in Odessa, so most people are commuting to Tampa or surrounding areas for work. There’s construction noise and growth happening on the Pasco side. A lot of new apartments are being built which some people worry will affect the feel of the area. And some communities have CDD (Community Development District) fees on top of HOA fees, which adds to your costs. Overall, it’s a solid area if you want space and a quieter lifestyle, but you need to be okay with commuting and driving to neighboring areas for most services.
Which side of Odessa is better - Hillsborough or Pasco?
That really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want established neighborhoods, lakefront properties, horse farms, and that old Florida country feel with space and privacy, the Hillsborough side is better. You’ll have larger lots, more mature landscaping, and less density. If you want new construction, resort-style amenities, master-planned communities with pools and clubhouses, and newer schools, the Pasco side is better. You’ll pay for those amenities through HOA fees and potentially CDD fees, but you get turnkey living with everything built in. Some people prefer the character and space of Hillsborough County Odessa, while others prefer the modern conveniences and new everything of Pasco County Odessa. Visit both sides and see which feels right for you.
How is the commute from Odessa to Tampa for work?
The commute from Odessa to Tampa is manageable but you’re definitely commuting. From most parts of Odessa, you’re looking at 25-35 minutes to downtown Tampa without traffic, maybe 20-25 minutes to the Westshore area or closer parts of Tampa. During rush hour, that can easily stretch to 45 minutes to an hour depending on where you’re going and what roads you take. Van Dyke Road, Gunn Highway, and Dale Mabry are the main routes, and they can get congested during peak times. A lot of people who live in Odessa either work remotely, have flexible schedules, or they’ve accepted the commute as the trade-off for the space and lifestyle. If you’re going to be driving to Tampa every day during rush hour, you need to be honest with yourself about whether that’s sustainable long-term.
Are there flood concerns in Odessa?
Yes, flood risk is something you need to check for any property in Odessa, especially on the Hillsborough side where there are so many lakes. Properties near lakes, in low-lying areas, or near wetlands can definitely have flood risk and may require flood insurance. The Pasco side with newer development is typically built with better drainage and flood mitigation, but you still need to verify the flood zone for any specific property. After recent hurricanes, some areas of Odessa experienced flooding. Don’t assume that just because it’s not on the coast that there’s no risk – inland flooding from lakes and heavy rain is real. Always check the FEMA flood maps, ask about the property’s flood history, and get quotes for flood insurance before you buy. Some properties will be outside flood zones, but others will require expensive flood insurance that needs to be part of your budget.
