cities | Odessa

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.

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.

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.