Towering palm trees and established oaks line the streets of Odessa, a residential region dotted with lakes about 25 miles from Downtown Tampa. “Most people choose to live here because it’s near urban amenities, but with a more rural community,” says Christopher Johnson, Realtor and owner of Noble Star Realty. Still, Odessa is growing. The current population is about 8,100 people; in 2000, it was just under 3,200. “Everything’s expanding all around,” Johnson says. “Odessa is no exception to that.” Most of the homes in the area were built after 2000 and developing shopping centers are just across the street. Major employers in Pasco County include healthcare providers like AdventHealth and HCA or county and state governments.
Land spreading out so far and wide with a speckling of lakes, is what makes up Odessa.
Enjoying a ride on a tree lined street or a day fishing on the lake, is the Odessa life.
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Planned communities fill Odessa’s streets
Master-planned and gated communities make up most of the housing market in Odessa, which has a median price of $619,000. This is significantly higher than Tampa’s median, which is $440,000. “Odessa seems to remain high,” says Johnson, noting that the most expensive properties are lakefront homes. “Once you get into the master-planned communities, you see a more affordable market.” The average time on the market is 52 days. Most houses built after 2000 are new traditional homes or townhouses that feature Mediterranean and modern influences. Older houses include ranch styles that date to the 1950s.
Lake life in Odessa is highly sought after for weekends fishing on the dock and evening bonfires
A part of Odessa has the tranquil life of lake living.
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At the intersection of major highways
Odessa sits at the intersection of Highway 589, or the Suncoast Parkway, and Highway 54. Pasco County’s public transportation, GOPASCO, offers a bus service along Highway 54. Most people fly out of Tampa International Airport, about 20 miles away, where carriers offer nonstop service to over 100 destinations.
Hwy 589 offers direct access to downtown Tampa from Odessa.
Odessa residents enjoy direct access to Tampa on SR 589
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Near bustling shopping centers
While Odessa is primarily residential, it is surrounded by shopping and dining options. “Odessa has fast food and high-end restaurants nearby, and many are walkable from some subdivisions,” Laihuyen says. “Folks can just cross the street and enjoy lunch or dinner. There are lots of new businesses, as this is such an up-and-coming area.” Across Highway 54 is Starkey Ranch, a neighboring master-planned community with a hospital, parks and local and national shops and restaurants. More options are on the other side of Suncoast Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, and about 25 miles away in Downtown Tampa.
Glory Day's Grill in Odessa, is the place to be for watching your team play.
Get a custom order Poke Sushi bowl to take out from the Fish Bowl in Odessa.
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Odessa residents attend Tampa Bay events
Because Downtown Tampa is nearby, Odessa residents can participate in city events ranging from the Gasparilla Pirate Fest in January to the Winter Village in December. Pasco County hosts several festivals throughout the year that are often closer to Odessa, including the annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival. Every April, Land O’Lakes Heritage Park is where festival-goers vote on their favorite burgers from local eateries while listening to live music and sipping beers from nearby craft breweries.
Rasmussen University’s largest campus in Odessa
Pasco County Schools receives a B-plus from Niche and serves Odessa. Private schools in the area include Odessa Christian School and Christian Crossings Academy. Rasmussen University (RU) offers over 60 career-focused online and in-person programs, such as practical nursing and accounting. The Central Pasco campus in Odessa is the largest of 20 RU campuses nationwide.
Sunlake High School started educating students in 2007 when it opened.
Rushe Middle School hosts 1,335 students in grades 6-8.
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Lakes, horses and local parks provide endless outdoor recreation in Odessa
Several small lakes, such as Lake Ann and Lake Minniola, are scattered across Odessa. “Most of the lakes are private; you have to live on the lakes to dock your boat,” Johnson says. Horseback riding is popular in the area, with boarding facilities and lessons available at Suncoast Stables & Riding Academy. At Odessa Community Park, kids can run around the playground or play a game of basketball. The Upper Tampa Bay Trailhead is at the nearby Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, connecting to a nearly 15-mile trail system. Parts of the path are still being restored following hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton in 2024.
The amazing blend of rural and urban living in Odessa.
The exciting new sport of Pickle Ball with leagues at parks in Odessa.
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Hurricane preparedness and hot summers
Like much of Florida, Odessa experiences hot summers and short winters. Temperatures start to rise in May and do not drop again until October. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there is a very high risk of hurricanes. Pasco County advises residents to stock up on emergency supplies, including medication, and have an evacuation plan before a storm hits. The county is also a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, violent crime rates in Pasco County decreased about 5% from 2022 to 2023. The 2023 violent crime rates in Pasco County were about 34% lower than in Florida.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Odessa, FL sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Odessa, FL over the last 12 months is $639,500, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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With an enviable location off Suncoast Parkway and SR 54 in Northwest Tampa, your travel time to your destinations are quick and easy, allowing you to spend more time there…than getting there. Command your social possibilities and define your every spectacular moment. Relax, revive, and recharge at Altis Grand! Your new home and your new club...with a fun way to live!
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