Odessa

Odessa is an expansive Northern Delaware community along the banks of the Delaware River and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The community boasts a diverse landscape, blending rolling farmlands, marshy wetlands and newly constructed suburbs. Residents enjoy proximity to highways and nearby shopping in a tucked-away setting.

Odessa has a diverse housing stock. On one end of the housing spectrum, you’ll find newly constructed contemporary colonials and townhomes in picturesque subdivisions like Bayberry North. New builds afford at least 3,000 square feet and four bedrooms on quarter-acre lots. You’ll also find many split-level and ranch-style homes from the 1980s and ‘90s on spacious, one to two-acre properties. On the other end of the housing spectrum, you’ll find historic colonials that date back to the 19th century, many of which have been enlisted to the National Register of Historic Places. Housing prices fall anywhere between $300,000 and $700,000. Odessa streetscapes fuse bustling highways and tree-lined rural roads met by farmland. Streets in subdivisions are lined with sidewalks and lampposts, and you’ll often see locals walking about.

Students in Odessa attend schools under the highly-rated Appoquinimink School District. Niche ranked Appoquinimink as the number one school district in Delaware and gave it an overall A-plus on its report card. Students across Odessa attend varying elementary schools, but many attend Cedar Lane Elementary School. The school earned an overall A on its Niche report card and a 10 out of 10 rating for test scores, according to GreatSchools. Many students advance to Louis L. Redding Middle School, which also touts an overall A from Niche. Students progress to Middletown High School to earn their diplomas. The high school provides students with various centralized pathways, including the School of Health Sciences, the School of Performing and Design Arts and the School of Education and Human Studies. Niche gave the high school an overall A.

When you want to spend a day outside, head to Odessa Memorial Park. The woodsy park features a small playground for the kids, a basketball court and a short walking trail. Local athletes can use the large field for recreational soccer and football. Various pocket parks are in subdivisions dotting the community, like Misty Vale Park and Bayberry North Park. Each pocket park features a playground and ample green space to roam.

Residents head to Middletown when they need to shop, about 5 miles from Odessa. Branching off Middletown Warwick Road are several shopping centers, like Westown Shopping Plaza and Middletown Commons. You’ll find popular stores like Marshalls, Kohl’s, Lidl and Walmart. When you need a bite to eat, restaurant options abound. Head to Port Penn on Odessa’s east end if you’re craving seafood. Augustine Inn Seafood and Chophouse feature several seafood favorites, like crab bisque, baked clams and ahi tuna. Head to Cantwell’s Tavern in Odessa’s historic town center for more options. The tavern is in a preserved colonial hotel from the 19th century, embodying the rustic charm of the small town. The menu boasts various craft beers, cocktails, crab cakes, salmon and more.

A major perk of living in Odessa is the proximity to Augustine Beach and the Augustine Wildlife Area. Located on the western bank of the Delaware River, the Augustine Beach area has a rich history with area development dating to the early 19th century. Residents enjoy fishing, kayaking and walking along the small beach area. You’ll also see ample wildlife at the Augustine Wildlife Area. Locals enjoy trekking the Port Penn Wetlands Trail, which meanders through the wetlands. The trail leads to a 140-foot boardwalk with an overlook toward the end.

Most residents drive in Odessa, and public transportation is not accessible. Several major highways pass through the community, including Routes 1, 71, 301 and 13. And if you want to take the scenic route, Route 9 runs parallel to the Delaware River. Wilmington is the closest city center to Odessa, sitting 25 miles directly north. Odessa is a centrally located community affording a quiet mix of scenic landscapes.

Written By

Brennen Martin

Photography Contributed By

Bill Marrs

Video By

Andrew Perrius