Hi all, Household incomes average around $73,030 in Odessa. Crime rate is something to consider -Odessa sits at 1,038.3 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
39 upvotes
17 Replies
Piper K.
I'm a HR manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is average and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Josiah
not my experience at all
39 upvotes
Addison Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Everly
same here
30 upvotes
Violet Hall
+1
24 upvotes
Axel M.
I've lived in Highland for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Weston Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 5 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Addison W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Asher G.
seconding this
15 upvotes
nycwalker2022
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Benjamin Reyes
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Alice T.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
8 upvotes
Nora J.
great question, following
5 upvotes
Evelyn Chavez
preach
5 upvotes
Hudson Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Denver. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
All Countries
