Living In Odessa, Florida - Everything You Need To Know (2024)

The amazing year round weather begs you to get outside and enjoy the endless options of things to do in Odessa, FL. The area is made up of nature preserves and parks so the outdoorsy type may enjoy activities like fishing, biking, hiking, bird watching, and exploring. Many of the Odessa residents enjoy the 272 acre Lake Rogers Conservation Park as it offers great trails for hiking along with 2 lakes for fishing and canoeing. The nearby Brooker Creek Preserve is another option for those getting outdoors and is approximately 8,700 acres providing scenic boardwalks, hiking trails, and equestrian trails that allow you to observe wildlife and different ecosystems. Hit the pavement and get your exercise in on the Suncoast Trail. It’s a 42 mile paved trail where you’ll see biking, rollerblading, jogging, and walking. Along the way you will find the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park with amenities like camping, picnic areas, playgrounds, equestrian trail, volleyball, and even a bird watching trail.

A family favorite, Old McMicky’s farm, has expanded operations over the years and what used to be just an educational and fun farm experience, now has a wedding venue and hosts corporate events, birthdays, and more. If you want the original experience, book a tour with activities like milking a cow, riding a pony, learning about chickens, rabbits, goats, and more. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a shaded lakeside picnic.

Just a short drive away you can check out the famous sponge docks at Tarpon Springs. This is a unique Greek community with bakeries, markets, restaurants, water cruises, and the world’s finest sponges. Anclote River Park is a noteworthy spot with pavilions and designated fishing areas but most importantly a boat launch. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a boating paradise of 4 islands just 3 miles off the coast with sandy beaches and crystal clear water only accessible by private boat or a ferry/ guided tour.

If shopping is your favorite way to pass time, some of the surrounding suburbs like Wesley Chapel have great options. Here you will find the Tampa Premium Outlets and The Shops at Wiregrass. Nearby you also have Citrus Park Mall.

Pasco County attracts all types of new homeowners, but with a nice variety of communities it can be tough choosing between the best neighborhoods in Odessa Florida.

Located on the western side of Odessa, Starkey Ranch is a well established master planned community and is made up of nine pocket neighborhoods spanning over 2400 acres. Starkey Ranch has 12 miles of paved trails which are just a small part of the 20 mile trail system and is next to the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. This neighborhood truly is a family’s dream with a community calendar, dog parks, pools, pocket parks throughout, and a brand new recreational complex at The District Park. Currently the park has a lighted little league baseball/softball field, 3 lighted multi-purpose fields for soccer, lacrosse, and football, a concession stand with restrooms, picnic pavilions, and a playground. The community and school district are working on plans to expand this 150 acre site to include the Starkey Ranch K-8 school, more recreational facilities, a gym, basketball courts, a running track, and more.

Asturia is another popular neighborhood in Pasco county made up of approximately 500 acres. The residents can expect a nice blend of single family homes, luxury apartments, and townhomes. While the neighborhood has plenty of the bells and whistles you can expect from a master planned community, it still gives you more of a quaint feel. They put a focus on including green spaces while mixing in a resort-style pool and fitness center. Pocket parks, dog parks, and walking trails target the nature lovers, while the clubhouse and amenity center are at the heart of the community with a wide variety of events and parties throughout the year.

Van Dyke Farms is another great neighborhood in the northwest rural section of Hillsborough county. This HOA community with over 400 homes was built in the 1990s and includes plenty of amenities but without the CDD fees. Somewhat unique to older neighborhoods, there are multiple little parks throughout, lakes and ponds, and sports areas: basketball, racquetball, tennis, baseball, soccer, and a playground, tree lined streets and sidewalks where you can find half acre lots and some extra space from your neighbor. Residents enjoy taking advantage of fishing the lakes or ponds and the newly constructed lake gazebo. If horseback riding is your hobby, nearby you can access a small equestrian center.