Living in Commander, Odessa: A Neighborhood Guide
Commander offers affordable family living with convenient access to Odessa's schools, parks, and services.
About Commander in Odessa
Commander is a residential neighborhood in Odessa, Texas, defined by affordable single-family homes and a strong presence of young families. Median home values near $165,000 sit well below the city average, making this area attractive to first-time buyers and investors seeking entry-level properties in an established community. The neighborhood's median age of 28.9 years and 41% of residents with children underscore its family-first character, though car dependency and limited walkability require realistic planning for daily errands and school runs.
Real Estate Market in Commander
| Median home price | $165k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | stable |
| Price per sq ft | $92 to $110 |
| Median rent | $1,167 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 40 |
| Bike Score | 39 |
Commander's real estate market reflects Odessa's broader affordability narrative. Home prices remain below citywide medians, creating consistent demand from value-conscious buyers and rental investors.
Commander attracts steady buyer interest but rarely sees bidding wars. Cash offers and quick closing timelines remain competitive advantages; conventional financing with standard contingencies typically succeeds.
Who Thrives in Commander
Commander's median home price of $165k and median household income of $59,264 align well for entry-level buyers seeking affordable homeownership in Odessa.
With 41% of residents raising children, Commander delivers family-oriented schools like Goliad Elementary, parks such as Dorothy L. Murphy Park, and affordable space for growing households.
Stable rental demand and median rents around $1,167 support steady cash flow; 49.2% owner occupancy leaves room for rental inventory growth.
Limited walkability and only 1.9% work-from-home commute patterns suggest Commander suits remote workers who drive or prefer suburban separation from downtown.
Affordable housing and proximity to medical services like Odessa Family Dental and Station 8 appeal to budget-conscious retirees; however, low transit scores demand personal transportation.
Property Types in Commander
Dominant housing stock; typically 3 to 4 bedrooms built 1980s to 2010s.
Strong rental yields attract investors; median rent $1,167 supports cash-on-cash returns.
Modest new home activity; limited high-end development keeps price floor stable.
Living in Commander, Odessa
Daily life in Commander centers on car travel and family routines. With a Walk Score of 40, most errands require a vehicle; however, proximity to Lowe's Market, Mary's Bakery, and dining options like Dos Amigos and Volcano Korean BBQ keeps essentials accessible. <h3>Recreation and Wellness</h3> Families rely on Sherwood Family Aquatic Center, Prairie Pete Playland Park, and Permian Playhouse for weekend entertainment. Fitness 1440 serves health-conscious residents, while 7 Brew coffee shops provide casual gathering spots. The neighborhood's low crime profile and community investment in parks reinforce its appeal to households prioritizing safety and outdoor space over urban walkability.
- Denny's · 15 min walk
- McDonald's · 16 min walk
- Dos Amigos · 16 min walk
- Subway · 16 min walk
- Volcano Korean BBQ · 16 min walk
- 7 Brew · 14 min walk
- Dorothy L. Murphy Park · 13 min walk
- Sherwood Park · 14 min walk
- Prairie Pete Playland Park at Sherwood Park · 14 min walk
- Mark Henderson Park · 32 min walk
- Polythana North Park · 32 min walk
- Mary's Bakery · 18 min walk
- Lowe's Market · 19 min walk
- Fitness 1440 · 17 min walk
- Sherwood Family Aquatic Center · 12 min walk
- Permian Playhouse · 16 min walk
Annual events: Odessa Ector County Fair, Permian Basin Petroleum Museum events, summer concert series at Sherwood Park
Schools Near Commander, Odessa
Commander residents benefit from proximity to well-regarded Odessa Independent School District schools. Elementary options including Goliad El (rating 30) and Burleson El (rating 26) serve the neighborhood's large population of school-age children.
Elementary Schools
School Score 30 with 35% math and 25% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 29.5 with 29% math and 30% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 26 with 26% math and 26% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 24.5 with 22% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 24.5 with 21% math and 28% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 59.5 with 52% math and 67% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Sherwood Christian Academy (KG-12) — 25-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically feed into Wilson & Young Medal Of Honor Middle (rating 24.5) before advancing to George H W Bush New Tech Odessa (rating 59.5) for high school.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Commander
Most Commander residents drive to work; the neighborhood's 68% car commute rate reflects Odessa's sprawling layout. Major employers in the energy and retail sectors lie 8 to 15 minutes away by vehicle.
Public transit in Odessa is minimal; the city's transit score of 62 does not extend meaningful service to Commander, making personal vehicle ownership essential.
Neighborhoods Near Commander
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Frequently Asked Questions about Commander
What is the average home price in Commander, Odessa?
The median home price in Commander hovers around $165,000, significantly lower than Odessa's citywide median of $193,500. This affordability gap makes Commander attractive to first-time buyers and investors. Price per square foot typically ranges from $92 to $110, depending on home age and condition. Properties spend 18 to 25 days on the market, indicating steady but not frenzied demand.
Is the neighborhood a good place to live?
Commander offers genuine advantages for families and budget-conscious buyers: affordable entry prices, strong school access, and low crime rates. The honest tradeoff involves car dependency; Walk Score of 40 means you cannot walk to groceries or restaurants. Young families with children (41% of residents) and households earning $59,264 median income find the value proposition compelling.
What schools serve Commander, Odessa?
Goliad Elementary (rating 30) and Burleson Elementary (rating 26) are primary feeders for the neighborhood. Students advance to Wilson & Young Medal Of Honor Middle (rating 24.5) and eventually George H W Bush New Tech Odessa (rating 59.5) for high school. Private option Sherwood Christian Academy also serves the area, offering families educational choice within a short drive.
Is Commander safe?
Commander maintains a low crime profile consistent with Odessa's family-focused neighborhoods. Active community investment in parks, schools, and recreational facilities reflects neighborhood stability. Police presence and well-maintained public spaces contribute to resident confidence; however, verification of specific block-level crime data with local law enforcement remains prudent for any home purchase decision.
Who should move to Commander?
First-time homebuyers, young families, rental investors, and retirees on fixed budgets find Commander's affordable pricing and family amenities well-suited to their needs. Remote workers may find car dependency limiting unless they prefer suburban separation. Professionals working downtown Odessa or in energy sector jobs benefit from short commute times.
What amenities and shops are near Commander?
Lowe's Market and Mary's Bakery serve grocery and specialty needs; Dos Amigos and Volcano Korean BBQ offer dining variety. Sherwood Family Aquatic Center, Dorothy L. Murphy Park, and Prairie Pete Playland Park provide family recreation. Fitness 1440 and 7 Brew round out lifestyle convenience. Sherwood Village Center and North Plaza supply retail shopping within minutes.
Where this Commander data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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