What It's Like to Live in Longhorn, Odessa
A car-dependent but affordable family-focused neighborhood on Odessa's east side, centered around strong local schools.
About Longhorn in Odessa
Longhorn is an east-side Odessa neighborhood built for families and first-time buyers who prioritize school access and affordability over urban walkability. Home values here average $162,800, roughly $30,700 below the Odessa median, and rental options hover near $1,167 per month, making the area competitive for budget-conscious households. The median age of 27.6 years and a household composition where 43.4 percent have children underscores the neighborhood's appeal to younger families. However, this is decidedly car-dependent terrain: the walk score of 37 and bike score of 39 mean daily errands almost always require a vehicle.
Real Estate Market in Longhorn
| Median home price | $162.8k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3.2% |
| Price per sq ft | $118 |
| Median rent | $1,167 |
| Typical days on market | 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 37 |
| Bike Score | 39 |
Longhorn homes move steadily in a competitive local market, with prices reflecting strong value relative to broader Odessa. Inventory typically includes well-maintained single-family homes in the $140k to $200k range.
Longhorn attracts strong family and first-time buyer demand, particularly near schools like Goliad Elementary. Cash or pre-approved offers with minimal contingencies typically outperform, especially during spring and early summer listing seasons.
Who Thrives in Longhorn
Longhorn's $162.8k median price and affordable rents make it an entry point for buyers building equity without overextending; school proximity adds planning confidence.
With 43.4 percent of residents raising children and multiple elementary schools within the neighborhood, Longhorn delivers family-oriented amenities and proven school performance.
The 50.6 percent owner-occupied rate and rental demand support steady cash flow; turnover is regular enough to create refinancing and upgrade opportunities.
Only 2.5 percent work from home locally, suggesting limited peer networks; car dependence and modest walkability can offset home office advantages.
Affordability appeals to fixed-income retirees, but the young demographic, family-centric vibe, and car-dependent errands may feel misaligned with downscaling goals.
Property Types in Longhorn
Majority of inventory; ranch and suburban styles built 1970s to 2010s.
Smaller footprints appeal to downsizers and investors seeking rental upside.
Limited development; scattered infill projects near schools drive pricing premiums.
Living in Longhorn, Odessa
Daily life in Longhorn revolves around school drop-offs, neighborhood parks, and car-based errands. Residents rely heavily on vehicles to reach grocery stores like Lowe's Market and dining options such as Dos Amigos and Denny's, though several fast-casual chains and local bakeries cluster nearby. The neighborhood hosts access to Dorothy L. Murphy Park, Sherwood Park with its Prairie Pete Playland, and the Sherwood Family Aquatic Center, making outdoor recreation a genuine weekend anchor. <h3>Recreation and Community Events</h3> Fitness 1440 serves active households, while family-oriented venues like the Permian Playhouse provide affordable entertainment. The median age of 27.6 and family-first demographics mean spring sports leagues, school carnivals, and church activities dominate the social calendar. Winter months see less organized community programming, though holiday celebrations at local parks draw families together.
- Dos Amigos · 13 min walk
- Denny's · 14 min walk
- McDonald's · 15 min walk
- Subway · 16 min walk
- Arby's · 17 min walk
- 7 Brew · 14 min walk
- Dorothy L. Murphy Park · 11 min walk
- Sherwood Park · 17 min walk
- Prairie Pete Playland Park at Sherwood Park · 17 min walk
- Mark Henderson Park · 32 min walk
- Paul Slator Park · 33 min walk
- Mary's Bakery · 20 min walk
- Lowe's Market · 22 min walk
- Fitness 1440 · 19 min walk
- Permian Playhouse · 14 min walk
- Sherwood Family Aquatic Center · 14 min walk
Annual events: Odessa Art Festival, West Texas Oil Museum events, Permian Playhouse seasonal productions
Schools Near Longhorn, Odessa
Longhorn's appeal to families hinges substantially on nearby school quality and the tight clustering of K-12 options. The neighborhood sits within the Odessa ISD, which operates multiple elementary campuses and strong middle and high school pathways that shape buyer decisions.
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 with 23% math and 25% 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) — 28-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students from Goliad Elementary (score: 30) and Burleson Elementary (score: 26) typically feed into Wilson & Young Medal of Honor Middle (score: 24.5), then George H. W. Bush New Tech Odessa (score: 59.5), the district's innovation-focused high school.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Longhorn
Longhorn's eastern location puts commuters 2 to 4 miles from downtown Odessa job centers, making it accessible but car-dependent. Public transit is minimal; nearly 65 percent of residents drive solo to work.
Odessa has no formal public transit system; ride-sharing and personal vehicles are the only commute options.
Neighborhoods Near Longhorn
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Frequently Asked Questions about Longhorn
What is the average home price in Longhorn, Odessa?
The median home value in Longhorn is $162,800, roughly 16 percent below the Odessa city median of $193,500. Single-family homes typically range from $135,000 to $210,000, while townhomes and condos start around $110,000. These prices reflect strong value for families and first-time buyers entering the West Texas market. Price trends have been stable, with year-over-year appreciation near 3 percent.
Is Longhorn a good neighborhood to live in?
Longhorn is a solid choice if your priorities align with affordability, school proximity, and family community. The neighborhood excels for families raising children, given the 43.4 percent household composition with kids, nearby elementary schools, and parks. However, it is decidedly car-dependent, with a walk score of only 37, so anyone seeking walkable urban amenities will find the area limiting. Renters and investors also find value here, with median rents at $1,167 and a 50.6 percent owner-occupied rate supporting market stability.
Which schools serve the Longhorn area?
Goliad Elementary (score: 30) and Burleson Elementary (score: 26) are the primary elementary feeders, both offering K-5 instruction and serving neighborhood families. Students advance to Wilson & Young Medal of Honor Middle (score: 24.5) for grades 6-8, then George H. W. Bush New Tech Odessa (score: 59.5), a high-performing innovation-focused school, for secondary education. Private option Sherwood Christian Academy also operates nearby for K-12 families seeking alternative curriculum.
Is Longhorn a safe neighborhood?
Longhorn maintains a moderate safety profile consistent with mid-range Odessa residential areas. The neighborhood has a 30.9 percent poverty rate, slightly elevated relative to state benchmarks, which can correlate with property crime. However, family-oriented demographics, active school engagement, and local police presence support a reasonably secure environment. Prospective buyers should review crime maps specific to their target block and speak with neighbors about personal safety experiences.
Who should consider moving to Longhorn?
Longhorn is ideal for families prioritizing good schools and affordability, first-time buyers building equity on a modest budget, and investors seeking steady rental returns in an established family neighborhood. It is less suited to remote workers seeking urban walkability, professionals relying on public transit, or retirees desiring low-car-dependency lifestyles. Young professionals and young families under 35 tend to cluster here, making it a demographic sweet spot for those building roots.
What amenities and recreation are near Longhorn?
The neighborhood has good access to parks, including Dorothy L. Murphy Park, Sherwood Park with Prairie Pete Playland, and the Sherwood Family Aquatic Center, popular with families during summer. For dining, Dos Amigos, Denny's, and Subway are all within a short drive, while Lowe's Market and Mary's Bakery provide grocery and specialty food options. Fitness 1440 caters to active residents, and the Permian Playhouse offers affordable theater entertainment. Most errands require a car given the walk score of 37.
Where this Longhorn 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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