Kelly, Odessa, TX: A Neighborhood Guide for Homebuyers
Affordable, family-friendly living with strong walkability and school access in central Odessa.
About Kelly in Odessa
Kelly is a neighborhood in Odessa that delivers genuine value for homebuyers seeking an established community with modest price points and reliable access to schools and daily amenities. The area sits well above the city walk score of 62, reaching 68, which means grocery stores, dining options, and local parks are reasonably close. Kelly residents benefit from a median home value of $123,233, roughly 36 percent below Odessa's broader median, and a household income median of $54,298 that reflects a mix of working families and established homeowners.
Real Estate Market in Kelly
| Median home price | $123.2k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable |
| Price per sq ft | $85 to $95 |
| Median rent | $1,154 |
| Typical days on market | 30 to 45 days |
| Buyer competition | Low |
| Walk Score | 68 |
| Bike Score | 49 |
Kelly's real estate market reflects stable, affordable pricing typical of Odessa's mid-range neighborhoods. Inventory moves at a measured pace, favoring buyers who can take time to find the right property.
Kelly's market remains buyer-friendly. Make offers close to list price with minimal contingencies, and allow 5 to 7 days for seller response. Homes in good condition near schools or parks tend to attract multiple offers.
Who Thrives in Kelly
Kelly's median price of $123k and low competition make it an ideal entry point for first-time homeowners building equity in a stable Odessa neighborhood.
With 29.4 percent of residents raising children, strong local schools including San Jacinto El and George H W Bush New Tech Odessa, and walkable access to parks and dining, this neighborhood supports family life well.
The combination of modest purchase prices, steady rental demand ($1,154 median), and 44.5 percent owner-occupancy suggests reliable cash flow potential for buy-and-hold investors.
While internet infrastructure is generally available, the neighborhood is car-dependent; remote workers should verify connectivity before committing.
Affordable homes, proximity to Odessa Regional Medical Center, and a median age of 33.7 with established services create a practical setting for downsizers.
Property Types in Kelly
Most common property type; well-maintained stock built in the 1980s through 2010s dominates the market.
Lower maintenance option popular with investors and first-time buyers seeking affordability.
Limited modern inventory; newer builds command a modest premium over resale stock.
Living in Kelly, Odessa
Daily life in Kelly centers on convenience and community. The walk score of 68 puts essentials within reach: Starbucks for morning coffee, Southern Maid Donuts for breakfast stops, and Tall City Meat Market & BBQ for weekend gatherings. <h3>Parks & Recreation</h3> Purple Sage Park and Dan Hemphill Central Park offer green space for families, while the Ector Theatre and Globe Theatre of the Great Southwest bring cultural events to nearby downtown. Shopping clusters at Rock Hill Village Shopping Center serve neighborhood needs, and United Supermarkets provides grocery access without long drives. The area's 82.3 percent car dependency reflects Odessa's broader pattern; most residents maintain vehicles for daily errands and commutes.
- Southern Maid Donuts · 9 min walk
- Super Pollo · 12 min walk
- Stars · 13 min walk
- Torchy's Tacos · 15 min walk
- Tall City Meat Market & BBQ · 17 min walk
- Starbucks · 14 min walk
- Purple Sage Park · 4 min walk
- Dan Hemphill Central Park · 9 min walk
- Progressive Park · 12 min walk
- Crump Park · 15 min walk
- Noel Heritage Plaza · 18 min walk
- Supermercado El Rancho · 23 min walk
- United Supermarkets · 23 min walk
- Ector Theatre · 14 min walk
- Parker House Ranching Heritage Museum · 20 min walk
- Globe Theatre of the Great Southwest · 22 min walk
- White-Pool House · 28 min walk
- Jame Segrest Stadium · 29 min walk
Annual events: Odessa Mural Festival, Ector County Fair, Odessa Shakespeare Festival, West Texas Food & Wine Festival
Schools Near Kelly, Odessa
Kelly sits within the Ector County Independent School District, with reliable access to well-regarded elementary and high schools. Families typically find strong performance at San Jacinto El (rated 52) and solid career-tech options at Odessa Career And Technical Early College H S (rated 52).
Elementary Schools
School Score 52 with 61% math and 43% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 47 with 52% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 47 with 52% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 37.5 with 38% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 26 with 25% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 25 with 27% math and 23% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 59.5 with 52% math and 67% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 52 with 42% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 22 with 20% math and 24% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 5 with 5% math and 5% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Marys Central Catholic School (KG-8) — 10-minute walk
- Kiddie Kollege Preschool (PK-KG) — 16-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Most Kelly elementary students feed to middle schools like Bowie Middle, then to Odessa H S or George H W Bush New Tech Odessa for high school options.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Kelly
Kelly's central location in Odessa minimizes commute times for workers across the city. Most residents rely on personal vehicles; public transit is limited but available for downtown trips.
Limited public transit; Downtown Plaza serves as a central transit hub, but most residents depend on personal vehicles for daily mobility.
Neighborhoods Near Kelly
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kelly
What is the average home price in Kelly, Odessa?
The median home value in Kelly is $123,233, significantly below Odessa's city median of $193,500. Single-family homes typically range from $100,000 to $180,000, while townhomes and duplexes start around $85,000. This affordability makes Kelly an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and investors seeking entry-level properties in a stable neighborhood.
Are the schools in this area good?
Kelly benefits from access to solid schools within Ector County ISD. San Jacinto El (rated 52 for grades K-5) and George H W Bush New Tech Odessa (rated 59.5 for grades 9-12) provide strong academic and career-tech pathways. The neighborhood's 29.4 percent child population reflects active family life and consistent school enrollment.
How walkable is Kelly, Odessa?
Kelly scores 68 on the Walk Score scale, above Odessa's city average of 62, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot or bike. Grocery stores like United Supermarkets and Supermercado El Rancho are nearby, as are dining options including Torchy's Tacos and Super Pollo. However, car ownership remains practical for longer trips and commuting.
Is Kelly a safe neighborhood?
Kelly reflects Odessa's overall crime profile. The neighborhood's 13.9 percent poverty rate and 44.5 percent owner-occupancy suggest stable, invested residents. Like any urban area, standard home security measures and community awareness are recommended. Local police maintain regular patrols, and neighborhood parks like Purple Sage Park are well-maintained public spaces.
Who is Kelly best suited for?
Kelly works well for first-time buyers, families, and investors. The affordable median price, walkable amenities, and family-oriented demographics (median age 33.7, 38.1 percent married households) attract households of mixed income and life stage. Remote workers should verify internet availability; retirees find practical healthcare access and cost-effective living.
What amenities are closest to Kelly?
Daily essentials cluster nearby: Starbucks for coffee, Southern Maid Donuts and Torchy's Tacos for quick meals, United Supermarkets for groceries, and CVS or Walgreens for pharmacy needs. Recreation includes Purple Sage Park and Dan Hemphill Central Park for families, while the Ector Theatre and Globe Theatre of the Great Southwest serve cultural interests.
Where this Kelly 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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