Is Martin, Odessa a Good Place to Live?
A central Odessa neighborhood built on family stability, walkable streets, and home values that work for first-time buyers.
About Martin in Odessa
Martin, Odessa is a central neighborhood where 2,856 residents enjoy steady, no-frills family living at prices well below city averages. Home values hover near $92k, and the median household income of $52,530 reflects a working-class, married-household base (55.5% married) with modest poverty at 12.9 percent. The neighborhood trades walkability for affordability and proximity to parks like Fredrick Douglas Park and Royalty Park, making it an honest choice for first-time buyers and young families willing to drive most places.
Real Estate Market in Martin
| Median home price | $92k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable |
| Price per sq ft | $85 to $100 |
| Median rent | $949 |
| Typical days on market | 45 to 60 days |
| Buyer competition | Low |
| Walk Score | 49 |
| Bike Score | 41 |
Martin's real estate reflects Odessa's broader affordability. Median home values of $92,167 sit 52 percent below the city median of $193,500, while rental inventory at $949/month undercuts city averages by 26 percent.
Inventory moves moderately in this price tier. Most sales close within 45 to 60 days. Competitive offers matter less here than in pricier Odessa areas; strong financing and clean inspections often decide outcomes.
Who Thrives in Martin
Martin's sub-$100k median value and entry-level inventory make it the natural starting point for Odessa newcomers seeking owner occupancy without stretching finances.
With 26 percent of the neighborhood raising kids, strong school feeders like El Magnet At Hays, and nearby parks, Martin delivers the infrastructure working families expect.
Rental yields are solid at $949/month against median values of $92k; owner-occupancy at 48.6 percent suggests a mix of rental and owner intent.
Limited walkability (Walk Score 49) and minimal transit mean remote workers gain cost savings but sacrifice neighborhood amenity access; car ownership is mandatory.
Low cost of living, stable median age of 37.5, and proximity to Odessa Regional Medical Center South Campus support a quiet, affordable retirement lifestyle.
Property Types in Martin
The bulk of inventory; modest 1-story ranch and cottage styles dominate, many built 1970s-1990s.
Investor-friendly option; higher tenant turnover but strong cap rates in this price range.
Limited but growing; most renovation activity targets neighborhood stabilization.
Living in Martin, Odessa
Daily life in Martin centers on car use; 85.9 percent of residents drive to work, and the Walk Score of 49 means most errands require a vehicle. However, a dense network of parks-Fredrick Douglas Park, Progressive Park, and Woodson Park-anchor community gathering, while local spots like Tall City Meat Market & BBQ and La Bodega keep dining costs low. <h3>Shopping and Services</h3> United Supermarkets and Supermercado El Rancho serve the neighborhood's grocery needs, and Stripes, Dollar Tree, and the Rock Hill Shopping Center provide everyday shopping. CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens cover health needs, with Odessa Regional Medical Center South Campus nearby for serious care.
- Tall City Meat Market & BBQ · 8 min walk
- La Bodega · 9 min walk
- Rosa's · 11 min walk
- Stars · 11 min walk
- DQ Grill & Chill · 14 min walk
- Starbucks · 16 min walk
- Fredrick Douglas Park · 11 min walk
- Progressive Park · 13 min walk
- Woodson Park · 18 min walk
- Dan Hemphill Central Park · 19 min walk
- Royalty Park · 19 min walk
- United Supermarkets · 12 min walk
- Supermercado El Rancho · 15 min walk
- Lowes Foods · 27 min walk
- La Tienda · 39 min walk
- Ector Theatre · 17 min walk
- Woodson Family Aquatic Center · 18 min walk
- White-Pool House · 19 min walk
- Parker House Ranching Heritage Museum · 21 min walk
- Club La Playa · 28 min walk
Annual events: Ector Theatre hosts cultural events; Woodson Family Aquatic Center opens summers; local school fairs and holiday parades reflect a family-centered calendar.
Schools Near Martin, Odessa
Public schools in Martin feed into a clearly defined pipeline, with elementary options including El Magnet At Hays (59.5 score, PK-5) and Austin Montessori Magnet (47 score, PK-5) leading the neighborhood offerings. Middle school students advance to Bonham Middle (25 score, 6-8), and high schoolers finish at Odessa H S (22 score, 9-12), a full-service secondary on the city's established campus.
Elementary Schools
School Score 59.5 with 57% math and 62% 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 25 with 27% math and 23% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 22 with 20% math and 24% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Marys Central Catholic School (KG-8) — 29-minute walk
- Odessa Christian School (PK-8) — 37-minute walk
- Montessori Mastery School Of Odessa (4-12) — 32-minute walk
Feeder pattern: El Magnet At Hays is the neighborhood anchor school and sets the tone for early literacy and STEM engagement; Bonham and Odessa H S are district standards rather than top-tier performers.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Martin
Martin's car-centric layout means most residents drive 15 to 20 minutes to downtown jobs, medical centers, or retail. Public transit is minimal; the neighborhood relies on individual vehicle ownership and informal carpooling.
Public transit is minimal; Downtown Plaza offers limited bus service, but residents depend almost entirely on personal vehicles.
Neighborhoods Near Martin
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Frequently Asked Questions about Martin
What is the average home price in Martin, Odessa?
The median home value in Martin sits around $92,167, placing it firmly in Odessa's most affordable tier. This is roughly 52 percent below the city median of $193,500. Most single-family homes in the neighborhood range from $75,000 to $140,000, while smaller duplexes and multi-unit properties often sell in the $55,000 to $95,000 range. Prices reflect the neighborhood's working-class character and solid but unspectacular school ratings.
Is Martin a good neighborhood to live in?
Martin is a solid choice if you prioritize affordability, family stability, and low-stress homeownership over walkability or trendy amenities. With 55.5 percent married households, a median age of 37.5, and a poverty rate of 12.9 percent, the neighborhood is stable and grounded. However, a Walk Score of 49 means you will rely on a car for shopping, dining, and entertainment. For first-time buyers and working families, the trade is worthwhile.
Which schools serve Martin, Odessa?
Elementary students feed into schools like El Magnet At Hays, which scores 59.5 and serves PK-5, and Austin Montessori Magnet (47 score), offering a Montessori-focused alternative. Middle school students advance to Bonham Middle, and high schoolers attend Odessa H S. None of these are top-rated by state standards, but all are district-supported and accessible within 10 minutes by car.
Is Martin, Odessa safe?
Martin reflects Odessa's working-class crime patterns. Poverty sits at 12.9 percent, slightly below the national average, and the neighborhood's family-centered vibe generally supports lower property crime. However, Odessa as a whole experiences moderate violent and property crime rates typical of mid-size Texas oil towns. Most residents report feeling safe during daylight; evening vigilance is prudent as in any urban or semi-urban area.
Who is Martin, Odessa best suited for?
Martin suits first-time buyers seeking affordable entry into homeownership, working families prioritizing schools and parks over walkability, small-scale rental investors seeking cap-rate returns, and retirees on fixed incomes. It is less ideal for remote workers who value walkable amenities, professionals seeking a 'cool' neighborhood vibe, or anyone unwilling to drive to most destinations.
What is the commute like from Martin, Odessa?
Most commutes are 12 to 20 minutes by car to downtown Odessa, the Odessa Regional Medical Center, or other employment hubs. Midland-Odessa Airport is 30 to 40 minutes away. Public transit is minimal; residents depend on personal vehicles. Carpooling among neighbors is common, particularly for school runs and medical appointments.
Where this Martin 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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