ECTOR COUNTY
County Offices
300 North Grant Street
Odessa 432-498-4130
www.co.ector.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
700 North Grant Street
Odessa 432-332-9111
http://odessachamber.com
Anchored by the leading city and county seat of Odessa, Ector County is well served by Interstate 20 and US Highway 385 to provide commuting ease for local residents and a gateway for West Texas travelers. Less than 20 miles from the center of Ector County, Midland International Airport provides national and worldwide air travel connections. The majority of county residents live in Odessa or suburban West Odessa, a population center closely aligned with the City of Midland to form the urban core for the Midland/Odessa region.
Services
Access to state-of-the-art healthcare services are never far from an Ector County address with two local state-of-the-art medical centers. Serving the Permian Basin for more than 60 years, Medical Center Hospital provides expert, patient-centered care to residents of Ector County and a 17-county surrounding region. Combining a teaching hospital with a comprehensive health system, this 402-bed regional medical center includes a network of satellite outpatient centers and integrated physician specialties to meet a wide range of routine and advanced medical needs. Odessa Regional Medical Center provides a 230-bed hospital and comprehensive healthcare services from emergency and cardiac specialties to advanced surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, maternity care, and orthopedics. Odessa Regional is dedicated to maintaining a friendly community hospital setting where patients can receive a level of clinical excellence associated with major urban medical centers.
Parents and residents of all ages will be pleased to learn about the first-rate educational resources available close to home in public and private schools. Ector County Independent School District features two comprehensive 5-A high schools, a New Tech high school, and an Advanced Technical Center. Emphasizing the use of technology and student-directed learning experiences, New Tech Odessa has been recognized as a New Tech Network Demonstration School and an Apple Distinguished School. Odessa High School also points to the distinction of being able to offer the prestigious Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Students can begin their college and career education at the Advanced Technical Center, earning technical certifications in specific fields that are vital to the Permian Basin economy. Since 1946, Odessa College has been serving a regional population with college-prep, career and technical, continuing education, adult basic education, and workforce training. Undergraduate, graduate, pre-professional, and professional degree options are available at the nationally recognized University of Texas of the Permian Basin and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of the Permian Basin.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Ector County will discover a friendly West Texas environment of stunning sunsets, fresh air, friendly neighborhoods, and convenient urban amenities. Outstanding cultural venues include the Ellen Noel Art Museum, Parker House Ranching Museum, the historic White-Pool House, and the Bush Home—in a class of its own for housing a Texas Governor, a First Lady, and two U.S. Presidents. Other unique attractions include the third-largest meteor crater in the nation with prehistoric origins and the Odessa College campus treasures: Globe of the Great Southwest theatre, a replica of William Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and a library that replicates the cottage of Shakespeare’s wife. Those who enjoy the performing arts will appreciate the presence of the Midland/Odessa Symphony and Chorale, the Permian Playhouse, and historic Ector Theatre. The magnificent Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center on the University of Texas campus presents a lineup of world-class entertainment including Broadway tours, ballet, opera, musical concerts, and star-studded national entertainment.
Recreational activities and outdoor adventures are supported by some of the region’s finest hunting areas as well as lush parks and developed urban facilities. Highlights include wonderful water parks and swimming pools, sports leagues, tennis courts, golf courses, picnic areas, and well-equipped community centers. Recreation programs are designed to meet the needs of all ages, from toddler to seniors. In addition to opportunities for cheering on collegiate and professional sports teams, the annual calendar is dotted with events that celebrate the arts, local history, and seasonal celebrations. Highlights include the three-day extravaganza of Fiesta West Texas, Hot Summer Nights with Cool Music, the Harvest Fair, and the Heritage Holiday Lighted Parade. From the bustling City of Odessa to the small communities that dot the rural landscape, Ector County offers a welcoming home in the Midland/Odessa region of West Texas.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
Odessa
City Offices
432-335-3200
www.odessa-tx.gov
Chamber of Commerce
432-332-9111
http://odessachamber.com
Primarily located in Ector County but stretching on its far eastern side into Midland County, Odessa is strategically located at the convergence of US Highway 385 and Interstate 20. Scores of lush parks are highlighted by unique attractions like a Skate Park, McKinney Park Sprayground, family Aquatic Centers, four community centers, a performance stage, and the Ratcliff Ranch Golf Links. Cultural enrichment is encouraged and promoted by the Odessa Council for the Arts & Humanities, overseeing a network of artisans and performers showcased in venues like Permian Playhouse, the Globe of the Great Southwest theatre, and historic Ector Theatre. Star-studded national entertainment is showcased at the dazzling Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center on the University of Texas campus. With highly respected medical centers, fine public schools, and local colleges, Odessa is a popular hometown choice.
West Odessa, Gardendale
County Offices
432-498-4130
www.co.ector.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
432-332-9111
http://odessachamber.com
The unincorporated communities of West Odessa and Gardendale expand the options for suburban and small-town living in close proximity to all that Odessa has to offer. West Odessa is a result of urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside, characterized by an open, tranquil atmosphere at a distance from city bustle. Gardendale, home to less than 2,000 residents, provides an intimate, small-town atmosphere where neighbors greet each other by name and friendships form easily. Both communities offer housing choices that range from older, modest bungalows to handsome new construction on sprawling lots. Residents of these unincorporated areas benefit from close proximity to Odessa’s recreational, cultural, entertainment, and sports attractions as well as state-of-the-art healthcare services and institutions of higher education.
