Is Newell (Odessa) safe?
Odessa, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Newell (Odessa) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Newell (Odessa)
“Go with care. Newell is a working-class residential area in Odessa with modest single-family homes and industrial-adjacent corridors that experience higher property crime than the city's newer northern suburbs. Visitors passing through or visiting residents will generally find daytime hours unremarkable, but it is best to secure vehicles and avoid walking after dark.”
About the area
Newell is an established, low-to-middle-income neighborhood located in central-south Odessa characterized by mid-century ranch homes and oil-field support services nearby. The area is heavily car-dependent, with everyday life closely tied to the regional energy industry.
- Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- Industrial-Adjacent
- Modest Residential
Walking and biking in Newell (Odessa)
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no bike-share program or dedicated bike lane infrastructure in the neighborhood, making cycling strictly on-road with motor traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower density single-family streetscapes with active daytime neighborhood watch presence
- Close proximity to primary Odessa arterial roads and commercial corridors along 8th Street
- Affordable local dining options and family-owned auto services
- High household vehicle ownership ensuring reliable private mobility
Cons
- Property crime rates, including auto theft and burglary of vehicles, run above national averages
- Aging infrastructure with sparse sidewalk coverage and inconsistent street lighting
- Elevated poverty rates compared to newer northern Odessa subdivisions
- Occasional spillover noise and heavy vehicle traffic from nearby industrial yards
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within residential blocks, though occasional individuals or panhandling can be observed along major commercial intersections on adjacent thoroughfares.
What Newell (Odessa) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet with steady commuter traffic as oilfield and trade workers head out for their shifts.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Relatively calm across residential blocks with moderate commercial traffic on surrounding avenues.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk, though caution is advised along poorly lit streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for recreational walking due to limited street illumination and elevated property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
EZ-Rider operates fixed-route bus service across Odessa, but routes in Newell are limited with long headways; Odessa has no passenger rail or BRT systems.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample private driveway space and unrestricted residential street parking.
Things to do in Newell (Odessa)
- Sample authentic West Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex at neighborhood eateries
- Visit nearby Floyd Gwin Park for youth sports fields and public green space
- Explore the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum located a short drive away in Midland
Local favorites
- Keith's Hamburger Station · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (820)Longstanding local burger joint famous for classic West Texas burgers and crinkle-cut fries.
- Taqueria El Rinconcito · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (310)No-frills spot serving authentic street tacos, tortas, and hearty breakfast plates.
- Permian Basin Meat Market · Butcher Shop & Grocery · 4.6★ (195)Neighborhood market offering specialty cuts, marinated meats, and Latin pantry essentials.
Neighborhoods near Newell (Odessa)
Common questions about Newell (Odessa)
Is Newell (Odessa) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Newell (Odessa) a good place to live?
On safety, Newell (Odessa) scores 63/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Newell (Odessa)?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Newell (Odessa) are safer?
Breeze Hill (71), Sherwood (Odessa) (71), Edgemere (Odessa) (70) score higher nearby.
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