Vanity - FReepers thoughts on Odessa-Midland

n/a | Sept. 6 2013 | myself

[urtax$@work]

Seeking FReeper comments of living in Odessa-Midland. A relative (Texan by birth) may have a chance on relocating to Odessa Texas. The person is not in the oil bidness. but a professional in the Medical field.

I see where both together now have a pop of 200k+. I have never been there but always heard talk of all the roughnecks in Odessa.

The old story of oil owners living in Midland and the oil workers living in Odessa.

First hand info most welcome.

[Big Red Badger]

Thanks for the education ,

[bgill]

Oh, the wind and the dust. I used to work about an hour east of there. I’d be writing and have to shake the sand off my papers. Try driving through a sand storm with the wind blowing 74 mph and add just enough drops of rain to make it rain mud, whew. But it is Texas.

[Coldwater Creek]

I was born a few miles closer to the NM border. Mt mother would put wet sheets up on the windows to keep the sand out.

[urtax$@work]

To: LUV W Your neighborhood?

???

[luvie]

Yep...guess I had better see what they’re saying about this “wonderful” place. :) Thanks for the head’s up!

[urtax$@work]

Did not know Midland so close to other pop. centers
Abilene 100k+ , Lubbock 300k+

Midland 115k+ / Odessa 100k / El Paso 650k

[luvie]

I live in Odessa...and it's hot, dry and really booming right now. They are building houses and apartments as fast as they can, but it's hard to keep up and if your friend is coming here, he needs to be prepared by setting up housing arragements before he gets here.

We have lots of restaurants to choose from, and then Midland is very close. As a matter of fact, I drive to and from there every day and it takes me about 18 minutes.

[ErnBatavia]

A couple of summers ago, we overnighted in Abilene then had brekkies at a Shoney’s in either Midland or Odessa....I distinctly recall the “lack of landscape” in the area.

[Resolute Conservative]

I would choose Abilene over them all if those were my choices.

[urtax$@work]

What is your take on the Odessa/Midland area ?
Likes /dislikes?

[KittenClaws]

A couple of summers ago, we overnighted in Abilene then had brekkies at a Shoney’s in either Midland or Odessa....I distinctly recall the “lack of landscape” in the area.

---

A friend of mine who was returning to California from Florida on I-10 was appalled at the “nothingness” in West Texas. Every time we speak, she asks me how I can stand living here. LOL!

I tell her it is not about the landscape. People out this way have a toughness about them, a “we'll get by” attitude that I find refreshing.

In places like California, I note that “lifestyle” is focused around outward perceptions, around all there is to do, to see, so many places to play, so many people to impress.

In West Texas, lifestyle is about living life. We can enjoy the small, seemingly old fashioned things like back yard BBQ’s and playing board games. Really, what else is there to do? :-)

[Bikkuri]

I am from Odessa..

The best way to put it is that the hard workers are in Odessa (Conservatives).. and the office people (snobs, most of them) are from Midland (Democraps)..

Honestly, I can’t help out with info since I haven’t been there in 15 years now, but I always hated going to Midland because of the snobbish attitude of most businessmen/women.. (outside the business/office workers, people were like anyone else.. just trying to take care of families).

High School football will be THE sport, unless it’s changed in the last 2 decades..
And, other than the weather (hot and dry), I could go back and live comfortably again.

(P.S. If you go to Odessa,live on the East side.. most of the trouble was on the West side).

[Bikkuri]

Hey! :)

[Bikkuri]

Yeah :p was 121F the weeks I left for here..

[Bikkuri]

I-10 from Ozona to Fort Stockton is known as the loneliest stretch (of nothing) in the nation.. :p

[luvie]

The people are wonderful...except maybe a few of the newcomers who don’t understand the West Texas ways. Crime is up since we’ve grown so much and the law offices are having a hiring problem too. Every able-bodied man (and woman) wants to work for oil companies because they pay so much better.

The roads are wide and good for the most part, considering the extra traffic they’re getting. Lots of sunshine and bright clear days.

I don’t care for the really hot summer heat nor the sandstorms that come in springtime. I have lived here all my life nearly, but would love to be where there are more green things that don’t have to be babied and trees. But that’s just me.

[Bikkuri]

You forgot to mention the BIGGEST jackrabbit (hare) in the world ;)
(and home of the jackolopes ;))

[Bikkuri]

Oh my.. you just pretty much said what I have either posted or was thinking to post.. perfect definition ;) West Texas is NOT for the wieners (slight pun ;)).. Take rough skin, rough living, and rough personality (stubbornness.. but lots of kindness other states don't give.. notice I said states, it is a Texas thing.. ;^)

I truly miss the people and atmosphere there.. Have never seen it matched anywhere else in the world.

[Bikkuri]

You didn’t mention we get snow there every year!
Snows for about 1-3 days.. and is gone after a day :p

[Bikkuri]

What for?! the sandstorms are how you start to repaint the car! :D saved you the trouble ;)