With a history and a culture as vast as the state itself, Texans are known throughout the country for their colorful character and their state pride. Cowboy boots, large hats, rodeos, grits, barbeques, the Alamo, the Texas flag and a distinct accent are just a few stereotypes associated with the state. You don't have to be born in Texas to appreciate what it means to live there though. In fact, Texas is one of the most affordable places in the U.S. to buy real estate.

For example, in the city of Odessa, the median price for homes is only $66,700; a number which is well below the national average of $200,000. Even large homes are sold for affordable prices. In addition to the attractive housing prices, the environment in Odessa is a positive attribute as well. For example, the air quality in Odessa is better than the air in most of "the top ten places to live" and its southern location guarantees warm weather for most of the year.

Odessa is the county seat of Ector County and even though the oil fields in the area create most of the jobs in Odessa, the city is working to broaden its economic base. In addition to hosting replicas of the original Globe Theater and Stonehenge, Odessa is also home to the nation's second largest crater. There are also hundreds of acres of parks throughout the city where families can enjoy picnics, sports fields, trail systems and playgrounds. One park has even been designed especially for disabled children.

When you are sorting through Odessa real estate listings, I would definitely recommend employing the service of a knowledgeable Odessa Realtor. Their services can be helpful in several different ways. For example, a Realtor will be able to speed up the process of finding houses in your price range that also meet your needs. And they will also have an insider's knowledge about different neighborhoods and school systems in the area.

Realtors are also reliable real estate professionals because they belong to the National Association of Realtors. As a member of that organization, they must promise to abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics. This means they will be honest in all their dealings and put your interested above their owns. A regular real estate agent may be just as qualified to help you buy or sell property, but they are not bound to the same ethical code.