A rapidly growing community just outside of Birmingham
When Chelsea was incorporated in 1996, it had a small population of just under 1,000. Nowadays, the outlying Birmingham city is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, with a population nearing 16,000. Hundreds of homes are constructed yearly to accommodate the community's growth, offering newcomers options in established and newly built subdivisions. Near Alabama's largest state park and home to a dynamic annual firework show, Chelsea mixes various community events and natural recreational amenities.
Colonials, bungalows, townhomes and more
Chelsea's housing stock comprises several subdivisions with ample single-family homes on quarter-acre lots for prices between $200,000 and $500,000. Housing communities like Yellow Leaf and Forest Lakes feature brick-clad split levels and colonials from the late 1990s and early 21st century with over 2,000 square feet. Polo Crossings, a new-age Chelsea subdivision, features contemporary homes, sprawling bungalows and luxury townhomes. Subdivision housing commonly features two-car garages, fenced-in yards and small front porches, and several have Tudor and A-frame influences. Buyers have many options outside subdivisions. Chelsea features several custom estates with over 3,000 square feet on large lots around 10 acres in size for higher prices near $800,000. Community streets are mostly low-traffic, leafy roadways that meet undeveloped grassy areas.
This colonial style house adds charm to Chelsea.
Unique architecture adds to the beauty of this home in Chelsea.
New style and developments make Chelsea a growing community.
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Students attend Shelby County Schools
Students in Chelsea attend a well-regarded string of schools served by the Shelby County School District, which received an overall A-minus from Niche. Children typically start their education at Forest Oaks Elementary School, scoring an overall A-minus from Niche with a student-to-teacher ratio of 20-to-1. Students advance to Chelsea Middle School, which earned an overall nine out of 10 on GreatSchools. High schoolers in the community attend Chelsea High School, home of the Hornets. Students can join various clubs, like Math Team, Diversity Club, French Club and Model UN. The high school earned an overall B-plus from Niche.
Forest Oaks Elementary School in Shelby County has a goal to encourage others.
Chelsea Middle School takes pride in educating kids in Chelsea.
Chelsea High School is the proud home of the Hornets.
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Dinner at Station 31 and shopping at Chelsea Crossroads
Along Chesser Drive are several restaurants, like Station 31 Kitchen. Neighboring the Chelsea and Fire Rescue Station, the restaurant features a rustic firehouse aesthetic with a full bar and various menu items like burgers, wings, fries and pasta. More options to eat are across the street at the SoCal Smoothie Company, a trendy spot with acai bowls and smoothies. When locals need to run errands, there are several big-box grocery stores. Chelsea Crossroads is a small shopping center with a Publix and a few service businesses and restaurants. Shoppers also head to Chelsea Corners to grab groceries at the Wynn Dixie.
Enjoy an amazing burger at Station 31 Kitchen in Chelsea.
Buy some groceries from the Publix in Chelsea.
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A day at Oak Mountain State Park
A major draw to Chelsea living is the community's proximity to Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park, spanning over 11,000 acres. Outdoorsy locals frequent the community's ample recreational amenities, including 100-plus miles of trails for hiking and biking, a beach area for swimming and water vistas for kayaking and canoeing. Other amenities include the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, an environmental center where locals can enroll in educational programs, peruse animal exhibits or see historical artifacts. Chelsea Recreational Park is another outdoor respite for the community. Locals bring their kids to enjoy the playground with swings and the adjacent covered pavilion. Other amenities include three softball fields, a multi-use athletic field, walking trails and ample green space. Residents head to the S. Earl Niven Chelsea Community Center for indoor recreation. Center amenities include two regulation basketball courts, two racquet courts and a weight room.
Enjoy the beauty of Oak Mountain State Park next to Chelsea.
Grab a friend and hit the lake at Oak Mountain State Park next to Chelsea.
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The Big KaBoom
Chelsea residents frequently come together for various area-wide events. ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom is a widely celebrated Fourth of July event featuring one of the largest fireworks shows in Alabama. The event features several food and drink vendors for locals to enjoy while listening to live music performances on the event's center stage. Another popular event is Fire at the Foothills, an annual fundraiser for the Chelsea Kiwanis and Chelsea Fire and Rescue featuring a barbecue cook-off. Locals also flock to the city's center for the Chelsea Christmas Parade.
Hopping on I-280
Chelsea is a car-dependent community, and Birmingham public transportation doesn't reach the area. Highway 280 is a popular highway for commuting and passes directly through town. Drivers heading into the city hop on 280 westbound and have a 20-mile trip before they're in the heart of Birmingham.
Brent Gulledge is a dedicated real estate professional and the proud Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Crossroads in Moody, Alabama. With a passion for helping families find their dream homes, Brent has been a top realtor in the Birmingham metro area for 2022, 2023, and 2024. His commitment to excellence has also earned him a place among the Top 100 EXIT Agents for two consecutive years.
Brent began his real estate career in 2017 and later expanded his expertise by becoming a licensed home inspector in Alabama from 2019 to 2022. His deep industry knowledge and leadership skills have led him to serve on the Movoto Pro+ Team Leader Advisory Council, where he helps shape the future of real estate professionals nationwide.
A proud graduate of Victory Christian High School in Pell City, Alabama, Brent values faith, family, and community. When he’s not closing deals, he enjoys golfing, spending time at the beach, grilling, watching football, and making memories with his wife, Morgan, and their daughter.
Brent's expertise, dedication, and client-first approach make him a trusted name in Alabama real estate. Whether you're buying or selling, he’s ready to guide you every step of the way!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
