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 community 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 neighborhood'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.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Emory,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Chelsea, AL sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Chelsea, AL over the last 12 months is $365,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 2148 Forest Lakes Lane, a beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in the desirable Forest Lakes Subdivision, perfectly zoned for top-rated Chelsea Schools. fresh interior paint, New carpet upstairs. HVAC is 7 years old. The main level features an open-concept design with elegant hardwood floors in the living room and a dedicated dining space. The spacious Family Room is the heart of the
Welcome home to Chelsea, AL! This brand-new 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is designed with family living in mind. The primary bedroom on the main level makes life easy with plenty of space and a private bath, while three more bedrooms upstairs give everyone their own spot to unwind.The heart of the home is an open living, kitchen, and dining area — perfect for movie nights, homework at the island,
Don't Dream It, Own It! Time to downsize but don't want to sacrifice space? Looking for the perfect place with a private suite tucked away for guests, kids, grandkids or just a private getaway/studio for yourself? All in the perfect location? This is the home for you! Featuring primary suite, 2 guest bedrooms and bath on main level and 4th suite up with huge walk in closet and walk in attic
Dee Dee Harrison-BushKeller Williams Realty Vestavia
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome in the Polo Crossings neighborhood of Chelsea! Step inside to find hardwood laminate flooring flowing throughout the open-concept layout. The spacious great room features a cozy stone fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings, while the kitchen has granite countertops, ample cabinet space, and a sunny bay-window breakfast nook overlooking the
Welcome to this beautifully maintained property. All 3 bedrooms on same level with full unfinished basement stubbed for future expansion. You will find bright, open living spaces filled with natural light. The kitchen has granite countertops, title backsplash, and stainless appliances. Dining room is large for family gatherings with high ceiling and wainscoting.Master bedroom is large and has
Welcome to 2148 Forest Lakes Lane, a beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in the desirable Forest Lakes Subdivision, perfectly zoned for top-rated Chelsea Schools. fresh interior paint, New carpet upstairs. HVAC is 7 years old. The main level features an open-concept design with elegant hardwood floors in the living room and a dedicated dining space. The spacious Family Room is the heart of the
Great one-level 3-bedroom 2-bath home in a great community! It is located in a quiet cul-de-sac! The neighborhood has a community pool. Seller will consider a 6-month lease. Nice updates! The utilities and lawn maintenance are the responsibility of the tenant.
Our brand-new community, located near Highway 280 and Oak Mountain State Park, features beautifully landscaped grounds and charming single-family homes for rent. Choose from our three, four, and five-bedroom floor plans to best fit your lifestyle. Each home comes with several interior features including garages, chef-inspired kitchens, and washers and dryers. Spend your weekends unwinding at
Welcome to this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom pet-friendly home spanning 2,511 sq. ft. Nestled in a desirable location, this residence offers ample living space for all your needs. Don't miss the opportunity to make this home yours. Schedule a tour today!
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