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
Nathan Dunaway,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Chelsea, AL sell after 52 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 $364,900, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE Feb 8, 1-3 pm In the Heart of Dixie, nestled at the foothills of the Appalachians, you’ll find a hidden gem w/expansive views & dense forest in North Shelby Co—The Highlands. Ideally located near Hwy 65 & Hwy 280, this home offers convenience, tranquility & is zoned for award-winning Chelsea Schools. This thoughtfully designed 5-BR, 4-BA custom home is filled w/eye-catching details: a
Beautiful 4BR/3.5BA Home on Nearly an Acre in Chelsea!Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious home features hardwood floors throughout the main level, with tile in the kitchen and baths. The finished basement offers a large den, bedroom, and full bath, ideal for guests or entertaining. Enjoy outdoor living with a screened porch and open deck overlooking a large backyard—perfect for
Located in a well-established Chelsea community, this all-brick, beautifully maintained home offers an open floor plan and a massive, usable yard just under an acre. The side-load, oversized garage keeps curb appeal clean and allows for a broad, unobstructed front elevation. Inside, the living and formal dining rooms feature custom hardwoods, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, soaring ceilings,
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 1.01 acres (other lots available (1.01 ac up to 5.81). Drive in and pick your homesite TODAY! We can help you secure a custom builder, if needed! Pick your own plans, have them reviewed and approved by the ARC. Be moved in before Spring! Buyer should verify any pertinent details.
Build your dream home on this beautiful 1.59-acre lot in the highly sought after Highlands of Chelsea, backing up to a tranquil 15-acre treed common area. This proposed construction price includes the lot, construction of the featured custom plan, developer fees, and more. The photos showcase the same plan already beautifully built on a different lot. You can also bring your own builder if you
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 1.39 acres (other lots available (1.01 ac up to 5.81). Drive in and pick your homesite TODAY! We can help you secure a custom builder, if needed! Pick your own plans, have them reviewed and approved by the ARC. Be moved in before Spring! Buyer should verify any pertinent details.
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 1.11 acres (other lots available (1.01 ac up to 5.81). Drive in and pick your homesite TODAY! We can help you secure a custom builder, if needed! Pick your own plans, have them reviewed and approved by the ARC. Be moved in before Spring! Buyer should verify any pertinent details.
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 1.13 acres (other lots available (1.01 ac up to 5.81). Drive in and pick your homesite TODAY! We can help you secure a custom builder, if needed! Pick your own plans, have them reviewed and approved by the ARC. Be moved in before Spring! Buyer should verify any pertinent details.
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 1.24 acres (other lots available (1.01 ac up to 5.81). Drive in and pick your homesite TODAY! We can help you secure a custom builder, if needed! Pick your own plans, have them reviewed and approved by the ARC. Be moved in before Spring! Buyer should verify any pertinent details.
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 2.53 acres (other lots available (1.01 ac up to 5.81). Drive in and pick your homesite TODAY! We can help you secure a custom builder, if needed! Pick your own plans, have them reviewed and approved by the ARC. Buyer should verify any pertinent details.
Magnificent estate home on approximately 20 acres. Incredible mountain views & ultimate privacy just minutes from Hwy 280. Located in the prestigious gated Autumn Ridge. Builder's personal home designed specifically for entertaining, maximizing views & comfort. Guests will be impressed with every elegant detail of this home. Main level features a spacious kitchen with top of the line appliances.
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
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 4.30 acres (other lots available (1.01 ac up to 5.81). Drive in and pick your homesite TODAY! We can help you secure a custom builder, if needed! Pick your own plans, have them reviewed and approved by the ARC. Be moved in before Spring! Buyer should verify any pertinent details.
Gorgeous estate, 20 ft high ceiling, ultimate privacy with resort pool on a private +/-1.7 acre lot w/timeless craftmanship. Grand 2-story foyer w/soaring 2 story great room with breathtaking radius windows overlooking beautiful private views! Great room features FP & exquisite ceiling design, incredible Keeping room & chef's kitchen with two quartz islands. Main level has home office, library,
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
This pet-friendly home features modern finishes and a functional layout with ample kitchen storage, spacious living areas, and abundant natural light throughout. The private yard offers space suitable for gardening or outdoor relaxation. Conveniently located near schools, parks, dining, and local amenities. Technology-enabled maintenance services provide added convenience, and self-touring is
Additional photography forthcoming- Call with any questions!Discover this fantastic 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, spanning 1,636 square feet at 285 Chelsea Park Road! Step inside to an open living room that flows seamlessly into an island kitchen, fully equipped with a complete suite of sleek stainless steel appliances and ample storage. Retreat to the primary bedroom, featuring a
This like-new Elston plan in Chelsea Park pairs modern style with everyday practicality most rentals lack. The heart of the home is an expansive great room and a kitchen outfitted with granite countertops and nice appliances, while durable LVP flooring keeps the main level as functional as it is beautiful. Upstairs, a versatile loft is ideal for a home office or second living area, and the
Coming Available Soon! This home is estimated to be ready for self-guided tours starting on or around February 5, 2026 Accepting early applications!Your estimated total monthly payment is: $1,742.89The total estimated monthly payment is comprised of the following:Mandatory Fees: Base Rent - $1,695.00Damage Waiver Fee - $14.95 (Covers up to $100,000 for
Introducing 213 Village St. in the sought-after Greystone neighborhood of Birmingham, AL. This charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home boasts a primary bedroom on the main level for added convenience. The 2-car garage provides ample parking and storage space. Enjoy the newly updated kitchen with new appliances and the remodeled primary bath with custom closets. The bonus room offers additional
We are currently making final preparations for this home to be available. We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be
This pet-friendly home features modern finishes and a functional layout with ample kitchen storage, spacious living areas, and abundant natural light throughout. The private yard offers space suitable for gardening or outdoor relaxation. Conveniently located near schools, parks, dining, and local amenities. Technology-enabled maintenance services provide added convenience, and self-touring is
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now, Move-In is available on or after the listed date. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $50 per adult. Security Deposit: one month’s rent. Pet fees: $250 + $35/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
Gorgeous townhome that feels more like a downtown loft with the convenience to hwy 280! Features exposed duct work in the high ceilings and an exposed brick wall, granite countertops and stainless appliances. A great community for walking and meeting neighbors! HOA fee and water included in monthly payment. Tenant to pay Power and cable *Photos may be of another unit, but similar floorplan
Property Id: 1636973Move-in ready, modern, and located in the highly desirable Chelsea Park community!This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was built in 2022 and offers nearly 1,800 sq ft of stylish living space with an attached garage and a covered back patio with ceiling fan — perfect for relaxing or entertaining.Home Features:•Open-concept layout•Stainless
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