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
Tara Gaines,
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 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Chelsea, AL over the last 12 months is $374,900, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 521 Foggy Brook Loop in our new home community Chelsea Acres located in Chelsea, Alabama. The Salem floorplan features 5 bedrooms and 2 and a half bathrooms spread across two floors and 2,632 square feet of living space. The main floor primary suite features a spacious ensuite bathroom with an adjoining walk in closet. The main floor also features a powder room, perfect for hosting.
Welcome to Chelsea Park. This home has a layout that just makes sense, with the primary suite and a second bedroom on the main level. The huge open living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining space, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features Silestone countertops, an island with breakfast bar, pantry, and beautiful vent hood, while the brick fireplace and
Welcome to 9898 Chelsea Park Trail in our new home community Chelsea Park located in Chelsea, Alabama. The Salem floorplan features 5 bedrooms and 3 and a half bathrooms spread across two floors and 2,632 square feet of living space. The main floor primary suite features a spacious ensuite bathroom with an adjoining walk in closet. The main floor also features a powder room, perfect for hosting.
Beautiful HIGHLAND LAKES Home with exceptional curb appeal! OAK MOUNTAIN SCHOOLS...come enjoy this sparkling Saltwater Pool only 2 yrs old; Finished Daylight Basement! Main level 2-car garage w/add'l parking. Enter a two-story foyer w/private Office and a Formal Dining Room leading to Chef kitchen featuring stainless bar for prepping, new gas range & breakfast area. Enjoy the newly added large
Welcome to your dream home in Chesser Plantation! This stunning 3 bed, 2 bath all-brick, one-level residence backs up to serene, mature woods on a cul-de-sac street. Step inside to find a spacious, open living area featuring beautiful hardwood floors and a cozy gas log fireplace. The pristine eat-in kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar, and a gas stovetop. A smart
Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this exceptional 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence offers timeless elegance, thoughtful design, and a private setting. The spacious primary suite on the main level provides a peaceful retreat, while rich hardwood flooring enhances the beauty of the main living areas. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the home's generous layout offers ample space for
Welcome to Lime Creek! This beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bath home offers a desirable split-bedroom floor plan. Three bedrooms are located upstairs, while the daylight basement offers a fourth bedroom plus additional unfinished space with endless possibilities for storage, a workshop, home gym, office, playroom, or future expansion. The vaulted living room creates an open, spacious feel, while the cozy
Located in the desirable Forest Lakes community and zoned for sought-after Chelsea schools, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. With over 2,000 square feet, the home features an open and inviting layout with hardwood-style flooring, crown molding, vaulted ceilings, and abundant natural light throughout. The living room centers around a
Built in 2024 and freshly painted, this like-new corner lot townhome delivers the space and privacy that are hard to find in townhome living. The open-concept main level features a spacious kitchen with granite island, cozy fireplace and easy flow for everyday living or entertaining. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a tray ceiling, double vanity, soaking tub, separate shower and walk-in closet,
All-brick in Forest Parks Chelsea. Main-level primary suite with sitting area, soaking tub, and oversized shower. Hardwood floors, 9-ft ceilings, crown molding, stone countertops, gas stove, and stainless appliances throughout. Three bedrooms and two full baths up. Finished basement adds a fifth bedroom, full bath, and den ideal for guests, office, or media room. 2-car basement garage plus extra
Welcome to the sought-after Oaklyn Hills neighborhood, where this stunning home sits on a spacious half-acre corner lot with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The split floor plan features 3 bedrooms, the main kitchen, and a living room upstairs, while the downstairs includes a kitchen, bedroom, living room, and bathroom—perfect for an in-law suite or a teenager. Step outside to your own private backyard
Looking for a beautiful, wooded, estate lot in the Chelsea School District? You've found it! This lot is 1.22 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 1.19 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 1.01 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.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Chelsea Park community! Ask about the Assumable Mortgage! This move-in ready home features FRESH interior paint, stylish NEW lighting, and NEW flooring in main areas, creating a bright and modern feel. The open floorplan creates a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining area and great room, making everday living
Residential rental with flexible multi-use potential in a convenient Chelsea location. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on approximately .90 acre directly across from Forest Oaks Elementary School. The one-level layout offers spacious living areas, a functional kitchen, laundry room, covered back porch, large yard, and convenient parking. In addition to residential use, the location and layout
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental home in Chelsea, AL, has a lot to offer; does it check all your boxes?
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom rental home in Chelsea, AL, might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. See the
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom rental home in Chelsea, AL, could be just what you’re looking for. Find hours of
This home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and has recently been renovated. Located in the sought-after Polo Crossings neighborhood which features a community pool. It's close to Chelsea schools. Easy access to shops and highways. (Tenant to verify schools.)We will never require money via wire service, online, cash nor credit card; communicate via text message, nor share your personal
Available starting September 2026!Welcome to this beautiful home, built in 2023 and move-in ready! Located in one of Chelsea’s most sought-after, family-friendly communities, this spacious home offers comfort, convenience, and modern living.The home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a modern open-concept layout designed for comfortable living. The kitchen comes fully
Brand new lake front home in the recently developed and highly sought after Chelsea Acres community. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3 car garage. Beautiful custom kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, crown molding and 9ft ceilings. Open to huge family room and covered porch, making this the perfect layout for entertaining! Master suite with soaking tub and stand-up shower, and a huge
One story home in Chelsea. As you enter to the foyer there is a open floor plan with large living room with woodburning fireplace, kitchen with appliances, large island and lots of cabinets and dining area. Laminated hardwood floors. Laundry room. Master bedroom has master bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and double closet. 2 other bedrooms and 1 bath. Covered patio open to a large
Enjoy industrial charm & everyday convenience in this freshly painted 2BR/2.5BA condo at 706 Barrister Court in Edenton Lofts, just off Hwy 280! The open floor plan features distressed European brick, exposed ceiling beams, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, ceiling fans & a desk nook. The kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & a spacious island, opening to the living
3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, open floor plan on a cul-de-sac in the new Chelsea Park Subdivision built in 2023. Main level has a spacious living room with laminated hardwood floors open to the kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and breakfast bar, large pantry, and dining area. Half bath and laundry room. Upstairs has the Master bedroom with master bath, double vanity,
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