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
Terry Marlowe,
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 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Chelsea, AL over the last 12 months is $364,900, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious ALL BRICK 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with NATURE at your backdoor & a WINTER VIEW to the MTNS & POND. From front porch, step inside the large foyer to open flowing floor plan & updated wide plank LVP flooring & NEW PAINT THIS MONTH- Kitchen w/stainless, granite, pantry & breakfast bar & ample cabinetry! Dining w/modern fixture & Living w/beautiful corner brick fireplace, all ready for your
Experience 951 Narrows Point Dr, a residence designed for everyday comfort and ease. A welcoming fireplace anchors a space that flows into a kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, an accent backsplash, and a functional island. The primary bedroom contains a walk in closet, while its bathroom includes double sinks and a separate tub and shower. Outside, a patio extends to a fenced in
Designed for how people actually live today, this open-concept 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers space, flow, and functionality. The main level features a seamless layout of living, dining, and kitchen areas, along with a convenient powder room. Durable Mohawk RevWood flooring extends throughout the primary living spaces for style and easy maintenance. The kitchen is built to perform. A large
WELCOME HOME to 2005 Wesley Court!! This stunning, well built home ticks all the boxes for space, finish out, location & style all w/ a fabulous pool ready for summer FUN!! Sitting beautifully in a cul-de-sac & backing up to woodlands, home has LOADS of curb appeal & privacy. Hardwoods flow throughout main level & spaces filled w/ natural light & heavy millwork. Open concept chef's kitchen looks
NEW ROOF! 2 Fireplaces,Workshop space in garage. Extra room upstairs that can be bedroom, office, extra den.This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open layout with a main living area, well-designed kitchen, and private bedrooms. Upstairs features a versatile bonus space ideal for a home office, guest suite, or playroom. Enjoy two cozy fireplaces and an added den with a beautiful rock fireplace for
WELCOME HOME to 297 Highland Park Place in Highland Lakes!! This one has it ALL!! This fabulous 6BD, 3.5 BA home has all the space, style, character & POOL ready for summer fun you have been searching for!! Loaded with updates including new saltwater pool, new AC in main & basement, new covered deck w/ screened porch, new gutters, extended driveway space & SO MUCH MORE!! Vaulted ceilings,
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.
Built in 2019 in the gated community of Highland Lakes, this beautifully designed home offers the perfect blend of luxury and function. This meticulously maintained home has an open floorplan with soaring high ceilings and hardwoods throughout the main level creates a bright, inviting space ideal for entertaining. The chef’s kitchen features a huge walk-in pantry and flows seamlessly into the
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.
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.
SUMMER READY! Enjoy your own private oasis w/a sparkling POOL, relaxing screened porch & the grand feature--the SUN ROOM, designed for year-round enjoyment! This beautiful home offers elegance & comfort & perfectly positioned on a private corner lot w/a circular drive, this property features mature, manicured landscaping any garden enthusiast would love & BRAND NEW roof! Step inside to find
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.
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
Some photos may feature virtual furniture staging, which is intended to help visualize the space and potential designs. The rental home does not come with any furniture shown in the images and these virtual images do not represent actual furnishings. Residents must furnish their own home.Please note that the advertised price may exclude additional fees. These include a $55 application fee per
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
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 happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Some photos may feature virtual furniture staging, which is intended to help visualize the space and potential designs. The rental home does not come with any furniture shown in the images and these virtual images do not represent actual furnishings. Residents must furnish their own home.Please note that the advertised price may exclude additional fees. These include a $55 application fee per
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 happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the lease is signed by all applicants and security deposits are collected.Interested in this home? You clearly have exceptional taste. This charming 4.0-bedroom, 2.0-bathroom home is not only pet-friendly, but also equipped with smart home features to make everyday life more convenient and
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant.This home features Progress Smart Home - Progress Residential's smart home app, which allows you to control the home securely from any of your devices. Learn more at Coming soon! This home is
Welcome home to this brand new 4-bedroom, beauty perfectly situated on quiet cul-de-sac street! Designed w/modern living in mind, this home features an open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas-ideal for both everyday living and entertaining! Kitchen is a standout w/stainless appliances, granite countertops, plenty of space for cooking and gathering.
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