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Chelsea

Chelsea

Located in Shelby County

$400,420 Average Value
$185 Average Price per Sq Ft
25 Homes For Sale

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.
This colonial style house adds charm to Chelsea.
Unique architecture adds to the beauty of this home in Chelsea.
Unique architecture adds to the beauty of this home in Chelsea.
New style and developments make Chelsea a growing community.
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.
Forest Oaks Elementary School in Shelby County has a goal to encourage others.
Chelsea Middle School takes pride in educating kids in Chelsea.
Chelsea Middle School takes pride in educating kids in Chelsea.
Chelsea High School is the proud home of the Hornets.
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.
Enjoy an amazing burger at Station 31 Kitchen in Chelsea.
Buy some groceries from the Publix 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.
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.
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.

Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
John Gibbons
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Dan Mack
Video By
Dan Mack

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Melanie Siow, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Chelsea Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$379,900
Median Sale Price
$370,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$370,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$269,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
369
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$185

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,268
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Median Year Built
2007
Months of Supply
0.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,408
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,695
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,761

Open Houses

  • 181 Chesser Loop Rd, Chelsea, AL 35043

    $399,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,604 Sq Ft
    • 181 Chesser Loop Rd

    Perfect for growing families or those looking to downsize while still having space for visiting kids and grandkids, this beautifully designed 1.5-story home is in the sought-after Chesser Plantation in Chelsea. Rooftop solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery offer excellent energy efficiency and help lower utility bills. With 4 beds and 3 baths, it features a warm, inviting layout with

    Agent Photo
    Kristie Gholston
    Keller Williams Realty Vestavia
    (205) 431-9429
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  • 116 Cliff Rd, Sterrett, AL 35147

    $725,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,896 Sq Ft
    • 116 Cliff Rd
    • New 24 days ago

    Step into an unbelievable outdoor oasis where no expense was spared—a sparkling pool to cool off on hot summer days, while the luxurious hot tub invites you to unwind under the stars. Entertain with ease in the outdoor kitchen pavilion, or relax on your screened-in porch overlooking the beautifully designed backyard—divided so kids and pets each have their own safe space to play. Inside, you’ll

    Agent Photo
    Sheila Pownall
    Real Broker LLC
    (205) 483-2401
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  • 305 Polo Ct, Chelsea, AL 35043

    $299,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,489 Sq Ft
    • 305 Polo Ct

    Live in the highly desirable Polo Crossings neighborhood! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is move-in ready and full of charm. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern light fixtures. Enjoy the convenience of a main-level garage and relax on the covered patio overlooking a private, fenced backyard. Neighborhood amenities include a

    Agent Photo
    Steve Parker
    Keller Williams Realty Hoover
    (205) 855-2474
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Chelsea Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
13,883
Median Age
40
Population under 18
27%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$100,162
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$113,271

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.1%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

15 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

2 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Chelsea