Located just across the Mystic River from Boston, Chelsea is the smallest city in Massachusetts with a population of about 40,000 residents. Chelsea became an industrial hub in the mid-1800s and rebuilt itself after two fires in the 20th century. Today, the city has a median household income of $72,220, which is below the state’s median, and a local workforce concentrated in government administration, manufacturing and service sectors. Top employers include Kayem Foods, the Massachusetts Information Technology Center (MITC) and the Boston office of the FBI.
American Foursquares and Cape Cod style homes
Chelsea has a wide range of housing stock with varying prices. Admirals Hill mostly has converted condos from the post-1950s. Historic 19th-century multifamily and single-family houses are concentrated in Broadway and Prattville . Other residential neighborhoods, such as Mill Hill and Addison-Orange , have a mix of real estate.
The median home price here is $500,000, significantly below Boston’s median. Homes here start in the $300,000s and can go over $800,000. Depending on size and upkeep, homebuyers are likely to find converted condos in multifamily properties or triple-deckers. Single-family properties, usually dating from the late 1800s to the 1950s with Colonial, Cape Cod, Workers Cottage or Queen Anne influences, and townhouses are less common here, and newer developments are usually condominiums. “For its proximity to Boston, Chelsea is still the most affordable community,” says Roy Avellaneda, a former city councilor and Realtor at Metropolitan Boston Real Estate. “Right now, condo conversions is the trend, and it’s happening in little pockets of Chelsea.”
Homes in Chelsea are close to neighbors, resulting in a close-knit community.
Many homes in Chelsea offer colorful facades and give the neighborhood charm.
1/2
Local eateries and shopping at Mystic Mall
Many old shops and restaurants are concentrated in historic districts, including Bellingham Square , Chelsea Square and Downtown Chelsea Residential Historic District. Home to a lively Latin American food scene, Everett Avenue and the Broadway community have additional restaurants. Big-box and department stores are either at Mystic Mall or in the Soldiers Home neighborhood. Notably, Market Basket, one of the city’s top employers, is in the same plaza as the shops in Mystic Mall.
Pan and Cafe in Chelsea offers great take-out or dine-in options.
Ciao Pizza & Pasta in Broadway offers a variety of brick oven pizza.
1/2
Tree-shaded green space at Eden Street Park
The small city is home to more than 30 public pocket parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Overlooking Tobin Bridge, the waterfront Mary O'Malley State Park is a popular place for locals to relax, walk or jog along the waters or have picnics in the summer. Chelsea Recreation offers many sports and recreational programs for youth and adults, including football and soccer leagues, ballet lessons, animation and music workshops. the area experiences short, humid summer seasons and prolonged, snow-heavy winters.
Break a sweat at Highland Park while you play soccer with your friends in Chelsea.
Some Residents of Chelsea can walk from one street to the other with these walkways.
1/2
Education at Chelsea Public Schools
Chelsea Public Schools serves over 6,300 students and has an overall C-minus Niche grade. The city also has a charter middle school and a high school, each named Excel Academy Chelsea and Phoenix Charter Academy Chelsea, respectively. Bunker Hill Community College and Everest Institute also have campuses in the city.
George F. Kelly Elementary School has an overall grade of C on Niche.
Chelsea High School in NW Suffolk County has an overall grade of C on Niche.
1/2
Transportation around Chelsea
The city is accessible via U.S. Route 1, Massachusetts Route 1A and the MBTA bus and commuter rail services. Boston Logan International Airport is less than 3 miles away and can be accessed via local roads. With the Residential Sound Insulation Program, the government has installed Massport Windows to mitigate airport noise for city residents. In the Carter Park neighborhood, the MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center offers urgent care and adolescent treatment facilities.
The Tobin Bridge is the most popular way to drive into Boston from Chelsea.
It's easy to access Boston via the Chelsea commuter rail station nearby.
1/2
Chelsea parades and fiestas
Chelsea plans many events to celebrate the city and its diverse communities, including a puppet parade for Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, in October, and the Baleada Fiesta and Chelsea Day, a street fair honoring city residents with live music, food, a carnival and games.
Crime fluctuations from 2022 to 2023
According to data from Chelsea’s police department, in 2023, violent crimes have increased, and property crimes have decreased since 2022.
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.
