$338,694Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Rural back roads and a close-knit community define Chelsea
Chelsea offers a rural Maine lifestyle along quiet back roads, not far from city amenities. Located about seven miles south of downtown Augusta, Chelsea sits along the eastern bank of the Kennebec River. Though it feels remote, the town is close to both Augusta and Gardiner, where groceries, entertainment, eateries and the University of Maine can be found. Family farm markets and the local Togus Pond add to Chelsea’s peaceful, country feel. Despite its pastoral landscape, the town maintains a tight-knit community feel. “Chelsea is full of nice, working-class people,” says Marty Britten, a local municipal worker who has lived in the area for more than 30 years. “There are plenty of organic farms and river access with nice fishing and a walking trail.”
Chelsea’s Community Heart & Soul was created in 2019 by town officials to foster community engagement. The volunteer-based program helps with food access through a community garden and nature access through grant funds that revitalized the town’s only park. The organization also communicates via a quarterly newsletter and keeps a calendar of social events like walking groups and potluck dinners.
Butternut Park and Togus Pond offer serene recreation
Outdoor recreation in Chelsea centers around its natural water features. On the west side of town, Butternut Park is a grassy area that sits along the banks of the Kennebec River and is a popular spot for watching Hallowell’s July Fourth fireworks display. On the other side of the river, the Kennebec River Trail follows the water and leads all the way to Augusta. “And in the wintertime, the Kennebec has smelting, which is ice fishing for smelt,” Britten says. For more fishing opportunities, Togus Pond on the town’s north side is teeming with bass and perch. Kayakers and anglers often take advantage of the lake’s quiet and accessible shoreline.
The town of Chelsea turned 175 years old in August 2025, and the community gathered outside the town office to celebrate. Festivities included live music, food and craft vendors, as well as family-friendly activities like bounce houses, a petting zoo and face painting.
Go for a hike on the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Chelsea.
Togus Pond offers fishing on the north side of Chelsea.
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Ranch styles with acreage line Chelsea’s quiet roads
Residences in Chelsea are primarily single-family homes, and the town’s owner-occupancy rate is 87%. Some properties sit along the town’s main road, tucked down long driveways behind pine and maple trees. Other homes are located down narrow side roads that wind deeper into Chelsea’s rural setting. Ranch- and raised ranch-style homes are common, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,500 square feet. There are also older farmhouses built in the early 1900s that have since been updated. Properties typically offer at least an acre, sometimes upwards of 5, and often feature detached or attached garages. Price tags run from around $130,000 to about $525,000.
Ranch-style homes offer spacious lots and two-car garages in Chelsea.
Chelsea residents appreciate the woodsy lots that complement their ranch-style homes.
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Riverside eats, farms and a dance hall shape town life
Retail and entertainment options in Chelsea lean on the town’s unassuming atmosphere. On the east side, Crystal Falls draws a weekend crowd to dance along to live music. On the west side, Mughal Palace sits on River Road and serves up traditional Indian favorites. Just down the street, Deb’s Ice Cream operates out of a small cottage, offering drive-through or window service. Centrally located in Chelsea along State Route 226, Olde Haven Farm sells fresh vegetables, unique preserve combinations like strawberry basil and blueberry lavender, as well as handmade goods like soaps and salsas. The family farm also runs a butchery, selling pork and lamb raised on-site. For more shopping and dining variety, residents can head north to Augusta, where there’s a Walmart and Sam’s Club, or across the river to Gardiner, where there’s a Hannaford and several riverside eateries. “If you live in northern Chelsea, you go up to Augusta,” Britten says. “But otherwise, it’s very convenient to cross the bridge over the river into Gardiner.”
Bring the kids to Deb’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat in Chelsea.
Gardiner offers a variety of gift shops and restaurants for Chelsea residents.
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Nearby public schools and UMA serve local students
Students can begin their education at Chelsea Elementary School, which serves kindergarteners through eighth-grade learners and holds a B-minus rating from Niche. High schoolers then typically attend either Gardiner Area High School across the river, which has a C-plus, or the C-rated Cony Middle and High School located in Augusta. The combined campus installed a new turf field in 2021, Fuller Field.
For higher education, the University of Maine at Augusta is situated about 9 miles north of Chelsea’s center. Part of the University of Maine system, the institution is known for its flexible online and distance-learning programs.
Students in Chelsea begin their education at Chelsea Elementary School.
Students in Chelsea continue their education at Gardiner Area High School.
The University of Maine at Augusta offers various academic programs for its students.
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Residents are linked to Augusta via State Route 226
Chelsea is car dependent, as there are no public train or bus services available. State Route 226 winds through Chelsea as the town’s main two-lane artery. The highway leads residents to Water Street along the Kennebec River and then connects them to Gardiner and Farmingdale across the water. The highway also continues north toward Augusta. In the northern neck of Chelsea, the Togus VA Medical Center provides health services to military veterans and their families.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Photography Contributed By
Mallory Nolte
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marsha DeCosta,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Chelsea, ME sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Chelsea, ME over the last 12 months is $337,500, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well kept mobile home on a nice rural lot. Detached garage for storage or workshop and private back yard. This place is located within 5 minutes to Gardiner, 1 hour to the coast and within 15 minutes of the freeway. Great location and lots to offer for the price.
This nice piece of land is available for your home or business! Set way back off the road, there is a 2-car garage in place and in addition there are improvements to the land such as well and septic. With almost 4 acres of land, this is a beautiful haven in a convenient location in a town that is known as the Gateway to the Capitol. Chelsea is situated on the bank of the Kennebec River so you can
Charmaine RabyFontaine Family-The Real Estate Leader
Buildable waterfront lot along Togus Stream! This affordable 1.34 acre lot sits on a dead-end road within minutes of the city- allowing your waterfront experience to have the added convenience of a quick drive to the grocery store, shopping centers and many local eateries. Enjoy year-round recreational activities while listening to the loons in your front yard.
Discover a rare opportunity to own a versatile unique property, offering two residential units plus a commercial space all situated on a prime, level wooded 2 acre lot. Whether you are looking for rental income, a live/work set up or to grow your business-this property delivers. While the abundant parking area already supports both tenants and customers with ease. The main floor features a
The perfect blend of privacy and community awaits on this beautiful 2.31 acre parcel wooded lot nestled in one of Chelsea's established neighborhoods. This sweet spot is ideal for building your dream home or investing in peaceful Maine living. Don't miss the chance to create something special in this quiet, well-loved town.
Seller has increased the size of parcel being offered for sale. PERFECT country lot bordered by old stone walls. Sweet, sunny, and clear parcel surrounded by trees. Minutes from Augusta, on the East side of the Kennebec River. Easy distance from the sea and mountains. 6+ acre parcel will be divided at closing. Stonewall boundary has been flagged. Tax bill includes the parcel NOT being sold.
Magnificent Property - Two-bedroom duplex. First floor completely renovated. New kitchen with quartz countertops, fully applianced including washer and dryer. New floors throughout. New natural gas furnace, vinyl siding plus Kennebec River frontage with tremendous views of the river. Second floor unit has private entrance, two bedrooms and full bath. The basement has a poured concrete floor,
Discover effortless downtown living in this stunning, fully furnished condo where timeless character meets modern luxury. Step inside to soaring ceilings and an expansive open-concept design that feels both elegant and welcoming—perfect for entertaining or unwinding in style. The spacious living area features refined pocket doors, offering versatility and a touch of classic sophistication. The
Exciting opportunity to own a commercial waterfront property on the Kennebec River. This sale includes three parcels: two interconnected buildings and a parcel used by the restaurant as patio. 89 feet of unobstructed river views. The buildings were extensively renovated and updated in mid 2000's+/-. Currently, there is a 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath residential apartment with a covered deck that overlooks
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