Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chelsea, MA
Thinking of moving to Chelsea, MA? With a vibrant, diverse community of 41,093, Chelsea offers convenient urban living just outside Boston. The median home price is about $510,000 and average rent is $2,200, making it relatively affordable for Greater Boston. Residents enjoy a quick 31-minute average commute, excellent public transit access, and a lively multicultural atmosphere. Chelsea's schools, strong healthcare access, and 56% sunny days make it an appealing choice for city living near the heart of Boston.
Demographics - Chelsea, MA
Demographics - Chelsea, MA
Chelsea, MA is a dynamic city of about 41,000 residents, known for its high population density and youthful median age of 34.2. The community is highly diverse, with nearly half of residents identifying as non-white and 66% speaking a language other than English at home. This multicultural environment makes Chelsea a vibrant place to live for those seeking a rich blend of cultures.
Population:
41,093
Density:
17,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
66.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
37.8%
Black:
7.6%
Asian:
5.0%
Others:
49.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chelsea, MA?
Living in Chelsea offers relatively affordable urban access, with median home prices around $510,000 and average rents at $2,200. The overall cost of living index is 134.2, reflecting higher-than-average housing and grocery expenses, but reasonable utility and healthcare costs. Residents can expect moderate state taxes and typical monthly expenses for the Boston metro area.
Median House Value:
$510,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$144
Auto Insurance:
$1,525
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$870
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.2
Grocery:
125.3
Housing:
154.7
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
120.2
Health Care:
116.8
Miscellaneous:
113.5
Crime
Is Chelsea, MA a safe place to live?
Chelsea experiences higher crime rates than many suburbs, with a violent crime rate of 608 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,789 per 100,000 residents. This means there is about a 1 in 165 chance of falling victim to violent crime, and a 1 in 56 chance for property crime. While safety is a consideration, community efforts continue to improve neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
608
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,789
Crime Index:
2,397
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 165
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Chelsea, MA year-round?
Chelsea features a classic New England climate, with cold winters averaging lows of 22°F and warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. The city enjoys 56% sunny days annually and receives about 44 inches of rainfall, ensuring distinct seasons throughout the year. Residents can expect comfortable springs and colorful autumns, ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Chelsea's typical household income stands at $67,800, with a per capita income of $28,400 and a poverty rate of 16.8%. About a third of residents use public transportation, and the average commute is just over 31 minutes, making it convenient for those working in Boston. Educational attainment is moderate, with nearly 70% having completed high school and 19.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$67,800
Family Income:
$73,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$37,500
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
16.8%
Non English Speakers:
66.0%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
32.5%
Commute Time:
31.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
69.8%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Chelsea High School and Edgar A. Hooks Elementary, both with student-teacher ratios around 15:1. Private and parochial schools, as well as proximity to colleges such as Bunker Hill Community College and Harvard University, provide ample opportunities for lifelong learning. The city's diverse educational landscape supports families and students at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Chelsea High School
Street:
299 Everett Ave
Phone:
617-466-5000
Students:
1,490
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Edgar A. Hooks Elementary
Street:
300 Crescent Ave
Phone:
617-466-5100
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Rose School
Street:
580 Broadway
Phone:
617-884-2626
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Bunker Hill Community College
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
13,000
Name:
Harvard University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Chelsea residents benefit from strong healthcare access, with 3.5 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 93% health insurance coverage. The city is served by major facilities like Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center and CHA Everett Hospital, offering both general and emergency services nearby. Healthcare quality is solid, making it suitable for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center - Chelsea
Address:
151 Everett Ave, Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone:
(617) 887-3600
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
CHA Everett Hospital
Address:
103 Garland St, Everett, MA 02149
Phone:
(617) 665-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
79.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chelsea, MA?
The housing market in Chelsea is competitive, with a median home price of $510,000 and a typical rent for a two-bedroom at $2,200. Homeownership is lower than average at 29%, but the rental market offers a variety of options and a healthy 6.9% vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, reflecting growing demand.
Median Home Price:
$510,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
28.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Chelsea residents access DMV services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Boston. The office provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with convenient online resources for most transactions. For assistance, residents can visit the state website or contact the Boston office directly.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2 Winter St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.