9 local favorites in Chelsea, including a boutique winery + 3 reasons why families love it
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In the hottest market anyone can remember, we thought it would be fun to visit Chelsea, a fast-growing area with affordable houses, to find out why locals love it. We talked with resident Bryant Turner of ARC Realty to get the inside scoop. Keep reading to find out what we learned.
1. Chelsea Coffee House is a fave spot to start the day
Word on the street is that you want to start your day at the locally-owned Chelsea Coffee House. Fan favorites include baked goods and warm drinks.
- Location: 16688 US HWY 280 Suite B, Chelsea, AL 35043
- Follow: Facebook | Instagram | (205) 678-4444
2. A new kids’ playground recently opened at Melrose Park
What better time to open a brand-new kids’ playground than during a pandemic when indoor options were limited? Seriously, though, on November 2, 2020, the City of Chelsea opened a fabulous new playground at Melrose Park, right behind the Community Center.
Location: 11101 Chelsea Road, Chelsea, AL 35043
3. A new Splash Pad is in the works
Also at Melrose Park, behind the Community Center, a new splash pad and wading pool are being built. If water isn’t your jam, you’ll find walking tracks, picnic tables, an amphitheater and more.
Location: 11101 Chelsea Road, Chelsea, AL 35043
4. Chelsea Archery Park
Because who doesn’t want to burn off some stress at the end of a long day or on the weekend by channeling their inner Robin Hood or Legolas?
Location: 11101 Chelsea Road, Chelsea, AL 35043
Want to check out Chelsea? Reach out to ARC Realty today.
5. Tee’s Cakes and Pastries is a popular spot to grab a snack
With over 25 years in the biz, the folks at Tee’s have something sweet for every occasion. A few of their specialties include birthday cakes, fondant designs, cupcakes, wedding cakes, pastries and specialty designs.
- Location: 100 Chelsea Corners Way, Benson Plaza Suite 109, Chelsea, AL 35043
- Follow: Website | Facebook | (205) 678-8049
6. Station 31 Kitchen is locally owned
Station 31 racked up a few awards in this year’s Shelby Living Best of the Best:
- Best kid-friendly restaurant
- Best bar cocktails
- Best patio
- Best margarita
- Best lunch spot
- Best casual margarita
Need we say more?
- Location: 104 Chesser Drive, Chelsea, AL 35053
- Follow: Facebook | Instagram | (205) 677-2158
7. Chelsea Farmers Market
Y’all know we’re suckers for a good farmers market, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Between late May and early August you’ll find fresh local meats, produce, baked goods, gifts and more.
- Location: 11611 Chelsea Road Chelsea, AL 35043
- Time: 3-7PM
- Follow: Facebook
8. Cat-n-Bird Winery is a fun date spot
When the family togetherness gets to be too much, get away from the kids with a date at Cat-n-Bird Winery. This is a “boutique micro-winery that produces international varietals of delicious wines.”
9. It’s close to Mt Laurel
Ten minutes down the road is the town of Mt Laurel, with all of its shops, restaurants and ambiance.
Why locals love the area
1. It’s an easy commute
“My wife was working in Sylacauga and I played football in Canada. In my offseason, I was working out in Hoover. Chelsea was an easy commute to both places. It’s like a commuter city where people come to sleep and then they either work from home or leave to go to work— whether it’s in the city or toward Sylacauga.”
Bryant Turner
It’s also a quick trip down 280 to The Summit, in case high-end shopping or grabbing a bite to eat is on your to-do list.
2. Chelsea has a small town neighborhood feel
“I’ve lived in Chelsea park for the last seven years. I can walk around my neighborhood and pretty much know somebody on every street, whether it’s because my kids play sports with them, or just seeing them around multiple times to learn their name. Also, my wife’s a teacher, so we know a lot of families. That small town neighborhood feel is what we love best.”
Bryant Turner
One other thing is that the town has loads of fun community events where everybody can come out and have a good time.
Follow: We are Chelsea Alabama
3. Chelsea’s growing + it’s affordable
Growth means houses
“Right now there’s probably more to choose from in Chelsea than in a lot of other small cities. We have multiple home builders in the area and neighborhoods like Chelsea Park are continuing to grow. There’s also a new business park coming, which will bring more jobs to the area.
Bryant Turner
At one point, Chelsea was the fastest-growing city in the fastest-growing county in Alabama. Last time I checked, it was the second fastest-growing city in the fastest-growing county.”
Housing availability means affordability
“You get a lot more house for your money in Chelsea. For example, a two-year-old four-bedroom home will cost $340k in Chelsea. That same home would cost $420k in Inverness.
It’s also the closest place to downtown Birmingham that still qualifies for USDA loans, which cover up to 100% of the loan cost.”
Bryant Turner
Ready to see if Chelsea’s where you want to put down roots? Reach out to ARC Realty today.
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