9 local favorites in Chelsea, including a boutique winery + 3 reasons why families love it

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The Turner Family in Chelsea
The Turner family. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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

Chelsea Coffee House
We loved the old-timey feel in here. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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.

2. A new kids’ playground recently opened at Melrose Park

Chelsea playground
The new playground is a family favorite. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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

Chelsea splash pad
My favorite part is the little clock tower. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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

Chelsea Archery Park
Target practice, anyone? Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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.

Tee's Cakes & Pastries
These cakes are *almost* too pretty to eat. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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.

6. Station 31 Kitchen is locally owned

Station 31 Kitchen
I for one can’t wait to try out Station 31. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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?

7. Chelsea Farmers Market

Chelsea Farmers Market
The farmers market in Chelsea has a little bit of everything. Photo via Chelsea AL Farmers Market’s Facebook

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

cat-n-bird Winery
Whatever that slushie looking thing is, I want it. Photo via Cat-n-Bird Winery’s Facebook

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

Mt Laurel
Area 41 Pizza Co., Mt. Laurel. Photo via of mtlaurel.com

Ten minutes down the road is the town of Mt Laurel, with all of its shops, restaurants and ambiance.

Why locals love the area

Chelsea Park home
We just thought this house in Chelsea Park was so darn cute. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

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

Chelsea Park street
Even just driving around feels family friendly. Photo via Jacob Blankeship for Bham Now

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.

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.”

Bryant Turner

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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