Chelsea Neighborhood Review - Manhattan Moving Guide
Chelsea seems to be the neighborhood that "has it all" these days, including but not limited to; art galleries, museums, and some of the best restaurants and nightlife.
This Chelsea neighborhood review will look into public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.
The streets nestled between the 14th and 34th streets and between 7th Avenue and the Hudson River are filled with the energy of young artists and professionals.
Despite being so close to the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan, Chelsea still retains its charm as a residential haven away from all the noise and stress of city life.
Residents enjoy easy access to public transportation and numerous parks and green spaces throughout the neighborhood that offer both beauty and respite from everyday life.
It is conveniently located near some of the most desirable areas of Manhattan, such as Midtown and The West Village. Chelsea definitely has its pick of the city!
With world-class culture, entertainment, and nightlife right around every corner, it’s no wonder why so many people choose Chelsea as their home base when living in NYC.
Foodies have their own little slice of heaven with Chelsea Market.
The art admirer will have no problem spending hours exploring the Whitney or Rubin Museum of Art.
The outdoor adventurer will fall in love with the views during a sunset walk on The High Line, and sports lovers and partiers will enjoy all the activities at Chelsea Piers.
Chelsea also offers one of the unique theater experiences at the McKittrick Hotel--home to the intriguing walk-through performance of "Sleep No More".
Dance lovers get a real treat at the Joyce Theater, which features a dynamic array of dance performances and educational programs.
Chelsea does offer something for everyone, but it comes at a price, of course.
Fun Fact: The Titanic was en route to Chelsea Piers before meeting its tragic fate in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Real Estate in Chelsea Neighborhood
Chelsea's real estate market has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, with many new developments popping up throughout the area.
The neighborhood boasts some of the most sought-after luxury condos, co-ops, townhouses, and single-family homes in all of Manhattan.
Real estate prices in Chelsea have skyrocketed over recent years due to its prime location and desirable amenities.
Although it is one of the most expensive areas in New York City, it offers buyers excellent value for their investments.
In addition to its stunning architecture and rich history, Chelsea features top-notch shopping, dining, and nightlife options that make it one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city.
From upscale boutiques to world-renowned restaurants, there is something for everyone in Chelsea.
The architecture and building types can be categorized into brownstone, housing projects, and luxurious industrial loft buildings. Tree-lined streets provide locals and passers-by with the ultimate residential feel.
Compared to other popular, more pricey neighborhoods like Tribeca and Soho, Chelsea's charm and convenient location near midtown make it a more affordable hot spot to rent or buy.
Average Rental Prices in Chelsea | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $3,237 |
| 1 Bed | $4,750 |
| 2 Beds | $9,500 |
| 3 Beds | $13,950 |
| 4 Beds | $25,000 |
Average Sales Prices in Chelsea | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $619,000 |
| 1 Bed | $1,289,000 |
| 2 Beds | $2,350,000 |
| 3 Beds | $4,395,000 |
| 4 Beds | $8,995,000 |
Transportation in Chelsea
In addition to having your pick of subways around the Chelsea area, a 10-minute walk will get you to one of the biggest hubs in the city--Penn Station, which has the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and New Jersey Transit.
Young professionals can utilize the CitiBike option as they are conveniently set up in the vicinity.
Chelsea also has some of the safest bike lanes in the city, with greenways that were put in a few years back, separating bikers from automobile traffic along 9th and 8th ave.
| Local Buses | M7, M11, M12, M20 |
|---|---|
| Select Bus Service | M14D SBS, M23 SBS |
Subway lines in neighborhood
- 1 2 3
IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line
- 7 7
IRT Flushing Line
- A C E
IND Eighth Avenue Line
- F M
IND Sixth Avenue Line
Restaurants & Dining in Chelsea
When it comes to dining, Chelsea offers something for everyone.
From traditional Italian trattorias to modern gastropubs, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from.
Chelsea Market is the place to go if you want to have a night in and cook like the chefs, with only the freshest ingredients.
Some of the best food offered in the area, including gourmet specialty shops, can be found at the Chelsea Market.
As for the rest of Chelsea, there seems to be an extra modern flair to every plate served in this neighborhood
You can get your top-notch Asian fill with the likes of:
- Okunda
- Grand Sichuan
- Jun Men Ramen
More casual eats include Miznon, Los Tacos, Los Mariscos, and Cookshop.
Cookshop - If you're craving modern American cuisine, head to Cookshop on 10th Avenue. This hip dining destination offers an eclectic menu that changes daily and features seasonal ingredients from local farms whenever possible. Popular dishes include jumbo shrimp tacos with housemade guacamole and pan-seared black cod with roasted potatoes and sautéed spinach.
These are neighborhood solids not to be missed!
Chelsea offers a unique upscale approach to most cuisines such as Cafeteria, Elmo, and Del Posto.
No matter what type of cuisine you're looking for or your budget, Chelsea is sure to have something that will satisfy your craving.
With its diverse selection of restaurants offering both traditional favorites and innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, it's no wonder why this neighborhood continues to draw people in.
Public & Charter Schools
In New York City, thanks to strict zoning laws, a street block can make the biggest difference in the kind of education your child will receive.
Before making such a big life decision, parents looking to rent or buy real estate need to have a firm grasp on how the district and zoning laws will impact their particular school choice.
For example, Chelsea schools are located in District 2, one of the city's highest-performing school districts, so the admissions process is known to be highly selective with priority to residents.
One thing Chelsea doesn't forget about teaching in schools is the arts.
After all, Chelsea's rise to popularity had a lot to do with the local burgeoning art scene and the opening of its now famed art galleries.
There are many schools located within the Chelsea area, so we've just listed a few of the most notable schools below.
| School | Who It Serves | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P.S. 11 William T. Harris | Public, PK-5, 731 students | Zoned. High-performing school. Offers G&T program. |
| P.S. 340 Sixth Avenue Elementary | Public, PK-5 grades, 342 students | Zoned high-performing school. |
| P.S 33 Chelsea Prep | Public, PK-5, 510 students | Zoned. Solid academics with good arts programs. Gifted program also offered. |
| The Clinton School M.S./H.S. 260 | Public, 6-12 grades, 768 students | IB-program school with intense academics. |
| N.Y.C. Lab School for Collaborative Studies Middle School | Public, 6-8 grades, 534 students | High-performing. |
| N.Y.C. Lab School for Collaborative Studies | Public, 9-12 grades, 484 students | Academically rigorous. Students with ASD are integrated into classrooms as part of Nest ASD program. |
| N.Y.C Museum School | Public, 9-12 grades, 497 students | One-week museum modules every semester offer students hands-on learning. |
| Landmark High School | Public, 9-12 grades, 354 students | Focus on academic performance over testing. |
| Quest to Learn | Public, 6-12 grades, 569 students | Noteworthy for their special ed program and innovative ways of teaching and learning incorporated into the curriculum. |
| The High School of Fashion Industries | Public, 9-12 grades, 1,705 students | Students can earn a CTE diploma in fashion design, graphic design and illustration, visual merchandising, and marketing. |
| Humanities Preparatory Academy | Public, 9-12 grade, 261 students | Small tight-knit school, with lots of support for students. |
How Safe is the Chelsea Neighborhood?
The Chelsea neighborhood of New York City is known for its vibrant culture, art galleries, and trendy restaurants.
However, when it comes to safety, Chelsea can be a bit hit-or-miss. While some areas in the neighborhood are considered relatively safe, other parts experience higher crime levels than the city average.
Overall, Chelsea is generally considered a safe area to live and visit.
Most violent crimes in the area tend to be limited to certain pockets, and residents report feeling safe walking around during the day.
Local law enforcement agencies such as NYPD have done a good job of keeping people safe from major threats like assaults or robberies.
In fact, Chelsea has one of the lowest crime rates of any Manhattan neighborhood and is safer than many other neighborhoods throughout the city.
Crime statistics
That said, like any major city, Chelsea does have its share of property crimes, such as thefts or burglaries.
Residents should take extra precautions to help protect against these types of incidents, such as locking their doors and windows when leaving their homes.
Additionally, making sure that valuables are out of sight also helps reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft or vandalism.
Overall, while some risks may be associated with living in Chelsea, they don't outweigh the benefits of living in one of New York's most popular neighborhoods.
