Small Town. Ann Arbor Access. Strong Schools.
Washtenaw County small city with a real downtown—15 minutes from Ann Arbor on I-94
$340K
Median Home Price
5,500
Population
2,600
School District Students
15 min
To Ann Arbor
Chelsea Homes for Sale
Browse active listings filtered specifically for Chelsea — updated in real time from MLS.
Browse Chelsea Homes →Why Chelsea?
Chelsea is a small city with a real downtown, a working professional theater, and a community fair that's been running since 1861. It's 15 minutes west of Ann Arbor on I-94, which puts U of M and Michigan Medicine within an easy commute.
Home prices are lower than Ann Arbor, lots tend to be larger, and the taxes reflect a smaller city. For buyers who work in Ann Arbor but prefer a quieter setting, Chelsea is a common choice.
New construction is limited, so inventory is typically tight. Well-maintained homes in good locations move quickly when they come to market.
Chelsea Schools
Chelsea School District serves approximately 2,600 students: Pierce Lake Elementary and South Meadows Elementary feed into Beach Middle School, then Chelsea High School. Smaller district means smaller class sizes and more direct involvement from staff.
Chelsea High School has strong college placement outcomes and a solid athletics program. For buyers comparing options in Washtenaw County, it's a legitimate district that competes well against larger neighbors.
View on GreatSchools →2,600
Students enrolled
2
Elementary schools
Beach
Middle School
Chelsea
High School
Featured: Historic Downtown & Sylvan Township
Two distinct Chelsea markets worth knowing
Downtown Price Range
$300K – $700K
Township Price Range
$350K – $900K
Character
Historic & Rural
The downtown historic district offers older homes with character, walkability, and proximity to the Purple Rose and Common Grill. Sylvan Township offers larger parcels, newer construction, and more privacy—often at comparable prices. Knowing which product fits a buyer's lifestyle is the difference between a purchase they love and one they eventually grow out of. I can walk you through both.
Community Highlights
What keeps buyers coming back to Chelsea
Purple Rose Theatre
Founded by Jeff Daniels in 1989, the Purple Rose produces original works and draws audiences from across the region. It's one of the more well-regarded professional theaters in Michigan.
Chelsea Fair
One of Michigan's oldest county fairs, running since 1861. It draws tens of thousands of visitors each August.
Arctic Coliseum
A year-round ice arena with youth hockey, figure skating, and adult leagues drawing participants from across the region.
Downtown Chelsea
A walkable main street with local restaurants, boutiques, and the historic Common Grill.
Employment & Economy
St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital is the largest local employer, along with light manufacturing, education, and local businesses. The downtown supports a modest but active retail and dining economy.
Most Chelsea residents commute to Ann Arbor. The 15-minute drive on I-94 puts the University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine, and the broader Ann Arbor job market within easy reach.
A Look at the City
Ready to explore Chelsea?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just getting a read on the market—I can give you a straight answer.