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Chelsea, MA

Frequently asked questions

Chelsea, MA

Chelsea is a city in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, directly across the Mystic River from Boston. At the 2020 census, Chelsea had a population of 40,787. With a total area of just 2.46 square miles, Chelsea is the smallest city in Massachusetts in terms of total area. It is the second most densely populated city in Massachusetts, behind Somerville, and is the city with the second-highest percentage of Latino residents in Massachusetts, behind Lawrence.

The area of Chelsea was first called Winnisimmet, possibly meaning "swamp hill", by the Naumkeag tribe, which had lived there for thousands of years. Samuel Maverick became the first European to settle permanently in Winnisimmet in 1624. His palisaded trading post is considered the first permanent settlement by Boston Harbor. In 1635, Maverick sold all of Winnisimmet, except for his house and farm, to Richard Bellingham. The community remained part of Boston until it was set off and incorporated in 1739, when it was named after Chelsea, a neighborhood in London, England.

On February 22, 1841, part of Chelsea was annexed by Saugus. On March 19, 1846, North Chelsea, which consists of present-day Revere and Winthrop, was established as a separate town. Reincorporated as a city in 1857, Chelsea developed as an industrial center and by mid-century had become a powerhouse in wooden sailing ship construction. As the century wore on, steam power began to overtake the age of the sail, and industry in the town began to shift toward manufacturing. Factories making rubber and elastic goods, boots and shoes, stoves, and adhesives began to appear along the banks of Boston Harbor. It became home to the Chelsea Naval Hospital designed by Alexander Parris and home for soldiers.

According to local historical records, Nathan Morse, the first Jewish resident of Chelsea, arrived in 1864, and by 1890 only 82 Jews were living in the city. However, Chelsea was a major destination for the "great wave" of Russian and Eastern European immigrants, especially Russian Jews, who came to the United States after 1890. By 1910 the number of Jews had grown to 11,225, nearly one-third of the entire population of the city. In the 1930s there were about 20,000 Jewish residents in Chelsea out of a total population of almost 46,000. Given the area of the city, Chelsea may well have had the most Jewish residents per square mile of any city outside of New York City.

Located on a small peninsula in Boston Harbor covering 2.21 square miles (6 km2), Chelsea is the smallest city by area in Massachusetts. Chelsea is bordered on three sides by water. The Mystic River borders Chelsea to the southwest, the Chelsea Creek and Mill Creek, and the Island End River borders it to the west.

The topography of Chelsea consists primarily of coastal lowlands, punctuated by four drumlins formed during the last Ice Age. These drumlins are located in the southwest (Admirals Hill), southeast (Mount Bellingham), northeast (Powderhorn Hill), and northwest (Mount Washington). A smaller drumlin (Mill Hill) is located on the east side of Chelsea, adjacent to Mill Creek. This sloped and hilly landscape helps to divide the city into discernible neighborhoods, each with its character, thereby giving the city a manageable sense of scale and orientation.

Chelsea places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center offers patients one convenient location close to home that provides expert medical services for the whole family, including primary and urgent care, laboratory testing, and specialty services. Start with a workout at the East Boston YMCA and Carter Park CrossFit, which provides comprehensive fitness programs. For personalized training and wellness plans, visit Assembly Sports Club. Planet Fitness is another top spot, especially for those looking to push their limits with intense workouts. The Chelsea Recreation Department provides various fitness programs for teens and adults. Participate in holistic health events such as Habitar El Cuerpo hosted at Mission Hill Yoga.  
 

Top Sites in Chelsea, MA are Mary O'Malley State Park, Governor Bellingham-Cary House, Apollinaire Theatre Company, and Archery Games | Boston.

ZIP Code: 02150. Area code: 617/857. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 2.46 square miles. Population: 38,637 (2022).

FAQs

What is Chelsea, MA famous for?

Even though Chelsea is the smallest city in Massachusetts it is still the second most densely populated city in the state. It is home to the historic second battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of Chelsea Creek. Chelsea Square, located downtown, contains the finest mid-19th and early-20th-century commercial architecture in the city. Chelsea has seen a great business revival over the past few years and is now flourishing with offices, stores, and restaurants. 

How expensive is Chelsea, MA?

Chelsea, Massachusetts's cost of living is 30% higher than the national average. Chelsea's housing expenses are 47% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 25% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 28% higher than the national average. Chelsea has grocery prices that are 14% higher than the national average. Healthcare in Chelsea is 19% higher than the national average.

Is Chelsea, MA a good place to live?

Chelsea is in Suffolk County. Living in Chelsea offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Chelsea, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families live in Chelsea and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Chelsea

Payscale

Niche

Meetboston

Mary O'Malley State Park 

Governor Bellingham-Cary House

Apollinaire Theatre Company 

Archery Games | Boston

MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center

East Boston YMCA

Carter Park CrossFit

Assembly Sports Club

Planet Fitness

Chelsea Recreation Department

Mission Hill Yoga

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.