Flashback to 1750, when retired British Major Thomas Clarke purchased a plot of land on which to put his estate. He named the estate Chelsea, after the Royal Hospital Chelsea in his hometown of London. Now fast forward two and a half centuries, the area in which the estate once stood still bears the same name. Nowadays, however, the neighborhood has become one of the most desirable in all of New York City.
Bordered from South to North by 14th Street and 34th Street and from East to West by 6th Avenue and the Hudson River, Chelsea is home to such unique attractions as the High Line and Hudson River Park.
Accessibility
With its proximity to other popular areas including Hudson Yards, the West Village, and Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in the city. The (N, Q & R) trains run diagonally across the northeast corner of Chelsea while the (A, C, E, B, D, F, M, 1, 2 & 3) trains run vertically through Chelsea below 7th and 8th Avenue. The (L) train runs horizontally along the bottom edge of the neighborhood. For those who wish to stay above ground, the (M14D & M14A) buses provide horizontal transport and the (M20 & M12) buses provide vertical transport throughout Chelsea.
Lifestyle
Chelsea has been the beneficiary of some of New York City’s most impressive new projects, both publicly and privately funded. The High Line, a nearly 1.5-mile-long linear park, gives locals and tourists alike an elevated walkway to traverse the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Chelsea Market is a trendy locale offering some of the best dining and shopping options in all of Manhattan. Still, despite its many attractions, Chelsea maintains a calming ambiance, complete with tree-lined streets and riverside views.
Restaurants & Bars
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot for food and drink than Chelsea. The neighborhood is overflowing with quality options, no matter your preference. For a quick and casual, but flavor-packed meal, try Los Tacos No. 1, serving up delicious Mexican food in Chelsea Market. On the other side of the spectrum, diners seeking an upscale experience should look no further than Del Posto, Mario Batali’s four-star Italian eatery. Adventurers can also find Hill Country, an authentic southern barbecue joint, doing smoked brisket just the way it’s done in Texas.
Drinkers will find plenty of unique spots in Chelsea like overgrown rooftop garden turned bar at Gallow Green. If you’re looking for a place to lounge, check out Porchlight, offering homey details like a back room filled with throwback board games. For a truly local experience, Sid Gold’s Request Room is a quirky, no-rules piano bar that’s great for stiff drinks and sing-alongs.
Cost
The many draws of Chelsea come at a price, of course – at $3,500/month, the median rent is well above the NYC average. You get what you pay for, and there’s no better example of that than Chelsea.
Final Verdict
Chelsea seamlessly blends world-class amusements, vibrant nightlife, and a comfortable neighborhood feel. It’s no wonder, then, that Chelsea is increasingly one of the most sought-after places to live in all of New York City.
