MANHATTAN

Chelsea Neighborhood Guide

The New York epicenter of art galleries, boutique shopping, and no stranger to nightlife, Chelsea is a lively, scenic, welcoming neighborhood with a wide variety of things to do. In addition to the luxurious Hudson River waterfront views, Chelsea has several parks and dog runs as well as the High Line, a 1.45 mile long greenway with over 500+ species of plants and trees. The neighborhood is full of picturesque strolls; the streets, lined with trees, bushes, and beautiful brownstones, offer a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan.

Chelsea is conveniently located with access to multiple subway lines and restaurants on every corner. It is home to Chelsea Market, one of the most famous indoor marketplaces in the world. Residents describe Chelsea as an exciting neighborhood to live in – the vibrant people, artwork, and parks are what make this NYC neighborhood home.

Chelsea Real Estate Stats

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

$2,495,000

MEDIAN RENTAL PRICE

$5,995

An Abbreviated History of Chelsea

In the 1600s, the Lenape Native Americans populated the area now known as Chelsea. The Lenape people were made up of smaller tribes that spoke similar languages. Their day-to-day life consisted of farming crops and spreading their ideas and culture through music and games. In 1750, Thomas Clarke, a British captain, purchased a stretch of land from 8th to 10th Avenues and 19th to 24th Streets in New York and named the estate “Chelsea” after one of his soldier’s homes in London. Although it was Clarke that invented the neighborhood’s name, he is not known as the neighborhood’s founder. Rather, his grandson, Clement Clarke Moore, the author of The Night Before Christmas, is considered the founder as he divided the land in the 1830s, which led to the growth and evolution of the area. In 1884, Hotel Chelsea was built which inspired the transformation of the small, quiet neighborhood, to the upscale community lined with galleries, museums, venues, and other attractions that we know today.

NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARIES

  • 12th Avenue to the West
  • 34th Street to the North
  • 6th Avenue to the East
  • West 14th Street to the South
14th St/6th Ave F M L
23rd St A C E 1 2
28th St 1 2

Residents Love This Neighborhood Because

  • Endless restaurant options
  • World class art galleries
  • Lively nightlife
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Access to the High Line
  • Excellent boutqiue shopping
  • Riverside living
  • Accessibility to trains all around NYC

What to expect

Cafés

+19

Colleges / Universities

6

Dog Runs

2

Hospitals

5

Libraries

2

Parks

7

Playgrounds

3

Restaurants

+100

Yoga Studios

8

Chelsea Landmarks and Cultural Institutions:

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Get to know the neighborhood by visiting its most notable landmarks and sites. From museums and sculptures, to parks, markets, and hidden neighborhood gems, you’ll find everything you need to know about the neighborhood’s most unique and historical attractions.

The High Line

What used to be a railroad that transported millions of tons of meat, dairy, and produce from 1934 to the mid 1960s, is now a 1.45 mile, elevated greenway featuring larger than life sculptures, 500+ species of plants and trees, food & drink, and beautiful views of the city. This public park is free to all and is maintained through the Friends of the High Line in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

Chelsea Market

One of the most popular indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world, Chelsea Market offers authentic cuisine from multiple cultures.  Shop artisanal cheeses and meats, fresh produce and fish, housemade chocolates and gelato, fresh flowers, local artwork, and unique clothing. Take your groceries home for a gourmet meal or stay for dinner and eat at one of the many kiosks and restaurants that line this lively market that used to be the Nabisco factory where Oreos were made.  

Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden is one of the most popular entertainment venues in the world. Home to both the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the world’s most famous artists including Elvis Presley, John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Stevie Wonder.

Rubin Museum of Art

After collecting Himalayan artwork for years, the Rubin family decided to open the Rubin Museum of Art in 2004, sharing their art collection with the world. The museum was created with the goal of helping people in New York City learn about the art, cultures, and ideas of the Himalayan region. Today, the museum offers multiple exhibits and programs for people to experience the diverse cultures in Asia. 

Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers is a sports and entertainment complex located along the Hudson River between 17th and 23rd Streets.  Since opening in 1995, the facility has offered a variety of sports and activities such as golf, rock climbing, bowling, and yoga.

Hotel Chelsea

Located on West 23rd street between 7th and 8th Avenues, Hotel Chelsea was built in 1884 and was the start of industrialization in the neighborhood. The bright red building is known as the former home of an impressive lineup of global celebrities including Jimi Hendrix, Cher, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Janis Joplin, Édith Piaf, and – sadly – Sid and Nancy. It is also where Michael Imperioli of Sopranos fame claims he encountered the ghost of a woman from 1912.

Mckittrick Hotel

A five story performance venue known for hosting the interactive performance Sleep No More, a theatrical interpretation of a Shaekesperean tragedy. A diverse entertainment company, the McKittrick Hotel additionally offers a rooftop venue with a variety of late-night acts, a restaurant, and a bar.

Pier 62

The Whitney Museum of American Art showcases one of the most diverse collections of twentieth century American art in the world. The museum focuses on displaying modern and contemporary works from living artists with its flagship exhibition, the Biennial, being one of the most popular recent developments in American art. Around since 2015, the Whitney Museum has a prime location between the High Line and the Hudson River, allowing for an enjoyable day admiring the artistic landmarks in Chelsea.

Whiteney Museum

Brooklyn is home to some of the most spectacular murals and street art in New York. Williamsburg specifically has several old warehouses and industrial buildings that are now the canvases of some very impressive murals. North 6th Street, between Kent and Bedford Avenues, is one of the best locations to spot wall art in Williamsburg. Wythe Avenue and Moore Street have some excellent art work as well.

Art Gallieries

Chelsea is well known for its large numbers of art galleries that line the side streets. Between 10th and 11th Avenues, galleries such as the David ZwirnerHauser & Wirth and Nara Roesler all specialize in contemporary and modern art. Jack ShainmanNohra Haime, and the Pace galleries showcase international contemporary works from countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The Jim Kempner Fine Art gallery focuses on modern glass & steel structure while the Agora Gallery displays paintings and sculptures. Other notable galleries include the Field Projects GalleryWilensky Exquisite Mineral Gallery, Gemini G.E.L. at Joni Moisant WeylAsya Geisberg GalleryHales Gallery, and the Cavin-Morris Gallery.

Architecture in Chelsea

Postmodern

Architecture Outlines_Italianate

Italianate

Victorian

Greek Revival

Neo-Classical

Neo-Georgian

Art Deco

Notable New Yorkers

Who Have Lived in Chelsea

BETTY FORD

Former first lady

CAMERON DIAZ

Actor

DAMON WAYANS

Actor

ED WESTWICK

Actor

GILBERT SCOTT

American soul and jazz poet

KATE WINSLET

Actor

VITO RUSSO

American LGBTQ activist

WHOOPI GOLDBERG

Actor

Popular Food & Drink

BATHTUB GIN

132 9th Ave

BUDDAKAN NYC

75 9th Ave

COOKSHOP

156 10th Ave

LOS TACOS NO. 1

75 9th Ave

FRYING PAN

207 12th Ave

LOBSTER PLACE

75 9th Ave

medeterreanan salad

SHUKETTE

230 9th Ave

TAO

92 9th Ave

All Notable New Yorker photos courtesy of Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of Betty Ford by David Hume Kennerly; Photo of Cameron Diaz by David Shankbone; Photo of Damon Wayans by Brian Solis; Photo of Ed Westwick by Greg Hernandez; Photo of Kate Winslet by Somewhere In Toronto; Photo of Vito Russo by Massimo Consoli; Photo of Whoopi Goldberg by Mark Taylor;

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