First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Suffolk County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Chelsea, Massachusetts
Chelsea is a small city on a peninsula just north of downtown Boston, connected to the city by the Tobin Bridge across the Mystic River. At 2.47 square miles, it's the smallest city in Massachusetts by land area. Incorporated as a town in 1739 and a city in 1857, Chelsea has water on three sides, with the Mystic River and Chelsea Creek forming its boundary with Boston and the Island End River separating it from Everett.
Chelsea at a glance
- $11.48Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $4,214Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 10-15 minDrive to Boston
- SuffolkCounty
Chelsea's villages and zip codes
Chelsea uses a single ZIP code, 02150, for the whole city.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham Square | 02150 | The historic civic and commercial center of the city, near City Hall, rebuilt after the Great Chelsea Fire of 1908. |
| Admirals Hill | 02150 | A hillside neighborhood on the waterfront near the Tobin Bridge. |
| Box District | 02150 | A neighborhood near the Chelsea Creek waterfront. |
| Mill Hill | 02150 | A residential hill neighborhood in the city. |
Things to do in Chelsea, MA
Start with Bellingham Square Historic District and Mary O'Malley Park.
Bellingham Square Historic District
The city's historic commercial and civic core, rebuilt largely after the 1908 Great Chelsea Fire and centered on a six-way junction next to City Hall.
Broadway at Bellingham Square, Chelsea, MA
Mary O'Malley Park
Chelsea's largest public park, with waterfront views and open recreation space.
Chelsea, MA
A little history
Chelsea was incorporated as a town in 1739 and became a city in 1857.
On April 12, 1908, the Great Chelsea Fire destroyed nearly half the city; Bellingham Square was rebuilt in its aftermath.
A second major fire in 1973 destroyed 18 city blocks. The city was placed under state receivership in 1991 due to a fiscal crisis and returned to local control in 1995.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Chelsea
Chelsea is compact and largely built up, with its open space concentrated in a few waterfront parks and hilltop drumlins.
- Mary O'Malley ParkThe city's largest public park, on the waterfront.
- Admirals Hill and Mount BellinghamHilltop drumlins with views over the harbor and city.
Walkability and getting around Chelsea
Chelsea is one of the most compact and densely built cities in Massachusetts, and Bellingham Square and the surrounding blocks are walkable with sidewalks throughout; the Tobin Bridge and Route 1 corridors are built for driving and separate some neighborhoods from each other.
Drive times
- Boston, about 2 miles10-15 min
- Logan International Airport, about 3 miles10-15 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Chelsea has its own MBTA Commuter Rail stop on the Newburyport/Rockport Line, and the Silver Line SL3 bus rapid transit route, added in 2018, connects Chelsea to East Boston and South Station. Local MBTA bus routes include the 111, 112, 114 and 116.
Chelsea property taxes
Chelsea's FY2026 residential tax rate is $11.48 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $23.79. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,148 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $4,214, on an average assessed value of $367,078.
Chelsea's FY2026 tax rates
$11.48per $1,000, residential
- Residential$11.48 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$23.79 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$367,078
- Average single-family tax bill$4,214
- Motor vehicle excise (statewide)$25 per $1,000 of value
Source: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
How the residential rate has changed
| Fiscal year | Residential rate |
|---|---|
| FY2022 | $13.25 |
| FY2023 | $12.38 |
| FY2024 | $11.90 |
| FY2025 | $11.51 |
| FY2026 | $11.48 |
Look up a Chelsea property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- City ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Chelsea
What we check on a Chelsea purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, coastal flood zone, smoke/co certificate.
Check the flood zone first
Chelsea is a peninsula with water on three sides; the Mystic River, Chelsea Creek and Island End River shorelines put low-lying waterfront parcels in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for ChelseaSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Chelsea Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 617-466-4600 to schedule.
Chelsea Fire Department pageWaterfront parcels sit in a FEMA flood zone
Chelsea's Mystic River and Chelsea Creek waterfront areas are mapped flood zones. We check the flood map and flood insurance requirements before you make an offer near the water.
Sellers need a fire department inspection before closing
Massachusetts requires a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the local fire department before most home sales close. In Chelsea that inspection is scheduled through the Fire Department.
All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property and program requirements. MassHousing limits and eligibility are set by MassHousing and change from time to time.
Thinking about buying in Chelsea?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Chelsea address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Chelsea: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in Chelsea: Eversource, with a Chelsea Electricity Choice community aggregation program offered through the city for power.
- ElectricEversource, with a Chelsea Electricity Choice community aggregation program offered through the city
- Natural gasEversource (gas division)
- WaterMassachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), via the city Water & Sewer Department
- Sewer or septicCity sewer service; MWRA regional system
- Registry of Motor VehiclesUpdate your address with the RMV within 30 days. Excise tax goes to the city or town where the car is garaged.Mass. RMV
City Hall offices and contacts
Chelsea City Hall is at 500 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Main line: 617-466-4000.
- City HallMain line and website617-466-4000
- City ClerkBusiness certificates, vital records and elections.
- AssessorProperty data and assessments; motor vehicle excise.
- Tax Collector/TreasurerTax payments and billing.
- Building/Inspectional ServicesBuilding permits and housing code enforcement.
- Planning & PermittingZoning and land use applications.
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and smoke/CO certificates for home sales.617-466-4600
- Board of HealthPublic health inspections.617-466-4080
- Parks & RecreationAthletic fields and recreation programs.
- Public WorksTrash/recycling, streets and park maintenance.
- Chelsea Public LibraryThe city's public library.
- Chelsea Public SchoolsThe city's public school district.
Chelsea, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea's FY2026 residential tax rate is $11.48 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $23.79. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Chelsea?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,592 a year at $11.48 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Chelsea have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $11.48 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $23.79.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Chelsea?
The average single-family tax bill in Chelsea was $4,214 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $367,078.
What ZIP code does Chelsea use?
Chelsea uses a single ZIP code, 02150, for the whole city.
Is there a train station in Chelsea?
Yes. Chelsea has its own MBTA Commuter Rail stop on the Newburyport/Rockport Line, plus the Silver Line SL3 bus rapid transit route to East Boston and South Station.
How far is Chelsea from Boston?
Chelsea is adjacent to Boston, connected by the Tobin Bridge, about 2 miles and a 10-15 minute drive from downtown.
Who supplies electricity in Chelsea?
Eversource is the electric utility; the city also offers a Chelsea Electricity Choice community aggregation program as an alternative supply option.
Which cities border Chelsea?
Chelsea borders Everett, Revere and Boston.
Towns near Chelsea
Neighbors of Chelsea, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Chelsea, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- City of Chelsea official website: chelseama.gov
- Chelsea Fire Department: chelseama.gov
- Chelsea Board of Health: chelseama.gov
- Chelsea City Hall photo, Wikimedia Commons: commons.wikimedia.org
- Tax rates and average single-family value and tax bill: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
- Motor vehicle excise: M.G.L. c. 60A, $25 per $1,000 of value statewide.
- Walkability: Walk Score®, provided live by Walk Score.
- Photo: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.