Town Guide · Washtenaw County
Chelsea, Michigan
Chelsea is a city about 20 to 25 minutes west of Ann Arbor known for its historic downtown, the Waterloo Recreation Area at its doorstep, and a strong trail network. It offers the most land and recreation of the nearby towns, with home prices below Ann Arbor's and a median sale price around $367,000.
Market snapshot
Chelsea at a glance
Figures are the most recent published medians for the area. Neighborhood-level data can swing on small sales volumes, so treat them as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Median sale price
about $367,000
Three months ending May 2026, Redfin
Median days on market
about 35 days
Three months ending May 2026, Redfin
Chelsea · Washtenaw County
Getting around
Typical drive times
Typical off-peak drive times by car. Rush hour, weather, and I-94 construction can add time, so leave a buffer for flights.
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor campus)
about 20 to 25 minutes
Michigan Medicine
about 25 minutes
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
about 42 to 48 minutes
Property taxes
Millage rate
54.83 total mills
Latest complete figure (2023), applied to taxable value. Rates vary by school district and taxing unit.
Schools
Chelsea School District
Serves the city of Chelsea and the surrounding area.
Visit the district websiteHousing stock
Home styles and price ranges
Single-family detached homes are the most common type, with a notable stock of historic homes plus apartments and attached homes. The typical home value is about $371,000 (Zillow), with the median sale price around $367,000 to $434,000 (Redfin).
Parks & amenities
Where to spend the day
Timber Town Park has a huge wooden climbing structure, swings, and a spray area, and Pierce Park offers golf. The 25,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area, Michigan's largest Lower Peninsula state park, sits at the town's edge with hiking, biking, and fishing, and Chelsea is a designated Pure Michigan Trail Town on the Border-to-Border Trail.
FAQ
Questions buyers ask about Chelsea
What is the median home price in Chelsea in 2026?
About $367,000 over the three months ending May 2026 (Redfin), with other sources reporting up to $469,000 depending on the window.
How long is the drive from Chelsea to the University of Michigan?
About 20 to 25 minutes to the Ann Arbor campus, and about 25 minutes to Michigan Medicine.
How long does it take to get from Chelsea to Detroit Metro Airport?
About 42 to 48 minutes via I-94.
What is the property tax millage rate in Chelsea?
Chelsea's total property tax millage was reported at 54.83 mills in 2023, applied to taxable value.
What school district serves Chelsea?
Chelsea School District, which serves the city and surrounding area.
Keep exploring
Nearby areas to compare
Every guide includes market data, commutes, millage, schools, housing, and parks, so you can line up two or three areas side by side.
Talk to a local
Thinking about Chelsea?
Nicole answers her own phone and returns messages the same day. Tell her which area you are weighing and what you are looking for, and she will line up the homes and the honest read on the neighborhood.
- (734) 368-0832
- nicoleelizabethrealestate@gmail.com
- EXP Realty, LLC · Ann Arbor, MI
Area inquiry
Ask about Chelsea
Questions answered the same day, every time. No call centers, no pressure.
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Nicole will reach out personally, usually the same day. Need to talk right now? Call (734) 368-0832.