Chelsea - let's avoid the negativity please! (Boston, Revere: crime, new home)

[professeurpablo]

I'm very intrigued by Chelsea. I've spent almost all of my life in the Boston area and am well aware of Chelsea's problems, so please don't tell me about the crime, the fact that it's crowded, the ugliness of the Tobin - I know all that and can see past a lot of it. From what I've observed casually, there seem to be some good things going on in some pockets of the city.

I'm looking for a new home after finding myself priced out of much of the urban areas in and around Boston. I'm multilingual, definitely a city person, into multicultural communities and neighborhoods with people of all ages, families, etc. Not looking for or expecting a lot of yuppie infiltration either - cool with family-run ethnic restaurants, a bit of grime, etc.

Does anyone live in Chelsea and enjoy it? Why do you like it? Anyone similar to my demographic there?

Also considering Everett, Revere and East Boston, all three of which I know a bit better. Dorchester is also in the mix but is a bit farther away from most things I am used to. Again, let's try to keep this constructive / positive. Not all of us can afford to (or necessarily want to) live in swanky places after all!

[InternationalOrange]

I don't know much about Chelsea, wish I could help you more. I've just passed through it on the commuter rail, that's about it, but I will say this -- I like the Tobin Bridge -- I think it's a cool structure, and aesthetically pleasing! I love trestle bridges like the Tobin and the Charlestown Bridge. Anyway, good luck with your Chelsea search!

[westwind15]

I live on the Prattville side of Chelsea. I really like it. Close to everything, but its very quiet back here. I can be downtown in minutes, but you'd never know it looking at my neighborhood.

[professeurpablo]

Great - this is helpful! Keep it coming

I am familiar with Prattville, and it seems like a great location. Do you drive most places or do you find that a lot of errands can be accomplished on foot?

[Beachbum3]

Of the 4 areas you mention East Boston area is the best for being 'on foot' (and actually if I didn't live in Revere and had to chose over for access/walkability I would chose EB) and where there are lots of cheap ethic eats, etc ...something to be said about being able to walk out your door and grab dinner around the corner w/o the car or the bus, etc....

If you have no car, I would actually rule out Revere (except possibly Beachmont) - even though I walk to the T to get to work it would be nearly impossible to do other errands on foot/by public transit (too much traffic here, busy roads w/o sidewalks, things are spread out so it's difficult to get from say Wonderland station to 'downtown' area to go to the bank and public transit is more geared toward people commuting than getting around....) - and Everett (unless you like buses - no trains there) for transportation/walkability - even Chelsea I think would be a little tricky without a car

Good luck

[westwind15]

As for Prattville, there are some convenience stores, car repair places, McDonalds, banks, all within a 5 minute walk. 10 minutes walk away there is a good-sized shopping center - Home Depot, CVS, Dollar Tree, Chili's, etc etc. However, a bus 111 stop is literally right around the corner from me, and it takes me everywhere, including right to the Haymarket T Stop/Orange line.

[Pear Martini]

If you call a cab to come pick you up in Chelsea, will the cab actually come?

I feel like this is the true test of where is livable

[snatale1]

One thing to consider, you say you don't want negativity and although some people go out of their way to be rude about it, you shouldn't dismiss it! One person here and their with an opinion is one thing, but MANY with the same opinion should be looked into. I did a quick search on one of the many crime stat sites and per that

Chance of becoming a victim:
Chelsea, MA 1 in 55
Massachusetts average 1-214

Crimes per square mile:
Chelsea, MA - 924
Mass Avg - 40

That says alot, wouldn't you think? Yes not every inch of Chelsea is a war zone and there are pockets of it with nice little neighborhoods in it. But the reality is it's not a great area at all. Call it opinion, but the numbers don't lie! Every site will have differences but when selecting a City to live in listen to opinion and take it for what it's worth, but don't ignore statistical FACT!

[SuperSparkle928]

Originally Posted by snatale1

One thing to consider, you say you don't want negativity and although some people go out of their way to be rude about it, you shouldn't dismiss it! One person here and their with an opinion is one thing, but MANY with the same opinion should be looked into. I did a quick search on one of the many crime stat sites and per that

Chance of becoming a victim:
Chelsea, MA 1 in 55
Massachusetts average 1-214

Crimes per square mile:
Chelsea, MA - 924
Mass Avg - 40

That says alot, wouldn't you think? Yes not every inch of Chelsea is a war zone and there are pockets of it with nice little neighborhoods in it. But the reality is it's not a great area at all. Call it opinion, but the numbers don't lie! Every site will have differences but when selecting a City to live in listen to opinion and take it for what it's worth, but don't ignore statistical FACT!

Exactly.
This is a web site to give people accurate information.
We could lie, and say it is the greatest city in the world, but that would be doing a disservice.
"I calls it as I sees it".
People are being factual. If interpreted as negativity, that is just due to the facts being presented.
Simple 'nuff.

[Cliff Clavin]

Originally Posted by snatale1

Chance of becoming a victim:
Chelsea, MA 1 in 55
Massachusetts average 1-214

Crimes per square mile:
Chelsea, MA - 924
Mass Avg - 40

Another thing to consider is...

People per square mile:
Chelsea, MA - 17,365
Mass Avg - 840

More people will always equal more crime.