What you need to know about moving to Chelsea
Chelsea’s vibrant streets, welcoming culture and close proximity to central London make it an ideal place to live. Sitting alongside the River Thames, Chelsea’s position in West London makes it highly sought after. With neighbouring boroughs of Fulham and Battersea benefitting from the popularity of their neighbour.
While it may now be a haven of luxurious boutiques, Michelin stared restaurants and exceptional schools, it began as a humble village. Today however, Chelsea is an opulent area of the capital. The area oozes exclusivity and is home to a very affluent set.
Of all the benefits the area has a lot to offer, convenience is arguably the best. People moving to Chelsea benefit from a large selection of shops, luxury boutiques, delicious places to eat and drink, and 5* rated schools. Not only will you have everything you need on your doorstep, but you will also benefit from 6 exceptional parks and 5 local tube stations. Plus, it’s under 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of London.
Chelsea: a brief history
Beginning life as a small village, what we now know as Chelsea didn’t really exist until the 1960s, when some of London’s most exciting individuals began to settle there. They brought with them an inimitable style of creative genius, turning Chelsea into the desirable and stylish borough it is today. Through a potent blend of mod and counter culture, Chelsea became a centrepiece of London’s iconic Swinging Sixties.
Chelsea has grown into a luxurious hub for a very exclusive London crowd. Seeing famous faces walk past the beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture is far from unusual. However, it isn’t just the residents here that are famous: many of Chelsea’s locations have equally high profiles. From walks along Southbank, shopping trips along the Kings Road, to strolls down to Sloane Square, the vistas here are recognised worldwide. In fact, these prominent locations have even birthed a nickname for the wealthy residents: the Sloane Rangers.
Kings Road’s fame is a real draw for residents and visitors alike. It started life as the private road of King Charles II, who used it to travel to Kew. The road remained the King’s exclusive route until 1830, when it slowly started to open to the public. King’s Road became synonymous with the brightly coloured styles of the 1960s, and whilst it may not be quite the counter-culture symbol it once was, it is still a mecca for independent fashion outlets.
Chelsea: highlights of this sought-after location
With its 5* rated schools, award-winning restaurants and spectacular parks, few places in London do it quite like Chelsea.
• Five 5* Ofsted rated secondary schools (and one 5* primary)
• 15-20 minutes’ drive to central London
• 6 gorgeous garden squares and parks to explore
• Quaint ‘village feel’ with excellent amenities
There’s only ever so much you can learn from reading about a place on the internet. Sometimes it’s best to just get out there and see it all for yourself; take in the sights, walk the streets, eat in the restaurants. Our Area Orientation Service provides you with a professional guide who can give you an expert’s preview of Chelsea and the local area.
If you’re thinking of moving to or from Chelsea, consider choosing Santa Fe Relocation for a seamless moving experience. Get a moving quote, free and with no obligation, to see how we make moving home easy for you. At Santa Fe Relocation, our premium house removals service makes the whole process easier, so you can enjoy the experience.
Things to do in Chelsea
Living in Chelsea, you can enjoy its numerous boutique shops, the fantastic Saatchi Art Gallery and a selection of world-class restaurants. In particular, King’s Road is Chelsea’s best-known street and a must visit for lovers of fashion, history and London culture.
Entertainment is in no short supply in the Chelsea area either; catch a show at the Royal Court Theatre, experience nature’s majesty at the Natural History Museum, or watch a film at one of the many independent cinemas.
Chelsea has a little something for everyone, whatever your interests may be. Of course, no mention of Chelsea is complete without talking about Harrods, the world-renowned department store. The seven floors of Harrods boast over 330 departments selling everything from diamond-encrusted turntables, to elusive white truffles.
Chelsea is host to not one, but three Michelin star restaurants. World class chefs such as Gordon Ramsey have restaurants here, offering a dining experience like no other. Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more rustic? Our personal favourite is The Five Fields, a wonderful reflection of British produce with its very own herb gardens. Or try the ever-fashionable World’s End Market on King’s Road, which was once the much-loved World’s End pub.
Where to live in Chelsea
There is a vast array of housing types available in Chelsea: from impressive mansion homes with large gardens, Georgian and Victorian townhouses, large apartments and studios, to period cottages. If you are looking to purchase a property, the average apartment here will cost over £1million, and a 4 bed house at least £4.5 million. You do pay a premium to boast the SW3 postcode.
The rental market is equally premium, with rental costs starting around £3000 per month for an apartment. However, due to the large number of international travellers and affluent residents, there is an exceptional number of short lease properties here. Perfect for those ‘in between purchase’ stays.
Here’s our list of the best areas:
• Sloane Square – most sought-after real estate, perhaps in the entire capital.
• The Little Boltons – ‘billionaires’ row’ with perfectly manicured garden squares.
• Cheyne Walk – impressive Georgian houses with views of the river.
• Carlyle Square – one of the squares that isn’t listed, so development is an option.
Above everything else though, Chelsea epitomises affluent London and the property prices reflect this. You can expect to pay over £3,000 per square metre in some parts. Chelsea is generally more expensive than most of London, with price premiums on everything from basic groceries.
When you consider Chelsea’s exceptional management under the Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council, these prices become more than reasonable. They ensure the highest level of quality when it comes to public services, which include leading environmental policies, timely rubbish removal (Chelsea’s streets are spotless), and excellent community engagement.
Don’t forget to arrange your finances with the relevant authorities. Banks, building societies, store cards etc. If you require any assistance, we offer an excellent banking service that will help you organise all the documentation you need. Contact our friendly team of moving experts today for more information on how we can help you.
If you are coming from overseas, there are few more things you might need to consider before your move to Chelsea.
Family life and education in Chelsea
Chelsea boasts some very impressive schools, making it a hot spot for families who want the very best for their children. Many of the schools in the area are independent, however there are small number of state schools which also receive great reports.
While there are a large number of independent and international schools in Chelsea, places are very competitive and there are often very specific eligibility requirements. Wait lists are also common, so it might be valuable to also look into the other exceptional schools in neighbouring areas.
If you are time pressed, or unfamiliar with the application processes involved, we are here to help. At Santa Fe Relocation, our School Search Service was created to connect people to the right schools, based on their specific education needs. We then guide you through the application process, freeing up time to spend with your family. Why not check out how else we can help you settle in?
Chelsea – Travel information
Chelsea is the perfect base for exploring London. It’s within walking distance of the centre of the city, with picturesque walking routes from Chelsea to many of the neighbouring boroughs and along the River Thames.
While Chelsea doesn’t have its own dedicated tube stop, the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is served by 5 tube stops, with lines running all across the city of London.
Chelsea is a quick drive to the city, but car owners should check that their new home has suitable parking. Otherwise you might need to apply for a parking space. You should also factor in the London congestion charge, and whether you would be eligible for any of the resident discounts. There are also plenty of private driver services available.
How can Santa Fe Relocation help with your move to Chelsea?
Santa Fe Relocation’s unique expertise allows us to provide simple, efficient and tailored solutions to ensure your Chelsea removals experience is a seamless one. We will manage your entire moving journey, right down to the smallest details. We also offer a range of bespoke moving services designed to make your Chelsea removal a stress free moving experience.
If you need Chelsea removals and Storage Solutions, our secure London warehouse is the perfect answer. Once you’ve decided on your Chelsea move, all you need to do is let your move coordinator know, or get in touch with us.
Our expert movers and packers will help pack all your belongings using advanced materials to ensure their safety, and deliver them to our 24/7 secured London warehouse. When you’re ready to move into your new Chelsea home, we will transport and unpack everything for you. We are Santa Fe Relocation, your one stop moving company. We make moving home easy for you.
