When my partner and I decided to move to Michigan, we looked all over to try to pick the best area for us. We wanted a place that had greenery, was good for kids, and would be safe for me as a queer, disabled person. We ended up landing in Chelsea, Michigan. So far, we’ve been really happy here, and our little baby is thriving.
Location
There’s a lot to love about Chelsea’s location. It’s close to Dexter and Ann Arbor, which means you have a wide range of activities and restaurants at your finger tips, but far enough away that you avoid college crowds. You have easy access to lakes, parks and trails. And yet, Chelsea maintains its own unique community.
One thing I adore about this town is the endless number of events. For example, every Thursday in the summer there is a Sights and Sounds festival where different bands play music throughout the town. There are food trucks and chairs, and it’s a great place to take your kids. There’s Hometown Halloween, Free Music Friday at the Rumpus Room, Late Night Chelsea, and so much more. There’s almost always something to do, and it’s all within walking distance.
Community
The sense of community here is unmatched. I gave birth early at 27 weeks and 4 days, and multiple Chelsea residents, without meeting me, showed up for me. One family donated preemie clothes, another made me lactation cookies. There are multiple mom groups led by parents who want to form friendships and have a safe place for local kiddos. I feel very lucky to be around people who are so generous and giving.
I’ve found that to be the case with inclusivity as well. Their park designs feature disabled individuals. We moved during pride month, and there were rainbow flags in nearly every establishment. There are flags on many houses bolstering inclusion and signs to donate to the community park. This all makes me feel safe, especially since moving to a new place can be quite intimidating.
That community bleeds into downtown as well. The library events in Chelsea are fabulous for kids, all of the downtown stores remember me and my little one and always say hello and welcome us, and ask how she’s doing. It really truly feels like everyone cares.
RELATED: How Chelsea’s new park is going to benefit parents
There’s a lot to look forward to as a new parent. There’s the new Chelsea park, where they talked with school children to make sure they would utilize it. It has hammocks, climbing walls, and even a skate park. And there’s the school district, which is one of the reasons we chose Chelsea.
My daughter is still a baby, so this look is just the start. I’m excited to be able to see how Chelsea grows with her, and if we’re still in love with the area when she’s a teenager in school, or when she’s a pre-teen making use of that park and discovering new areas. I think Chelsea has a lot of opportunities to grow, and I hope we as a family can grow with it.
