Addison-Orange - Chelsea, MA

The City of Chelsea was known for being a part of the Battle of Chelsea Creek, which played a role in the American Revolution. In the 1800s it became known for manufacturing products such as stoves, rubber bands, shoes and adhesives. Even though the city faced bankruptcy in the early-1900s, it quickly turned around. Economic growth in Chelsea has helped it thrive as an industrial city.

The modernized region also lacks in art and historical facilities, but it does provide the residents with the Apollinaire Theatre company, where many plays from all over the nation can be viewed.

Locals can find a quality place to dine with ease in Addison-Orange. While many of the restaurants lie right outside of the neighborhood’s borders around Route 1, they sit within just a short walk. A variety of ethnic eateries with a range of menu prices exists along Broadway. One restaurant in particular, El Santaneco, draws in food lovers with their home-style Salvadoran and Latin American dishes. Make sure to try their pupusas that the locals rave about.

If you are feeling Italian, take a walk down Broadway to Ciao! Pizza and Pasta. Cooked to perfection in a brick oven, fresh and authentic pizzas keep the patrons coming back for more. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet cravings with Ciao’s Cheesecake before you leave.

The nightlife in Addison-Orange remains rather quiet, as many head to downtown Boston or the center of Chelsea for a little evening adventure. However, several pubs exist within the neighborhood and right outside of its borders. Restaurants provide locals with most of the alcohol selections. The Brown Jug has cheap, cold brews and a wide selection of liquors from which to choose.

Traveling throughout the community remains easy due to the many main roads and highways. Route 1 provides quick access to Boston, while smaller roads provide access to anywhere within the neighborhood or its surroundings. Private vehicles and cabs make up most of the travel in Addison-Orange. Many locals choose to walk or ride bikes as well, considering the abundance of sidewalks and safe streets make it an easy undertaking.

Hail a cab in the city’s center, or call Uber for a ride to Boston if you prefer to leave the car at home. You can also take the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Route situated on the corner of 6th and Arlington Street. Washington Avenue also holds many bus stops along its path through the neighborhood.

Not too many parks exist within the Addison-Orange neighborhood, but the ones that do survive present athletic fields, grassy areas and seating. Malone Park in between Lafayette and Summit has a walking path and athletic fields, and it also provides a trail all the way to the soldiers’ home of Chelsea.

The Vietnam Veterans Pool behind Chelsea High School gives residents the opportunity to swim and relax in the water during the warmer weather months. Carter Park resides next to the pool and provides over 2 acres of land for children and adults to play. Bring along the dog for a brisk walk on one of the paths provided. Free parking exists near the park and the pool.

The community of Addison-Orange doesn’t put on much in the way of events for the locals to gather, but they provide spaces where neighbors can do so at their own leisure.

The cost of living in Addison-Orange sits below that of downtown Boston, even despite the cities' similarities and the fact that the two sit very close to each other. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in Boston, you’ll spend around $2,000 a month, but residents in Addison-Orange only pay about $1,200 for the same space.

Fuel rates come in at about 1.1 percent higher than the national average. Grab a cold draft beer at the nearest pub for about $4 a pint.

Brand name stores such as TJ Maxx, The Children’s Place and Home Depot lie along Route 1, while other smaller shops can be found situated right outside of Chelsea. While most of the shopping opportunities reside in Boston, plenty of places to explore still remain around the neighborhood.

To shop for outdoor clothing head to Sterlingwear of Boston. This local manufacturer sells coats for all ages, and it happens to be the original manufacturer of the U.S. Navy pea coat. Purchase quality outerwear and other articles of clothing that you know will last a long time due to the durability and craftsmanship put into it. For more fashionable attire, the Chelsea Boutique on Broadway sells high-end women’s clothing and accessories.

Between Tedeschi’s, Save-A-Lot, Compare Supermarket, and Market Basket, locals have many places to grab groceries at. You can also stop in at one of the many ethnic markets towards Broadway, to spice up your home cooking with groceries from other countries.