Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Chelsea vs Hamilton Heights

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Manhattan|Manhattan

Chelsea

Manhattan

Hamilton Heights

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Hamilton Heights has the lower median sale price at $645K vs $1.3M in Chelsea.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Chelsea offers a stronger rent-to-price ratio based on current market data.

Commuters have more transit options in Chelsea, which is served by 14 subway lines compared to 5 in Hamilton Heights.

Median Sale Price
$1.3M
$645K
Median Rent
$6K
$3K
Active Listings
366
83
Avg Days on Market
60.5 days
76.5 days
YoY Price Change
-19.4%
+20.7%
Monthly Sales Volume
39
7

Detailed Comparison

MetricChelseaHamilton Heights
Median Sale Price$1,250,000$645,000
Median Condo Price$3,052,500$532,500
Median Co-op Price$830,000$400,000
Median Rent$5,975$3,000
Active Listings36683
Rental Inventory721235
Days on Market60.576.5
Price Cut Share12.8%7.2%
Monthly Sales Volume397
YoY Price Change-19.4%+20.7%
YoY Rent Change+7.7%+7.1%
YoY Inventory Change-12.9%+22.1%
Subway Lines1 2 3 A B C D E F M N Q R W1 A B C D

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Chelsea moved -19.4% over the past year, compared to +20.7% in Hamilton Heights. Hamilton Heights is seeing price appreciation while Chelsea has softened, pointing to different supply-demand dynamics in each market.

Neighborhood Profiles

Chelsea

Chelsea is the epicenter of New York’s contemporary art world and a hub for innovative architecture. Home to the High Line and Chelsea Market, the neighborhood mixes industrial history with modern luxury. The real estate market here is dominated by high-end condominium developments designed by world-renowned architects, alongside historic pre-war lofts and historic townhouses in the Chelsea Historic District.

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Hamilton Heights

Hamilton Heights is a historic and architecturally stunning section of Harlem, named after Alexander Hamilton. The neighborhood is famous for its grand row houses and the beautiful campus of City College. Residents enjoy proximity to Riverbank State Park and a growing number of cafes and restaurants. The real estate market features a mix of impeccably preserved historic townhouses, value-driven HDFC cooperatives, and modern boutique developments.

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Transit Access

Chelsea

123ABCDEFMNQRW

34 St-Penn Station (1 2 3 A C E) — 0.6 mi

34 St-Herald Sq (B D F M N Q R W) — 0.7 mi

Hamilton Heights

1ABCD

145 St (1 A B C D) — 0.2 mi

125 St (1) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Chelsea for sale

View all Chelsea listings

Hamilton Heights for sale

View all Hamilton Heights listings

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the RLS at REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) Internet Data Exchange (IDX) database. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Milton Coste | Keller Williams NYC are marked with the RLS logo. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: 1/1/1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chelsea cheaper than Hamilton Heights?
Hamilton Heights is more affordable, with a median sale price of $645,000 vs $1,250,000 in Chelsea. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Chelsea or Hamilton Heights?
Chelsea has access to 14 subway lines and Hamilton Heights has 5, making Chelsea the stronger option for transit access. Hamilton Heights has 5 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Chelsea or Hamilton Heights?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Chelsea and Hamilton Heights both offer a mix of apartment and multi-room units in co-ops, condos, and townhouses. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom units, including townhouses and multi-family properties, tend to be more available in lower-density areas. Reviewing active listings filtered by bedroom count is the most reliable way to see what each neighborhood currently offers for larger households. A licensed broker can pull current inventory by bedroom count across both areas for a direct comparison.
Should I buy in Chelsea or Hamilton Heights?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Chelsea and Hamilton Heights gives you the clearest picture of what your budget gets in each location. Request a free CMA from Milton Coste to get a side-by-side breakdown of current opportunities.

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Need Help Choosing?

With 25+ years of experience across all five boroughs, I can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

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