Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Chelsea vs Fordham

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

Manhattan|Bronx

Chelsea

Manhattan

Fordham

Bronx

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Fordham has the lower median sale price at $662K 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 0 in Fordham.

Median Sale Price
$1.3M
$662K
Median Rent
$6K
$2K
Active Listings
366
19
Avg Days on Market
60.5 days
0 days
YoY Price Change
-19.4%
0.0%
Monthly Sales Volume
39
6

Detailed Comparison

MetricChelseaFordham
Median Sale Price$1,250,000$662,107
Median Condo Price$3,052,500N/A
Median Co-op Price$830,000N/A
Median Rent$5,975$2,014.5
Active Listings36619
Rental Inventory72120
Days on Market60.50
Price Cut Share12.8%15.8%
Monthly Sales Volume396
YoY Price Change-19.4%0.0%
YoY Rent Change+7.7%+0.9%
YoY Inventory Change-12.9%+46.2%
Subway Lines1 2 3 A B C D E F M N Q R WN/A

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Chelsea moved -19.4% over the past year, compared to 0.0% in Fordham. Both markets have seen price softening, with Chelsea declining more sharply over the measured period.

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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Fordham

Fordham centers on the Grand Concourse and Fordham Road, one of the Bronx's busiest commercial corridors, with six-story Art Deco apartment buildings, prewar walk-ups, and brick rowhomes lining the surrounding residential streets. The B and D trains at Fordham Road, the 4 train on the Jerome Avenue Line, and Metro-North at Fordham Station provide multiple transit options. The New York Botanical Garden's 250 acres and the Bronx Zoo border the neighborhood, and Fordham University's Gothic campus occupies the historic Rose Hill Manor at its center.

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Transit Access

Chelsea

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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

Fordham

No subway data available

Active Listings

Chelsea for sale

View all Chelsea listings

Fordham for sale

View all Fordham 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 Fordham?
Fordham is more affordable, with a median sale price of $662,107 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 Fordham?
Chelsea has access to 14 subway lines and Fordham has 0, making Chelsea the stronger option for transit access. Fordham has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Chelsea or Fordham?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Chelsea and Fordham 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 Fordham?
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 Fordham 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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