The town of Parrish in eastern Manatee County is getting ready to go through its second major economic boom. From 1902 until the years just before World War II, Parrish enjoyed a bustling economy thanks to agriculture and the active railroad depot, which used to complement the maritime terminal in Palmetto. When freight train operations came to an end, Parrish became a sleepy Old Florida town where the main economic activity came from residential development.

In 2019, multiple real estate projects are under construction in Parrish, and they are not limited to new neighborhoods. Gas stations, shopping centers, and office parks are also being developed, and this trend makes sense insofar as the growth that this town has experienced in recent years. When Chelsea Oaks was completed a little over a decade ago, not many homeowners believed that Parrish would eventually become such a desirable real estate destination, but that is exactly what happened.

Located just east of the River Wilderness Golf and Country Club, Chelsea Oaks in Parrish is a large gated community where you can find nature, amenities, great real estate, and quality of life. The large single-family residences developed by Medallion Home feature spacious floor plans and nice extras such as pantries, breakfast bars, fenced yards, and lake views. To get an idea of pricing at Chelsea Oaks, consider a $295K listing from June 2019: three bedrooms and two full bathrooms built on more than 2,000 square feet of interior. Lot sizes in this neighborhood start at a quarter of an acre, thereby making them ideal for families with young children.

Property values in Chelsea Oaks have appreciated gradually in recent years because of ongoing construction and significant development such as the Fort Hamer bridge over the Manatee River, which now connects Parrish with Lakewood Ranch. Nearby shopping centers include Parkwood Square and The Shops at Silver Leaf, but there are others planned. The beaches of Anna Maria Island are about 45 minutes away, close enough to visit every weekend.