"A low-built grid of tenements, Row-houses, and warehouses between 14th and 23rd streets to the west of Broadway, Chelsea was never considered an interesting or desirable neighborhood until the 1990s, which saw that area boasted by spillover from Soho and the village and the arrival of affluent gay and artistic communities-followed by the inevitable wave of yuppies. There is one small historic district that boosts a row of beautiful 19th-century townhouses, but Chelsea as a whole was given over to industry from the nearby industrial piers and meatpacking facilities, and was therefore considered an appropriately on enviable spot on which to place several public housing projects which stand to this day. These days, though, trendy stores, Chichi restaurants, and if you notable tourist attractions peppered the scene, along with upmarket real estate."
Dunford, Martin (2006). The Mini Rough Guide to New York City. New York:The Penquin Group.
Chelsea has always been home for one of the most character full buildings in Manhattan. Apartment buildings in the area from prewar tenement houses to the luxury building with a swimming pool. Although Chelsea has grown and become a lot more modern you can still find the occasional "dump" where there is a bathroom in the kitchen, or even worse there is no bathroom at alll you would need to share a bathroom with everyone on the floor. Apartments in Chelsea are highly desirable and in some buildings expensive, however you look hard enough and you will find the right apartment.
