Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Chester, Virginia is a mid-sized city with a population of 22,098 inhabitants. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Chester is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Chester is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Chester and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Chester to Virginia and the national average.
With a livability score of 72/100, Chester is ranked #5,101 in the United States and #183 in Virginia. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Chester ranks very well for crime (B-), cost of living (B), education (A-), employment (B+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Chester, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Chester schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Chester an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Chester excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Chester is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Chester come in at $233,700, which is 5.9% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Chester, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 15.8% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Chester | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 27min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.9% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.8% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.6% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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