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 is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 22,686 inhabitants. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Chester, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 27 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Chester is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Chester, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, education, housing and more.
With a livability score of 72 out of 100, Chester is ranked #5,463 in the United States and #183 in Virginia. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Chester has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (B-), education (A-), employment (A-) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Chester does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Chester, the average school test scores reached an impressive 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Chester an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Chester market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Chester is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Chester come in at $410,776, which is 5.6% 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 3.7, which is 17.8% 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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