Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, CT
Considering a move to Chester, CT? This charming small town of 3,675 residents offers a peaceful lifestyle with a median home price around $410,000 and average rents near $1,420. Chester boasts low crime (just 45 violent crimes per 100k), excellent schools, and a highly educated community, with nearly half of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Enjoy scenic New England seasons, short 28-minute average commutes, and easy access to nearby colleges and healthcare—making Chester a great pick for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Chester, CT
Demographics - Chester, CT
Chester, CT is a small, close-knit community with a population of 3,675 and a median age of 54.1, reflecting its appeal to families and retirees. The town is predominantly White, with 93.1% of residents, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. A modest 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to its welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
3,675
Density:
225 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.1
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.9%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, CT?
Chester's cost of living is above the national average, with a median home value of $410,000 and typical rents around $1,420 per month. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries are also slightly higher than average, making it important for newcomers to budget accordingly. The town's higher living costs are offset by quality amenities and a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$165
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.2
Grocery:
115.3
Housing:
123.0
Utilities:
109.4
Transportation:
113.7
Health Care:
106.2
Miscellaneous:
104.7
Crime
Is Chester, CT a safe place to live?
Chester enjoys a notably low crime rate, with only 45 violent crimes and 420 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The risk of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 2,200, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security and community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
45
Property Crimes Per 100k:
420
Crime Index:
465
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,200
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 238
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, CT year-round?
Residents in Chester experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 21°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The town receives about 49.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 54% of the year. Seasonal changes bring vibrant scenery and outdoor opportunities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Chester is a prosperous and highly educated community, with a median household income of $88,900 and nearly half of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The town has a low poverty rate of 5.8% and an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Neighbors enjoy short commutes and a strong sense of civic engagement.
Median Income:
$58,200
Household Income:
$88,900
Family Income:
$104,700
Per Capita Income:
$49,900
Income Male:
$63,100
Income Female:
$49,500
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,420
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
28.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
48.1%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, CT?
Education in Chester is a standout, with public schools like Chester Elementary and Valley Regional High School offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. Nearly 97% of adults have completed high school, and 48% hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The area is also close to respected higher education institutions, including Middlesex Community College and Wesleyan University.
Public Schools
Name:
Chester Elementary School
Street:
23 Ridge Rd
Phone:
860-526-5797
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Valley Regional High School
Street:
256 Kelsey Hill Rd, Deep River
Phone:
860-526-5328
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Private Schools
Name:
The Country School
Street:
341 Opening Hill Rd, Madison
Phone:
203-421-3113
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Middlesex Community College
City:
Middletown
State:
CT
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,000
Name:
Wesleyan University
City:
Middletown
State:
CT
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Chester is excellent, with 96.2% of residents covered by health insurance and a robust supply of physicians at 2.7 per 1,000 people. Middlesex Hospital, located nearby, provides comprehensive medical and emergency services. The area’s healthcare index underscores its commitment to resident well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Middlesex Hospital
Address:
28 Crescent St, Middletown, CT 06457
Phone:
(860) 358-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, CT?
Chester's housing market is strong and stable, featuring a median home price of $410,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75%. Home values have appreciated by 7.1% over the past year, and rental vacancies remain low. The market favors buyers seeking long-term value and community investment.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Chester residents are served by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 60 State St in Wethersfield. The DMV provides full licensing, registration, and vehicle services, and information is readily available via their official website. Access to DMV resources is convenient for new and longtime residents alike.
State:
Connecticut
Department:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
60 State St, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone:
860-263-5700
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.