Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, NJ
Considering a move to Chester, NJ? This charming town of 1,531 residents offers a peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere with top-rated schools, a median home price of $750,000, and very low crime rates (just 36 violent crimes per 100k). Residents enjoy high incomes, a strong sense of community, and beautiful seasonal weather, along with a reasonable 38-minute average commute. With excellent healthcare options nearby and a top-tier educational environment, Chester is ideal for those seeking a safe and upscale lifestyle in northern New Jersey.
Demographics - Chester, NJ
Demographics - Chester, NJ
Chester, NJ is a close-knit community of 1,531 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age of 45, reflecting its mature and family-oriented character. The town maintains a balanced gender ratio and a small but notable presence of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
1,531
Density:
400 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
4.7%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, NJ?
Living in Chester comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected by its index of 145 and a median home value of $750,000. Residents can expect above-average expenses for housing, groceries, and utilities, making it best suited for those seeking an upscale lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$750,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
145.0
Grocery:
130.0
Housing:
170.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Chester, NJ a safe place to live?
Chester is known for its safety, with just 36 violent crimes and 310 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making the chance of experiencing violent crime about 1 in 2,800. Its low crime index provides peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
36
Property Crimes Per 100k:
310
Crime Index:
346
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 490
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, NJ year-round?
Chester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 22°F. The town enjoys a moderate climate with over 53% sunny days and about 51.5 inches of annual rainfall, perfect for those who appreciate changing seasons.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Residents enjoy a high median household income of $178,000 and a very low poverty rate of 2.4%. The community is highly educated, with nearly 98.5% holding a high school diploma or higher and a significant portion possessing a bachelor’s degree.
Median Income:
$56,000
Household Income:
$178,000
Family Income:
$195,000
Per Capita Income:
$68,000
Income Male:
$85,000
Income Female:
$62,000
Poverty Rate:
2.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.2%
Commute Time:
38.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.5%
Bachelors or More:
77.0%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, NJ?
Chester boasts top-rated public schools with low student-teacher ratios, as well as access to quality private schools and nearby colleges like County College of Morris. The educational environment supports strong academic achievement from elementary through higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Bragg Elementary School
Street:
250 Route 24
Phone:
908-879-5324
Students:
276
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.9
Name:
Dickerson Elementary School
Street:
250 Route 24
Phone:
908-879-5313
Students:
195
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.0

Private Schools
Name:
St. Lawrence the Martyr School
Street:
1000 Lawrence Ave
Phone:
908-879-1114
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
County College of Morris
City:
Randolph
State:
NJ
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Centenary University
City:
Hackettstown
State:
NJ
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Chester offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Morristown Medical Center nearby and about 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. A high health insurance coverage rate of 95.1% ensures most residents benefit from comprehensive care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Morristown Medical Center
Address:
100 Madison Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone:
(973) 971-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Hackettstown Medical Center
Address:
651 Willow Grove St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Phone:
(908) 852-5100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, NJ?
The local housing market is robust, featuring a median home price of $750,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 88.5%. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% in the past year, indicating a stable and desirable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$750,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
88.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Chester are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in Trenton, offering a full range of driver and vehicle services through its website and customer service line.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
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.