Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, NY
Considering a move to Chester, NY? This small Hudson Valley town of 4,489 offers a friendly, close-knit vibe, affordable median home prices around $359,000, and moderate rents near $1,560. Chester is known for its low crime rates and strong public schools, making it ideal for families. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with a 36-minute average commute, four-season climate, and easy access to healthcare and higher education. Explore Chester’s housing, schools, and more below to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Demographics - Chester, NY
Demographics - Chester, NY
Chester, NY is a small community of 4,489 residents, featuring a median age of 41.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with notable Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 13.5% speak a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
4,489
Density:
730 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
71.9%
Black:
8.6%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
16.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, NY?
The cost of living in Chester is moderately above the national average, with a cost of living index of 116.5. Median home values are around $359,000, and average rents are about $1,560, making the area accessible for both homeowners and renters while reflecting the region's desirability. Utilities and transportation costs are also slightly higher than average, typical for the Hudson Valley.
Median House Value:
$359,000
Gross Rent:
$1,560
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$880
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.5
Grocery:
110.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
112.0
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Chester, NY a safe place to live?
Chester experiences low crime rates compared to national figures, offering a safe environment for families and individuals. With only 89 violent crimes and 940 property crimes per 100,000 people, residents enjoy peace of mind, and the chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,124. The community’s strong sense of security is a notable benefit for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
89
Property Crimes Per 100k:
940
Crime Index:
1,029
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,124
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 106
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, NY year-round?
Residents of Chester enjoy all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 21°F, warm summers peaking at 83°F, and moderate rainfall averaging 48.1 inches annually. There are about 54% sunny days each year, making for a pleasant climate ideal for outdoor activities. The varied weather supports a range of seasonal experiences in the Hudson Valley.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Chester's households benefit from a median income of $102,200 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. The community is well-educated, with over 93% holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 39% with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents typically enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, though average commute times are around 36 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$102,200
Family Income:
$114,500
Per Capita Income:
$41,800
Income Male:
$54,200
Income Female:
$46,900
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,560
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.1%
Commute Time:
36.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
38.8%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, NY?
Chester is home to strong public schools such as Chester Academy and Chester Elementary, both offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. The area also features private school options and is close to colleges like SUNY Orange and Mount Saint Mary College, expanding educational opportunities. Families will find a range of quality education choices from elementary through higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Chester Academy Middle/High School
Street:
64 Hambletonian Ave
Phone:
845-469-2231
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Chester Elementary School
Street:
2 Herbert Dr
Phone:
845-469-2178
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Private Schools
Name:
San Miguel Academy of Newburgh
Street:
245 Liberty St, Newburgh, NY
Phone:
845-561-1732
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Orange
City:
Middletown
State:
NY
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
5,600
Name:
Mount Saint Mary College
City:
Newburgh
State:
NY
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Chester residents have convenient access to major hospitals like St. Anthony Community Hospital and Orange Regional Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and a 94.2% health insurance coverage rate, the area supports a high standard of healthcare. Local facilities and coverage make it easy for families and individuals to find quality care nearby.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Anthony Community Hospital
Address:
15 Maple Ave, Warwick, NY 10990
Phone:
(845) 986-2276
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Orange Regional Medical Center
Address:
707 East Main St, Middletown, NY 10940
Phone:
(845) 333-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
72.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, NY?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $359,000 and an owner-occupied rate of over 71%. Rent for a typical two-bedroom averages $1,560, and the area has a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation. Chester’s housing options suit both buyers and renters seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$359,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,560
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Chester residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Middletown. The office provides essential motor vehicle and licensing services and can be reached by phone or online for appointments and information. This convenient access makes handling vehicle-related tasks straightforward for local drivers.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
14 Baker St, Middletown, NY 10940
Phone:
1-718-477-4820
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.