Pennsylvania / Delaware County

Moving to Chester, PA

Thinking of making a move to Chester, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, PA

Considering a move to Chester, PA? This welcoming community of 32,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $1,100. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Chester's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Chester, PA

Chester has a population of 32,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 17% White, 73% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
32,500
Density
7,000 per sq mi
Median Age
31.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
16.5%
Black
73.0%
Asian
2.0%
Others
8.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Chester, PA?

The cost of living in Chester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.4. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,100. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
89.4
Grocery
96.5
Housing
63.2
Utilities
102.1
Transportation
106.8
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
94.0

Crime

Is Chester, PA a safe place to live?

Chester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,250 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,250
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
4,100
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 80
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Chester, PA year-round?

Chester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
41°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $44,800 and a low poverty rate of 26.8%. Over 80% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 18% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$44,800
Family Income
$51,200
Per Capita Income
$22,400
Income Male
$34,000
Income Female
$30,500
Poverty Rate
26.8%
Non English Speakers
13.2%
Rent
$1,100
Unemployment Rate
8.1%
Public Transport Usage
18.4%
Commute Time
29.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.5%
Bachelors or More
14.8%

Education

How are the schools in Chester, PA?

Chester offers quality education options, with public schools like Chester High School and Chester Upland School of the Arts known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Widener University, Neumann University, and Delaware County Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Chester High School
Street
1 Post Office Pl
Phone
610-447-3500
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Chester Upland School of the Arts
Street
151 W 9th St
Phone
610-447-3640
Students
690
Student Teacher Ratio
14.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Michael the Archangel School
Street
3200 W 9th St
Phone
610-874-2595
Students
240
Name
Widener Partnership Charter School
Street
1450 Providence Ave
Phone
610-619-8980
Students
410

Colleges

Name
Widener University
City
Chester
State
PA
Distance
1 mile
Students
5,000
Name
Neumann University
City
Aston
State
PA
Distance
7 miles
Students
2,600
Name
Delaware County Community College
City
Media
State
PA
Distance
10 miles
Students
9,500

Healthcare

Chester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Crozer-Chester Medical Center
Address
1 Medical Center Blvd, Upland, PA 19013
Phone
(610) 447-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
Address
1500 Lansdowne Ave, Darby, PA 19023
Phone
(610) 237-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Chester, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 33%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.8%. Chester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate
32.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
1.9%

DMV Information

Residents of Chester handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-783-9500

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.

FAQs About Moving to Chester, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Chester, review the core fields on this page: population 32,500, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,100, commute time 29.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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