Virginia / Chesterfield County

Moving to Chester, VA

Thinking of making a move to Chester, VA? 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, VA

Considering a move to Chester, VA? This welcoming community of 23,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $315,000 and average rents near $1,430. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% 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, VA

Chester has a population of 23,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 56% White, 27% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
23,100
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
35.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
56.0%
Black
26.5%
Asian
4.5%
Others
13.0%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Chester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 97.8. Median home values are around $315,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,430. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$315,000
Gross Rent
$1,430
Monthly Electricity Charges
$150
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
97.8
Grocery
98.5
Housing
92.0
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
100.4
Health Care
96.8
Miscellaneous
95.5

Crime

Is Chester, VA a safe place to live?

Chester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 270 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Virginia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
270
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,980
Crime Index
2,250
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 370
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 51

Weather

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

Chester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 30°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
30°F
Max
49°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,800 and a low poverty rate of 13.8%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 6% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$72,800
Family Income
$84,900
Per Capita Income
$33,200
Income Male
$42,500
Income Female
$34,000
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Non English Speakers
12.0%
Rent
$1,430
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
5.8%
Commute Time
26.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
20.8%

Education

How are the schools in Chester, VA?

Chester offers quality education options, with public schools like Chesterfield County Public Schools - Thomas Dale High School and Chesterfield County Public Schools - Elizabeth Davis Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Brightpoint Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Chesterfield County Public Schools - Thomas Dale High School
Street
400 Thomas Dale Pkwy
Phone
804-768-6160
Students
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio
15.7
Name
Chesterfield County Public Schools - Elizabeth Davis Middle School
Street
601 Corryton Rd
Phone
804-768-6160
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Lutheran High School
Street
5555 Monument Ave
Phone
804-285-5433
Students
210

Colleges

Name
Brightpoint Community College
City
Midlothian
State
VA
Distance
14 miles
Students
5,000
Name
Virginia Commonwealth University
City
Richmond
State
VA
Distance
12 miles
Students
28,000

Healthcare

Chester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Johnston-Willis Hospital and Chippenham Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 91.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Johnston-Willis Hospital
Address
1401 Johnston-Willis Dr, Richmond, VA 23235
Phone
(804) 483-0000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Chippenham Hospital
Address
7101 Jahnke Rd, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone
(804) 320-3911
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.5%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Chester, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $315,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Chester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,430
Owner Occupied Rate
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Chester handle vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Richmond. 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
Virginia
Department
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2300 W. Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone
1-804-497-7100

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, VA

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 23,100, median home value $315,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,430, commute time 26.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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