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 23,414 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $314,500 and average rents near $1,380. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% 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 23,414 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 63% White, 24% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
23,414
Density
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
63.4%
Black
23.8%
Asian
2.6%
Others
10.2%

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 97.0. Median home values are around $314,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,380. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$314,500
Gross Rent
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges
$135
Auto Insurance
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,690
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$555
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
97.0
Grocery
96.2
Housing
88.7
Utilities
103.5
Transportation
97.2
Health Care
95.8
Miscellaneous
97.0

Crime

Is Chester, VA a safe place to live?

Chester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 66. 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
170
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,520
Crime Index
1,690
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 66

Weather

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

Chester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 29°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
29°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
47°F
Max
73°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $88,900 and a low poverty rate of 6.9%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$46,250
Household Income
$88,900
Family Income
$98,500
Per Capita Income
$37,800
Income Male
$51,000
Income Female
$42,500
Poverty Rate
6.9%
Non English Speakers
9.5%
Rent
$1,380
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.2%
Commute Time
28.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
32.8%

Education

How are the schools in Chester, VA?

Chester offers quality education options, with public schools like Thomas Dale High School and Elizabeth Scott Elementary known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including John Tyler Community College and Virginia State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Thomas Dale High School
Street
3626 W. Hundred Rd
Phone
804-768-6245
Students
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Elizabeth Scott Elementary
Street
813 Beginner Dr
Phone
804-768-6195
Students
550
Student Teacher Ratio
16.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Ann’s Catholic School
Street
10831 W. Hundred Rd
Phone
804-526-2546
Students
210

Colleges

Name
John Tyler Community College
City
Chester
State
VA
Distance
2 miles
Students
9,000
Name
Virginia State University
City
Petersburg
State
VA
Distance
10 miles
Students
4,300

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 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.8% 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) 330-2000
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
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
78.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Chester, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $314,500 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 4.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.0%. Chester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$314,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.9%
New Construction Rate
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

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
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 23,414, median home value $314,500, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,380, commute time 28.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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