Searching for the perfect small town offering a welcoming community, peace and quiet, and easy access to urban amenities? Then you may like living in Chester SC.
The city of Chester, South Carolina, is known for its historic charm as the site of several battles in the American Revolutionary War. Chester County was established in 1785, and the city of Chester was founded 5 years later to serve as the county seat of government. It’s named after Chester County, Pennsylvania, which in turn was named after Chester, England, a city on the River Dee, as many of the early European settlers living in Chester SC were from that area.
In the modern era, Chester is a good place to live for families and young professionals seeking a high quality of life, a strong sense of community spirit, and small-town living.
Its welcoming atmosphere and scenic beauty earned it the nickname “The Picture Perfect City”. Convinced this community offers the perfect blend of quiet and convenience? Here is everything you need to know if you’re thinking about moving to Chester in the near future.
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Where Is Chester, SC?
Chester is the county seat of Chester, South Carolina. It’s centrally located at the convergence of several major highways, which is ideal for those living in Chester SC who want to take advantage of an easy commute. US Route 321 passes by the outskirts of the city to the west and the south, providing a route to York and Winnsboro.
South Carolina Highway 9 passes through the center of town and leads 11 miles east to Interstate 77, providing a route to Richburg and Spartanburg. Highways 72 and 121 provide a direct route to Rock Hill and Whitmire. Chester State Park is also situated just southwest of town. Surrounding municipalities in close proximity include Gayle Mill, Eureka Mill, and Airlee.
It’s 48 miles or a 1-hour drive from Chester, SC, to Charlotte, NC. It’s also 60 miles or a 1 hour drive from Chester, SC, to Columbia, SC.
Chester Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Chester population is 5,241. The number of people living in Chester SC has been in decline since 1990, with a 6% decrease in population between 2010 and 2020. That’s allowed it to maintain its small-town atmosphere, and it has a population density of 1,585 residents per square mile.
Chester is a family-oriented community with a large African American population. Approximately 25% of people living in Chester SC are under 18, and 29% are between the ages of 20 and 40. The racial and ethnic breakdown of the Chester, SC, population is 64% Black or African American, 32% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 2% two or more races.
Other Chester Demographics:
- The median age is 37.3 years
- 51% of people living in Chester SC are men, and 49% are women
- The median household income is $41,231, which is 38% lower than the rest of South Carolina
- 80.3% of residents living in Chester SC have a high school diploma, and 13.1% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population of Chester, SC is 0.4%
Is Chester safe? The crime rate in Chester is relatively high compared to the rest of the country. Many residents have expressed concerns about rising crime and dilapidated buildings, and there has been a concerted effort by law enforcement to address these problems. Individual experiences can also vary, as many people living in Chester SC report it to be a safe and family-friendly community, provided you avoid certain areas.
Here is a look at how the Chester crime rate compares to the South Carolina crime rate and the national average:
- Total crime: 5,515 crimes per 100,000 people, 97% higher than the state and 137% higher than the rest of the country
- Violent crime rate: 2,566 crimes per 100,000 people, 422% higher than the rest of the state and 593% higher than the rest of the country
- Murder rate: 38 per 100,000 people, 239% higher than the rest of the state and 498% higher than the rest of the US
- 2,949 crimes per 100,000 people, 28% higher than the rest of the state and 50% higher than the rest of the country
So be sure to take the proper precautions if you plan on moving to Chester. The Chester Police Department is responsible for controlling crime among residents living in Chester SC, assisted by 19 law enforcement employees, including 16 officers and three civilians.
Chester Cost of Living
Affordability is one of the major benefits of living in Chester SC. One way to assess the cost of living in a community is to analyze the cost-of-living index. It compares the costs of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area is 91.2. That suggests living in Chester SC is about 8.8% less expensive than the rest of the country. The Family Budget Calculator, created by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a valuable resource. It suggests that the normal family of four (with two kids and two adults) needs to earn $86,870 to afford the cost of living in Chester SC.
Standard expenses of living in Chester SC
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $18.00
- Regular cappuccino: $5.33
- 12 oz bottle of water: $1.85
- 1 gallon of milk: $2.94
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $2.67
- 12 regular eggs: $6.00
- Bottle of wine: $9.00
- Average Chester monthly utility bill: $188.00
Source: Numbeo
Chester real estate is very affordable, which is why it’s a popular choice among growing families. Redfin indicates that the median price of Chester SC homes for sale is $205,000, which is less than half the median in the US. The median price per square foot of Chester, SC real estate is $123.
However, many people living in Chester SC also rent their homes. According to census data, 54% of homes are owner-occupied, and 46% of homes in Chester SC are rented out. Rentcafe suggests that the average rent in Chester ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom unit to $ 1,700 for three or more bedrooms.
Chester Neighborhoods | Where To Live In Chester
As a small, residential town, Chester lacks well-defined neighborhoods with distinct character. However, most residents living in Chester SC appreciate the city for its small-town feel and close-knit community.
While Chester is the county seat of Chester County, there are several smaller towns and municipalities in the area, including Great Falls, Fort Lawn, Lowrys, and Richburg. In general, the best places to live in Chester tend to be in the south, while the most affordable housing is in the west.
Chester Climate & Weather
The weather in Chester, SC, is generally pleasant throughout the year. It has a humid subtropical climate, according to the Köppen Classification System, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
The temperature in Chester, South Carolina, ranges from approximately 35°F to 91°F, with winter lows as low as 22°F and summer highs reaching up to 97°F. The best weather in Chester, South Carolina, for visiting friends is typically from late April to early June.
Get ready for rain if you plan on moving to Chester, as it averages 45 inches of precipitation every year.
Does it snow in Chester? Although rare, it also gets about 3 inches of snow every year. Therefore, you may want to consider investing in a pair of snow boots if you plan on living in Chester SC.
Things to Do in Chester
Even though it’s a quiet town, you’ll still find plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained while living in Chester SC. You’ll find plenty of local shops, restaurants, and fun things to do in Chester in the downtown area at Chester Commons, Broad River Mercantile, and Chester Crossing. Beyond stores and essential amenities, here are a few more options for the best things to do in Chester, SC.
Chester State Park
Chester State Park is a 500+ acre nature preserve located just outside the city limits, offering great opportunities for fishing, boating, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. It’s a great place for anyone living in Chester SC, who wants to spend time in nature.
788 State Park Rd, Chester, SC 29706 (803) 385-2680
Chester Transportation Museum
Housed in a renovated train depot, the Chester Transportation Museum is operated by the local historical society and features archives and exhibits on the evolution of transportation from early buggies to a 1916 Ford, making it one of the best things to do in Chester with kids.
157 Wylie St, Chester, SC 29706 (803) 385-2330
Chester Golf Club
The Chester Golf Club is a Russell Breeden-designed course featuring smooth greens and challenging fairways that hosts regular events and tournaments for golfers living in Chester SC.
770 Old Richburg Rd, Chester, SC 29706 (803) 581-5733
Additional Chester Attractions
For those seeking additional entertainment and recreational opportunities while living in Chester SC, the local Recreation Department offers a list of parks and public facilities and a community calendar on its website.
Chester Restaurants
Feeling hungry? You’ll be pleased to hear that there are many delicious restaurants in Chester, SC, serving a variety of dishes, from fried chicken to Mexican cuisine. Here are a few of the best catering and restaurants in Chester, SC.
Vinny’s Taste Of Italy Restaurant
Vinny’s is a laid-back Italian restaurant serving traditional dishes, wine, and homemade pasta and ravioli made with secret family recipes, making it one of the best restaurants in Chester, SC, for a weekend meal.
994 Old York Rd, Chester, SC 29706 (803) 377-7007
Sabor Latino Restaurant and Bar
Sabor Latino is a popular spot among locals living in Chester SC that serves authentic Mexican dishes, accompanied by beer, margaritas, and outdoor seating.
1631 J A Cochran Bypass Suite F, Chester, SC 29706 (803) 385-0774
Chicken Coop
Chicken Coop is a fast-casual chain with a location accessible to those living in Chester SC, serving southern classics like lemon pepper wings, seafood platters, and strawberry lemonade.
1844 J A Cochran Bypass, Chester, SC 29706 (803) 581-2000
Jobs in Chester
Job seekers moving to Chester will find stable employment opportunities. Its economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, and 46% of the private workforce in the county is employed in the industry. Chester County is home to over 500 manufacturing businesses across the industrial spectrum, including Giti Tire, a Singapore-based tire manufacturing business.
Transportation/warehousing, medical facilities, and construction also play a significant role in the local economy and employ many people living in Chester SC. The fastest growing industries providing jobs in Chester, SC include manufacturing (60% growth rate), professional, scientific, and tech services (41% growth rate), and information (31% growth rate).
Major employers providing Chester, SC jobs
- Boise Cascade
- E & J Gallo Winery
- Chester County School District
- Chester Telephone Company
- Saylor Management Group
Data from Payscale suggests that the average salary in Charlotte is $80,000. So those living in Chester SC can expect similar compensation. From warehouse associate to pharmacy cashier, there are countless Chester jobs available in a wide variety of careers. For those who prefer to work with the local government, Chester County offers additional job opportunities.
Chester Schools
Students living in Chester SC will attend schools in the Chester County School District. The school system serves approximately 5500 students across five elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools, one alternative school, one career center, and one adult education center.
Chester Park Elementary School campus serves students in grades pre-K through 5 living in Chester SC. It consists of three separate magnet-style schools on the same campus that offer specialized curricula that focus on different educational themes. They are:
- Chester Park Elementary School of the Arts: Emphasizes fine arts and gifted/talented instruction
- Chester Park Elementary Center of Literacy Through Technology: Centers on the integration of reading and tech
- Chester Park Elementary School of Inquiry: Focuses on inquiry-based learning and problem-solving
Students living in Chester SC in grades 6-8 primarily attend Chester Middle School, although the Academy for Teaching and Learning is also a K-8 charter school that ranks well in terms of test scores and academic programs.
Chester High School serves students in grades 9-12, and the Chester County Career Center also provides vocational programs for anyone living in Chester SC. Hawthorne Academy and Holy Place Christian Academy are two notable private schools in Chester. Residents moving to Chester are also welcome to stop by the Chester County Main Library for books and other media.
Chester Statistics & Information
- Chester County: Chester
- Chester area: 3.31 square miles
- Chester zip code: 29706
- Chester area code: 803 and 839
- Chester elevation: 541 ft
- Chester time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Chester: The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is 70 miles away.
Chester SC Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and things to do while living in Chester SC with this map.
Find Out What Living In Chester SC Is Really Like
Ready to see for yourself what living in Chester SC is really like? When it’s time to make the journey, you can trust the dedicated Chester SC movers at Make a Move for an easy, affordable moving day. Call (704) 378-8588 for a quote from the top Charlotte moving company.
