Why Live in Chester
Chester-Flanders, located less than 50 miles from New York City, offers a rural lifestyle with urban amenities nearby. The area is known for its rolling farmlands, some historic and some still active, and a charming downtown showcasing 19th-century architecture. Homes in Chester-Flanders are typically large, often with four or more bedrooms, and sit on spacious, wooded lots. Styles range from Colonial Revivals to ranch-style and split-level homes, with larger custom estates on multiple acres. The Chester School District serves the area, with highly rated schools including Dickerson School, Bragg School, Black River Middle School, and West Morris Central High, known for its strong athletic programs.
Residents enjoy numerous outdoor activities, with options for fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Black River County Park and Chester Furnace Historic Site offer scenic trails, while Flanders Valley Golf Course provides a public golf course and event space. The historic Cooper Gristmill at Black River County Park is a notable attraction. Main Street features boutique shopping and dining, including Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor, Fresco Mexican, and PH Steakhouse. For groceries, the Shop Rite shopping center and local farms like Alstede Farms and Stony Hills Farm Market provide fresh produce and essentials.
Chester-Flanders is well-connected via U.S. Route 206, Interstate 80, Interstate 78, and I-287, with train and bus services facilitating easy commutes to NYC. The community also hosts annual events such as the Chester Harvest Festival and Chester Spring Craft Show, adding to the list of things to do in the area. Safety in Chester-Flanders is comparable to the national average, making it a practical choice for families seeking rural charm and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chester a good place to live?
Chester is a good place to live. Chester is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Chester is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Chester has 12 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.2 people per acre and a median age of 46. The average household income is $193,843 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 69.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Chester are home owners, with 10.1% of residents renting and 89.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Chester can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Chester neighborhood guide.
Is Chester, NJ a safe neighborhood?
Chester, NJ is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Chester?
The median home price in Chester is $968,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $193,700 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.75%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $5,030 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $216K a year to afford the median home price in Chester. The average household income in Chester is $194K.
What are the best public schools in Chester?
The best public schools that serve Chester are:
What are the best private schools in Chester?
The best private schools that serve Chester are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Chester, Chester, NJ?
Are home prices dropping in Chester?
Yes, home prices in Chester are down 1% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Chester, NJ
On average, homes in Chester, NJ sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Chester, NJ over the last 12 months is $925,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$925,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$980,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$343
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Last 12 months Home Sales
111
Median List Price
$968,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%
