Small Massachusetts community offers seclusion and relaxation
Chester is a sparsely populated hillside community about 30 miles west of Springfield. Living out in the Massachusetts countryside appeals to those who want privacy, like “musicians who want quiet to write and play music where no one’s gonna’ hear ya’,” says Denise DeSellier, a Broker Associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices with over three decades of real estate experience. “My neighbor once had three bands playing outside and no one ever complained in Chester,” DeSellier says. “When you’re out there, you’re just vegging out.”
Homes are surrounded by thick forests with leaves that turn vivid colors in the fall. Four-season recreation here revolves around the forests, from hiking to cross-country skiing. This rural area requires a drive for major grocery hauls, but residents don’t have to go far for entertainment: the Chester Theatre Company produces highly regarded shows every summer. While some properties in the area are second homes, Chester’s laid-back atmosphere has turned a lot of those into primary residences, and the vast majority of those living here do so on a full-time basis. “These are year-round homes in Chester, not necessarily vacation homes,” DeSellier says.
Chester’s countryside dwellings
Sidewalks line streets in the center of the community, but Chester is generally too spread-out to be considered walkable or bikeable. Architectural styles here span the centuries, from Colonials to Cape Cods to contemporary styles. Many houses have decks or porches where homeowners can enjoy the peace and quiet from the comfort of a rocking chair. Some homes are clustered in the heart of Chester, and others sit out in the forest surrounded by trees. “There’s not a lot on the market out there, but it’s stable,” DeSellier says. Prices range from about $200,000 to $520,000. Buyers will also typically find that acreage is also for sale.
Arts, culture and community events in Chester
For a community of its size, Chester has a thriving theater scene. Known for contemporary theatre, The Chester Theater Company has presented summer shows since 1990, many of which have gone on to tour internationally and have an Off Broadway run. The venue is located across from the recently renovated Hamilton Memorial Library and near the Chester Railway Station & Museum, which invites overnight guests to rent out the wooden caboose. Additionally, the nearby Littleville Fair has been entertaining the area for over a century. Every August, this country fair features activities like truck pulls, raffles and square dancing.
Exploring the forests of northwest Hampden County
In Chester, four-season recreation revolves around the great outdoors. Amongst the forests, nature preserves and campgrounds, locals can choose from hiking trails of all difficulty levels. Chester-Blandford State Forest offers snowmobile trails and dog-friendly hiking trails that pass by a waterfall. The state forest is also a hub for mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, picnicking and cross-country skiing. John J. Kelly Wildlife Management Area is a prime spot for birdwatching. Chester Town Park has fields for soccer and baseball, and Hampden Street Park offers walking paths alongside tall trees and a babbling brook.
The public-school pipeline in Chester
Chester is zoned for the Gateway Regional School District, rated C-plus on Niche. Chester Elementary School, rated C-plus, has a student-to-teacher ratio of ten to one, lower than the national average. Students may advance to Gateway Regional Middle School, rated C, and Gateway Regional High School, rated C-plus. Students at the high school have the opportunity to participate in school-sponsored clubs that include performing arts, academic achievement and the annual yearbook, and they can play 10 different varsity-level sports.
Chester’s modest shopping and dining scene with more options in Westfield
Chester offers a very small selection of locally owned shops and restaurants. At Carm’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop, folks can enjoy brunch on the porch seven days a week. Chester Village Market has some essentials, but major grocery hauls require a 20-mile drive to Westfield, where the nearest supermarket, Stop & Shop, is located. Other shopping and dining options in Westfield include CVS, Walmart and watering holes like Westwood Restaurant and Pub.
Navigating the roads of Hampden County
Two-lane roads cut through dense trees, connecting Chester to the rest of Hampden County. Route 20 is the main road through the community, taking drivers into Springfield. Route 20 connects to Interstate 90, a toll road also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike. Chester is 40 miles from Bradley International Airport, and Baystate Noble Hospital is about a 30-minute drive away.
