Relaxed living between Charlotte and Columbia in Chester
Chester has a small-town atmosphere between Columbia and Charlotte. This South Carolina community of just over 5,000 people has cozy suburban housing options, a charming downtown with locally owned businesses and restaurants, and an expansive state park – all just minutes from Interstate 77. "It's really just the quality of life here, I'm finding we're attracting quite a number of younger people. They're moving here because you can get a home that's less expensive with more square footage for your money than you can in Fort Mill or Rock Hill," says Debra Singleton, founder and broker-in-charge at New Chester Realty, who lived in Chester for 25 years. "And the people are just so wonderful. That was part of the draw for us."
Ranch-style and New Traditional homes in Chester
Many homes in the area were built in the mid- to late-20th century, with popular styles including cottages and red-brick ranch-style houses. These typically sell for between $100,000 and $270,000, though homes needing total renovations can sell for less, and properties on several acres of land can sell for more. On the outskirts of town, newer subdivisions have Craftsman-inspired and New Traditional properties with two-car garages. "The new construction by the interstate makes it easier for younger folks to commute to Charlotte," Singleton says. These houses usually sell for between $275,000 and $350,000.
Downtown has restaurants and businesses
Singleton notes that while Chester is still quieter than suburbs like Rock Hill and Fort Mill, a bit closer to Charlotte, the downtown area has grown. "There's more to do there than when I moved there," she says. "I get a couple calls a day asking if there are buildings for sale or lease downtown. That's good to hear. There's area for entrepreneurship." Downtown, locals can swing by Stoplight Ice Cream & Deli for a cone or chat with neighbors over a sandwich or burger at Gene's Restaurant. Other boutiques and storefronts also line Gadsden Street. On the east side of town, state Highway 72 is lined with chain restaurants and grocers like Food Lion and Walmart.
Public and private schooling options in Chester County
Elementary students in the area may attend the Chester Park School of the Arts, which has a C-plus rating from Niche. Students continue to Chester Middle School and Chester High School, which both earn C ratings. The high school's extracurriculars include pickleball, chess, Filipino language, computer engineering and jazz clubs. Private schooling options nearby include Hawthorne Christian Academy, which has an A-minus Niche score and serves kindergarten through 12th grade.
Chester has a state park, golf course and several town parks
At Chester State Park, visitors can spot wildlife while walking across the lake's footbridge or paddling on the water. The area also has campgrounds, a disc golf course and miles of trails. "The state park is right there in town, and it's a very well-kept secret," Singleton says. Nearby, the semi-private Chester Golf Club has 18 challenging holes across water features and sand pits along tree-lined fairways. Families can also get outside at the Chester Sports Complex and other town parks.
Community events in downtown Chester
Downtown Chester also hosts community events like the Chester County Farmer and Artisan Market each Saturday, and the HILLarity-Fall Fest each October. The Chester Downtown Development Association helps host this annual festival, which features street vendors and entertainers, food trucks and games for families to enjoy. The town also gathers each year for the Chester Spring Fair. Over several days at the Joe Collins Stadium and Fairgrounds, families ride carnival rides, play games and peruse the food booths serving snow cones, funnel cake and more treats.
Commuting to Charlotte and Columbia
Drivers can get to either Charlotte or Columbia in about an hour on Interstate 77. Charlotte is also home to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina's largest airport. For medical care, MUSC Health Chester Medical Center is on the town's outskirts, and the larger Piedmont Medical Center is 25 miles northeast.
Stormwater management in Chester
Some properties in Chester have experienced flooding and drainage issues. In 2025, the city received a $250,000 grant for a stormwater study that could lead to drainage improvements like clearing out backed-up culverts.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
