Relaxed community 20 miles south of Richmond, Virginia
Once a stop along the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, Chester is now a laid-back place about 20 miles south of Richmond, Virginia. Life moves a little slower in this Chesterfield County community of about 23,000 residents, and folks like it that way. Homes on large lots sit in subdivisions where roads weave past mature trees, and residents drive at least 10 minutes to the grocery store. Chester is less than 10 miles from Pocahontas State Park and Dutch Gap Conservation Area, two sprawling outdoor spaces with hiking trails through dense forest. “In the past few years, the desirability of Chester has really increased,” says Jacquelyn Waters, Realtor with Neumann & Dunn Real Estate, who has sold numerous homes in the area. “They’ve added a lot of retail areas, especially right there in the heart of Chester, and more are coming.”
Find your new home in Chester, VA!
Life moves a little slower in Chester, and locals like it that way.
Chester embraces its long storied railroad history.
Pocahontas State Park near Chester has a boat ramp and beautiful lakes to explore.
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Homes on spacious lots
Homes in Chester are tucked back on large lots ranging from a quarter-acre to an acre. Colonial Revivals, split-level and ranch-style houses sit on quiet, secluded streets. Landscaping is often tidy, featuring mature trees and enough grassy space between neighbors to create a sense of privacy. Although many residential roads in Chester lack curbs or sidewalks, they don’t see much through-traffic, making this a safe place for family bike rides or evening walks. “For the longest time, Chester was extremely affordable, so now, even though prices have gone up, it’s still a good, desirable area for first-time homebuyers,” says Waters. “The price point remains considerably lower than other areas.” Prices range from $250,000 to $575,000, although a few subdivisions with custom builds see prices in the $800,000 to $1 million range. Waters adds that the market is competitive. “The inventory has come up slightly, but there is just too little overall for the number of buyers we have,” she says. “If the house is priced right, it’s still going to have a multiple-offer situation.”
Ranch style homes are the most common in Chester starting at the low $200,000s.
Split Level homes in Chester sit on large lots.
Colonial Revival homes in Chester sit on quiet streets with tidy lawns.
Most homes in Chester offer competitive pricing for the Richmond area.
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Something to do during every season
Chester has all four seasons. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures averaging between 30 and 50 degrees. When snow and ice occur, they usually don’t stick around for long. Spring brings moderate temperatures, usually ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and is often accompanied by rain. Summers are hot and humid, with highs in the 80s and 90s, accompanied by thunderstorms, especially during late summer afternoons. Autumn is cool and crisp, bringing vibrant foliage. Temperatures fall to the 70s in early fall and the 50s around November.
Locals can get outside at the area’s multiple outdoor spaces. Next to Ecoff Elementary School, Goyne Park spans nearly 50 acres. Youth sports leagues play on open fields, children enjoy the playground and people walk their dogs on numerous trails. The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course and a dog park. In the summer, families head to the Chester Recreational Association, where kids play in the splash pad, teens join the swim team, folks challenge each other in tennis and friends picnic at the gazebo. Pocahontas State Park is about 7 miles west of Chester and features 90 miles of trails weaving through woodlands, three lakes that allow boating and fishing, camping areas, an amphitheater that hosts a summertime concert series and more. Along the James River and just east of Chester is the nearly 800-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area. It’s best known for its rich biodiversity, including wetlands, forests and river habitats, and features a 4.5-mile trail with views of the water and surrounding landscape. Chester also offers indoor recreation options, from knocking down pins at Holidays Bowl and movies at the Cinema Café to pickup basketball at the Chester Family YMCA and live performances at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education.
Goyne Park in Chester has a fantastic playground, sports fields, and a dog park!
Chester locals head to Holidays Bowl for some competitive fun.
Goyne Park in Chester has the best dog park in South Richmond.
Pocahontas State Park, just 15 minutes from Chester, has more than 90 miles of trail for users of all skill levels.
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Chesterfield County Public Schools offer specialty programs
Chester is zoned for Chesterfield County Public Schools, a district that receives a B-plus from Niche. Many of the county’s high schools have specialty programs. Students can apply to a school they aren’t zoned for during the fall of their eighth-grade year and, if admitted, receive an education with a special focus in one area, like math and science or leadership, in addition to their regular coursework. Students can also apply to the city of Richmond’s Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology or Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies. Brightpoint Community College is also in Chester. It offers over 80 majors and has guaranteed admissions agreements with over 35 colleges.
C.E. Curtis Elementary, the home of the Koala's in Chester.
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School is available for Chester students to attend.
Students in Chester can apply to Richmond’s Appomattox Regional Governor’s School.
The campus of Brightpoint Community College is right in Chester and offers 80 majors.
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Commerce along Route 1 and major employers
“You don’t really have to leave Chester for anything,” Waters says. U.S. Route 1 is the area’s main commercial corridor and is lined with big-box stores, restaurants and services. At the Breckinridge Shopping Center, there’s a Kroger grocery store, Ulta Beauty, PetSmart and more. On the other side of the street, locals will find Target, Hobby Lobby and other big-box stores and fast-casual restaurants. Along West Hundred Road, Chester Village is Chester’s take on a modern mixed-use facility, with contemporary apartments atop shops and restaurants, sidewalks and small, pedestrian-friendly green spaces. Here, people can shop at the local boutique She Chester, dine at Don Papa Grande Mexican Restaurant and other eateries or spend an afternoon at the Chester Library.
Some of the area’s largest employers include the Chesterfield County School Board, Chester-based Amazon Fulfillment Services and the County of Chesterfield, each with over 1,000 employees. The healthcare sector is also prominent, with HCA Virginia Health System and Bon Secours among the top employers. In the manufacturing and logistics sector, DuPont and UPS employ many Chester residents.
With a Kroger, Target, and Walmart close by, your grocery needs are easily met in Chester!
The Kroger Market on US 1 is in the middle of the commercial corridor in Chester.
Live your life in Chester in style, with a locally owned coffee shop just steps away from your future apartment or condo!
A major employer with over 1,000 employees in Chester is the Amazon Fulfillment Services.
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What’s happening at the Chester Village Green
Across from the library, The Chester Village Green hosts small events throughout the year. Every Saturday from May to September, vendors sell fresh produce, artisan goods and prepared foods at the Chester Farmers Market. When the leaves start to change, the ChesterFest fall festival at Falling Creek Middle School brings all kinds of seasonal fun, from apple cider donuts to blow-up obstacle courses for kids.
Getting around Chester
While many people move to Chester for a sense of seclusion, it has access to many major roadways that lead throughout the Richmond area. Virginia State route 288 runs along the western part of the community, leading through Midlothian, about 21 miles northwest, and into Short Pump, about 35 miles northwest. U.S. route 1 also runs through Chester and connects with U.S. route 301, which leads to downtown Richmond, about 15 miles north. The Greater Richmond Transit bus runs along Route 1. To leave Chester and travel elsewhere, the Richmond International Airport is about 17 miles northeast.
From Chester, Route 1 turns into Route 301 which will take your directly into Richmond.
Both Route 288 and Interstate 95 are easily accessible from Chester.
Chester has easy access to Route 288 and I95.
The GRTC has easy access from Chester to the greater Richmond area.
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Crime
In 2023, there were approximately 138 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and 1,196 property crimes per 100,000 residents in Chesterfield County. These numbers are lower than the national average of 364 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and 1,917 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Photography Contributed By
Alicia Helm
Video By
Barry Ridgeway
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Hughes,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Chester, VA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Chester, VA over the last 12 months is $391,612, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 5707 Stephens Point Court, a beautifully updated two-story home tucked away at the back of a cul-de-sac, offering privacy, community, and lake views from the second floor. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features 2,341 square foot on an acre-plus lot. The welcoming foyer opens to hardwood floors that flow through the formal dining room, living room, and office/sitting area. The dining
QUICK MOVE-IN – READY IN SEPTEMBER! Enjoy all the benefits of a new construction home without the wait. This price includes nearly $10,000 of upgrades – including upgraded Downing Duraform Espresso cabinetry, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout the first floor, granite countertops, and additional LED lighting throughout the home. Plus – enjoy additional incentives through NVR Mortgage.
MOST PRIVATE LOCATION IN THE COMMUNITY! Your home backs up to trees, offering tons of privacy in your own backyard. Welcome to Wrexham Townes – Chesterfield’s Newest Garage Townhome Community! Discover the perfect blend of modern living, affordability, and convenience at Wrexham Townes, a brand-new, maintenance-free townhome community conveniently located off Route10 in Chesterfield County.
Experience the Picasso plan, a luxury townhome-style condo with over 2,200 sq ft designed and functioning like a single-family home. This multi-level residence features an open floor plan ideal for entertaining, a chef’s kitchen with oversized island, quartz counters, stainless appliances, and durable LVP flooring. The great room, with 9' ceilings, opens to a covered porch suitable for outdoor
Finest Estate in Chester. Situated on 10 acres hidden in the middle of Chester in the exclusive private neighborhood of Ashton Creek. This Tuder style custom home, built by Leon Reynolds, features exquisite woodwork and a wonderful layout. The entrance foyer has a grand staircase and leads to an easy flowing floor plan that is perfect for entertaining. Huge rooms include a large kitchen with
IN THE HEART OF CHESTER ~ ~ MOTIVATED SELLER MAKES MAJOR PRICE ADJUSTMENT ~ ~ This classic all-brick home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a detached 1.5 car(18'x22')garage, along with an incredible backyard entertaining space designed for relaxing and gathering with friends and family ~ Step outside to the expansive 30'x 36' stamped concrete patio featuring a 16'x20' covered area and a fully
Set within Hidden Valley Estates, 4013 Cresthill offers a rare combination that is becoming increasingly difficult to find: a thoughtfully renovated home on a spacious lot with no HOA, tucked into an established Chesterfield neighborhood just minutes from Downtown Richmond. The curb appeal immediately stands out with its white painted brick exterior, black shutters, classic dormers, fresh
6641 and 6625 Greenyard Rd. are being sold together. These lots are located on the corner of a roadway leading directly into the bustling Kroger shopping center. The lots are zoned 02 and have endless potential. There are various businesses located around these lots, such as medical offices, storage facilities, restaurants, financial institutions, grocery stores, and gas stations.
Cozy villa conveniently located in the heart of Chester with easy access to shopping, employment, I-95 and 288. Close to great Chesterfield County Schools. Large partiallly fenced back yard with 10 x 16 storage shed. Completely updated with new kitchen cabinets and countertops, plumbing fixtures and tile floors in kitchen and bath, new doors and hardware, refinished floors, newer roof and heat
Timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship define this custom-built residence filled with warm character and Colonial Williamsburg architectural detail. Arrive via the pea gravel driveway with cobblestone edging, leading to a brick paver walkway and multi-tiered brick front patio entrance. Exterior features include: HardiePlank siding with dental molding, custom Williamsburg-style front door
Wonderful quality built colonial on an acre and a quarter in a sought after neighborhood. 5 bedrooms including one that could be a separate suite. Hardwood floors in all rooms on the firstfloor and primary bedroom. New LVT flooring in the other 3 bedrooms. The comfortable family room opens to the breakfast and kitchen area for good traffic flow on the first floor. Large Primary bedroom has it's
Welcome to easy, move-in ready living in the desirable Mount Blanco on the James section of Meadowville Landing in Chester, VA. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a fresh start with brand new paint, carpet, and kitchen appliances—making it a solid choice for buyers looking for a clean slate they can make their own. The main level features a functional layout with a dedicated first-floor office,
Welcome to 5707 Stephens Point Court, a beautifully updated two-story home tucked away at the back of a cul-de-sac, offering privacy, community, and lake views from the second floor. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features 2,341 square foot on an acre-plus lot. The welcoming foyer opens to hardwood floors that flow through the formal dining room, living room, and office/sitting area. The dining
Spacious Design with Multigenerational Living OptionsThe Florence is more than a floor plan it s a home designed to bring generations together. With 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a 3-car garage, and over 3,100 sq ft, it offers space for everyone to feel at home. On the lower floor, a private Gen Suite with its own living area and bath creates the perfect setting for grandparents, extended family, or
Welcome to 4325 Poplar Village Dr in Poplar Village! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home built in 2025, offers 2,258 square feet of comfortable living space with an open and functional floor plan designed for everyday living and entertaining. A double-width driveway, concrete walkway along landscaped beds, and covered front stoop with decorative iron railings create inviting curb
Discover the space and versatility this newly renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home has to offer. With over 2,100 square feet of living space, the thoughtfully designed floor plan includes a formal living room, an inviting great room with a fireplace, a huge bright Florida room, and a dedicated office/bedroom that provides flexibility for today's lifestyle. The eat-in kitchen features abundant cabinet
Luxury living awaits at The Jane at Moore's Lake, where brand-new 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments offer a refined blend of modern design and everyday functionality. Thoughtfully designed interiors feature high ceilings and in-home washers and dryers, creating spaces that are as comfortable as they are sophisticated. Set within a resort-style community, The Jane at Moore's Lake is designed to
Experience modern comfort and refined living at Madison Ironbridge, where thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom apartments bring style and convenience to the heart of Chester, Virginia. Each home features open-concept layouts, upgraded finishes, bright interiors, and contemporary design—creating a space that feels both elevated and effortless. Whether you're seeking a cozy one-bedroom home
Just off the I-95/Route 10 interchange in the center of Chester is White Oak Luxury Apartments. White Oak offers exceptional features and unmatched amenities so that you can enjoy an upscale, relaxed lifestyle. Our one, two and three bedroom floor plans include granite countertops, designer cabinetry, expansive 10-foot ceilings, and washers and dryers in every home.
Welcome to The River, Chester's newest destination for elevated apartment living. Nestled within the Meadowville Technology Park, our brand-new apartments in Chester, VA offer a seamless blend of modern comfort and natural charm. Just minutes from Richmond and surrounded by major employers like LEGO, and Amazon. The River is perfectly positioned for those who value both convenience and
The Station epitomizes modern urban-inspired living at its finest while embracing the historical significance of the community. Our brand new one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes provide room to relax, alongside curated amenity spaces designed to entertain family and friends. Ideally located in Chester, Virginia, just minutes outside of Richmond, The Station is close to the area’s best
Garden Springs is a pet-friendly, gated apartment community in Chester, VA offering 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes. Each residence features 9-foot ceilings with ceiling fans, fully equipped kitchens with dishwasher and microwave, full-size washers and dryers, walk-in closets, deluxe baths with Roman soaking tubs, private balconies, and cozy breakfast rooms. Select homes include fireplaces and
Discover the charm of modern living at Festival Park, a thoughtfully designed apartment community nestled in the heart of downtown Chester, Virginia. Here, vibrant living meets timeless appeal, offering residents the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and connection.With spacious layouts, modern finishes, and walkable access to local shops and restaurants, every aspect of
Located on 26 acres and nestled among towering redwood trees, Ashton Creek is a peaceful rental community in Chester, Virginia. Ashton Creek is conveniently located just minutes from I-95, Highway 144, and the greater Richmond area's many elegant restaurants and premier shopping hubs.Featuring one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes with spacious floor plans, and private patios/balconies,
EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT IN A HOME Experience the lifestyle at Rivermont Crossing—where luxury meets convenience. Relax by one of our two resort-style saltwater pools, stay active in our 24-hour fitness studio with advanced PRECOR equipment, and enjoy peace of mind with 24-hour emergency maintenance. It's like joining a country club and calling it home! Host a cookout with friends and family on
Curled around a beautiful 24-acre lake. Waterside at Ironbridge features one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Every apartment has a washer and dryer. Select homes are equipped with wood-burning fireplaces, 14-foot vaulted ceilings, and balconies or patios with extra-large storage spaces. Residents enjoy our 24-hour fitness center and two tennis courts, a large swimming pool, sundeck and wading
Find classic American luxury at River Forest, offering the perfect ambiance for your new home in Chester just outside of Richmond, VA. Settle into your spacious 1 or 2 bedroom apartment home with ample room thanks to nine foot ceilings, open floor plans and plenty of storage space including walk-in closets in select units. Savor cozy nights by the fireplace, beautiful outdoor landscaping during
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