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Chester, PA

Frequently asked questions

Chester City, PA

Chester is a city in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area (also known as the Delaware Valley) on the western bank of the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. The population of Chester was 32,605 at the 2020 census.

Incorporated in 1682, Chester is the oldest city in Pennsylvania and was the location of William Penn's first arrival in the Province of Pennsylvania. It was the county seat for Chester County from 1682 to 1788 and of Delaware County from 1789 to 1851.

From the second half of the 19th century through the first half of the 20th century, the city was a major center of heavy industry, manufacturing, and shipping. The city became a boom town during World War I and World War II. The availability of employment in factories, dock work, and shipbuilding attracted immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe and African-American migrants from southern states. Since the mid-20th century, it has lost most of its manufacturing base and has struggled as a post-industrial city dealing with crime, pollution, and poverty.

The city is home to Widener University, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, the Chester Waterside Station, the William Penn Landing Site, and Philadelphia's Major League Soccer team, the Philadelphia Union, whose home stadium, Subaru Park, is located in Chester.

Chester borders on (clockwise from southwest to northeast) Trainer Borough, Upper Chichester Township, Chester Township, Upland Borough, Parkside Borough, Brookhaven Borough, Nether Providence Township, Ridley Township, and Eddystone Borough in Pennsylvania. Chester is bordered to the south by the Delaware River. The city has a total area of 6.0 square miles (15.6 km²), 4.8 square miles (12.5 km²) of which is land and 1.2 square miles (3.0 km²) of which (19.42%) is water, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Chester Creek meets the Delaware River in Chester. Chester's northeastern border is at Ridley Creek. The Port of Chester is located in Chester along the Delaware River.

Chester places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Chester County Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Q Fitness and Planet Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For sports enthusiasts, Spooky Nook Sports provides extensive facilities for various activities. At Fountain Springs Wellness Spa, guests can indulge in top-notch treatments. Yoga practitioners can find peace and flexibility at Be & Breathe Yoga, offering classes for all levels.

Top sites in Chester City, PA include the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center, Natural Lands' Stroud Preserve, and Longwood Gardens.

Population: 33,449 (2022). Elevation: 20 feet (6 meters). Area: 6.0 square miles (15.5 km²). ZIP Code: 19013. Area code: 610, 484

FAQs

What is Chester, PA known for?

Chester, Pennsylvania's cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. Chester's housing expenses are 45% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 12% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 9% higher than the national average. Chester has grocery prices that are 17% higher than the national average. Healthcare in Chester is 3% lower than the national average.

What is Chester, PA famous for?

The city is home to Widener University, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, the Chester Waterside Station, the William Penn Landing Site, and Philadelphia's Major League Soccer team, the Philadelphia Union, whose home stadium, Subaru Park, is located in Chester.

Is Chester, PA good place to live?

Chester is in Delaware County. Living in Chester offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Chester, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families live in Chester and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

City of Chester

Wikipedia

Niche

Payscale

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center

Natural Lands' Stroud Preserve

Longwood Gardens

Chester County Hospital

Crozer-Chester Medical Center

Q Fitness

Planet Fitness

Spooky Nook Sports

Fountain Springs Wellness Spa

Be & Breathe Yoga

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.