Chester 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Retirees seeking a town in Eastern Virginia that features plenty of things to do will want to explore what Chester has to offer. The town offers serene natural areas, a living history museum, and a number of shops and restaurants. In addition, Chester is just a 20 minute drive from downtown Richmond, perfect for active adults who desire convenient access to city life.

Climate & Geography

The climate in Chester is classified as humid subtropical. Winters in Chester are more mild, with lows dropping down to the high 20s, and summers are hot and humid, with highs reaching the low 90s. As a result, Chester receives more rainfall than average and significantly less snowfall. The rainiest months in Chester are July through September.

Chester is situated on low-lying land, south of Richmond. Ashton Creek flows through Chester. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

A popular destination in Chester, Henricus Historical Park is a living history museum that allows visitors to experience what the Chester area was like in the 1600s. In addition, the park hosts several historic events throughout the year. 

Surrounding Henricus Historical Park is the Dutch Gap Conservation Area. The vast forested area offers activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing to retirees. Another destination for nature lovers in Chester is Point of Rocks. The park offers walking trails that provide residents with a serene space to enjoy the outdoors.

Several shopping and dining opportunities are offered to Chester residents down Jefferson Davis Highway. Downtown Richmond is also a short drive away, making it easy for active adults to enjoy vibrant city life at their leisure.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Chester is below the state and national averages. Grocery, health care, and transportation costs in Chester are all lower than average, while utility and housing costs are slightly above average.

Sales tax in Chester is lower than average, at 5.3 percent, and Social Security is not taxed in Virginia. Income tax can range from 2 percent to 5.75 percent.

Health Care

While there are no hospitals in Chester, nearby Hopewell offers John Randolph Medical Center. VCU Medical Center, located in Richmond, is ranked the No. 5 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News. The hospital is rated as high performing in four specialties and four procedures and conditions.