10 Best Independent Living Communities in Chester, PA

Learn More About Independent Living in Chester, PA

This riverside Pennsylvania suburb offers easy access to daily resources including shopping centers, health care facilities, and senior transportation. Chester’s proximity to Philadelphia’s big-city attractions provides countless opportunities for adventure and entertainment, but the town maintains its quieter, welcoming feel to create a peaceful environment for residents.

Independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — in Chester are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of Chester retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in Chester, PA

The median monthly cost of independent living in the state of Pennsylvania is around $2,600. To learn more about the cost of independent living in Chester, contact A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors.

Learn More About Chester, PA

Cost of Living

The total household expenses associated with living in Chester are rated three points below the national average. Grocery and other essential costs are also rated slightly lower than the average.

Index Scores

All index scores are based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates that the cost is twice as expensive as the national average, while a score of 50 indicates that the cost is half as expensive.

Household Expenses	Health Care	Insurance	Entertainment	Groceries	Clothing
97	92	86	98	97	95

Income and Housing

Median Income Age 45-64	Median Income Age 65+	Median Household Income	Average Individual Income	Median Employee Salary	Average Property Tax	One-bedroom Apartment Gross Rent Estimate
$31,557 per year	$29,039 per year	$28,232 per year	$14,733 per year	$42,271 per year	$202 per year	$1,003 per month

Local Hospitals

The top hospitals that service Chester include:

Crozer-Chester Medical Center

• Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
• Bed count: 450+
• Specialties: emergency department, ICU, kidney transplant

Riddle Memorial Hospital

• Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
• Bed count: 220+
• Specialties: emergency department, ICU, joint replacement

Weather and Climate

Chester’s climate is classified as humid continental, meaning the area experiences hot, humid summers and generally cold winters. The average humidity level is 64%, and humidity levels are often highest during September at about 68%.

Seasonal Temperatures

January Average	January Maximum	January Minimum
34°F	40°F	28°F

July Average	July Maximum	July Minimum
79°F	88°F	70°F

Air Quality

• Relative Air Quality Index: 95

This index is based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the presence of air pollutants than the national average, while a score of 50 indicates half the presence.

Precipitation

• Average annual precipitation: 41″

Demographics and Values

Population Statistics

Median Age	Percent of Population Over 65	Population	Population Density	Average Household Size
32	12.5%	33,544	6,932 per square mile	2.6

Race & Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native	Asian	Black	Hispanic or Latino	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	White (not Hispanic or Latino)
0.3%	0.6%	68.9%	11.6%	<0.1%	3.7%	17.1%

These figures were taken from the most recent U.S. Census.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

These scores were taken from the 2020 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

• Non-discrimination laws in Philadelphia: 30/30
• Overall inclusivity: 100/100

2020 Presidential Election Results for Chester County

Democratic	Republican	Other
58.0%	40.9%	1.1%

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

Historic sites and outdoor attractions in Chester include:

• Chester County Courthouse
• Martin Luther King Park
• Ridley Creek State Park

Chester’s top entertainment destinations and shopping districts are:

• MJ Freed Performing Arts Theater
• South Chester Market Place

Transportation

Chester County’s Aging Shared Ride Program allows senior citizens to access countywide paratransit services Monday through Friday. Taxis and rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are also available in Chester.