Is Chester (Chester Township) safe?
Chester Township, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Chester (Chester Township) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Chester (Chester Township)
“Go with care. Chester Township offers a quiet, predominantly residential suburban pocket, but its immediate border with the economically distressed City of Chester results in spillover property and occasional violent crime. Visitors passing through for local events or community visits will generally experience no issues during daylight hours, but situational awareness is recommended after dark.”
About the area
Chester Township is a small, primarily residential municipality in Delaware County bordering the historic city of Chester. It features mid-century single-family homes, local strip retail, and easy access to major regional corridors like I-95 and Route 322.
- Car-Dependent
- Residential Pocket
- Working-Class
- Suburban Fringe
Walking and biking in Chester (Chester Township)
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no bike-share system in Chester Township, and dedicated bicycle infrastructure is virtually absent; cyclists must share high-speed roadways lacking shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily quiet, established residential subdivisions with modest single-family homes
- Direct highway access to I-95, Route 322, and the Commodore Barry Bridge
- Lower violent crime frequency than the adjacent City of Chester proper
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle break-in rates remain elevated relative to national suburban averages
- Limited commercial dining, cultural amenities, and pedestrian-oriented infrastructure
- Significant economic vulnerability with below-average regional median household incomes
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within Chester Township's residential subdivisions, though occasional individuals experiencing homelessness or panhandling are seen near commercial retail strips on major arterial borders.
What Chester (Chester Township) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and functional as residents commute and local school buses run along residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons see steady traffic on major arteries like Concord Road, feeling generally safe for driving and running errands.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are quiet in residential cul-de-sacs, though caution is advised in commercial parking lots and along border avenues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are sparse and dimly lit; walking alone is not recommended due to sporadic opportunistic crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by SEPTA via bus routes 114 and 117 connecting to local transit hubs. The nearest regional rail station is Chester Transportation Center on the Wilmington/Newark Line, located about 2 miles southeast.
Street parking in residential neighborhoods is ample and free, while strip malls and local businesses provide dedicated off-street surface parking lots at no charge.
Things to do in Chester (Chester Township)
- Visit Eyre Park for neighborhood sports fields and open green space
- Explore the nearby historic sites and waterfront park at Subaru Park in adjacent Chester
- Attend local youth sports and community events at the Chester Township Municipal Park
Local favorites
- Nino's Italian Kitchen · Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria · 4.4★ (230)Longstanding local eatery serving classic cheesesteaks, hoagies, and traditional pizza.
- Linwood Market · Delicatessen & Grocer · 4.2★ (115)Neighborhood convenience deli known for made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and quick provisions.
- A-OK Flea Market · Flea Market · 4.1★ (310)Vibrant indoor and outdoor weekend market featuring antiques, discount goods, and collectibles.
Neighborhoods near Chester (Chester Township)
Common questions about Chester (Chester Township)
Is Chester (Chester Township) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Chester (Chester Township) a good place to live?
On safety, Chester (Chester Township) scores 52/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Chester (Chester Township)?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Chester (Chester Township) are safer?
Brookhaven (PA) (84), Twin Oaks (Upper Chichester) (78), Parkside (PA) (76) score higher nearby.
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