2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Elmira, NY vs Chester, VA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Chester older or younger than people in Elmira?
- The Median Age in Chester is 2.6 years older than in Elmira.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chester or Elmira?
- Chester housing costs are 246.2% more expensive than Elmira housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chester or Elmira?
- The average commute for residents of Chester is 5.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Elmira.

Things to do in Elmira?
Elmira, NY is a city located in Chemung County and is the only incorporated city in the county. With a population of approximately 28,000 people, Elmira offers numerous activities to its residents from its natural parks to its historic neighborhoods. You can explore several local attractions such as the Mark Twain Study at Quarry Farm or take a ride on the Chemung Valley Heritage Expedition train. The banks of the Chemung River also provide a picturesque view while hosting many outdoor events like Elmira Wine Walk and Jazz Festival throughout the year. Plus, with several shopping malls, golf courses and local cuisine, there's something for everyone in this vibrant town.

Things to do in Chester?
Chester is an historic city located on the south bank of the James River near Richmond, Virginia. It has a rich history spanning centuries that includes both the Civil War and Revolutionary War eras. The city offers all sorts of attractions such as parks and museums where visitors can learn about its past or take part in outdoor recreation opportunities. There are also many delicious restaurants to enjoy while visiting Chester.

 Elmira, NYChester, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,512329,725,481
 Median Income$41,675  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$95,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.5  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Elmira    10 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Elmira looks like the armpit of the earth. What happened? This could be gorgeous and has such potential. Heck, you've got Mark Twain's grave here, in a historic  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

I have been living in elmira for 17 years and it is a great place to live i feel safe almost all the time i run the streets with my friends, go hiking, bike riding there  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

JUST NEEDED TO SAY THAT ELMIRA IS A DISGUSTING HOLE IN THE WORLD AND ITS RUN BY WILD MONKEES THAT ARE RUDE , DISGUSTING , ILLITERATE AND FILTHY PEOPLE THAT SHOW NO  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Elmira

Reviews for Chester    6 Reviews

I just recently discovered a little suburb of Richmond, called Chester. Yes, it is small and not much going on in that area - but if you want a peaceful area to live -  More

   |    Reply

I grew up in Chester and it really isn't a bad place to live if you like living in a very populated area. It has great schools, low crime, easy access to both Richmond  More

   |    Reply

Chester, because of its location midway between Richmond, VA and Petersburg, VA, was once just a train station. With residential growth in affluent Chesterfield County  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Chester


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.