2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Gainesville, FL vs Chester, VA

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Highlights
Are people in Chester older or younger than people in Gainesville?
- The Median Age in Chester is 11.6 years older than in Gainesville.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chester or Gainesville?
- Chester housing costs are 21.9% more expensive than Gainesville housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chester or Gainesville?
- The average commute for residents of Chester is 6.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Gainesville.

Things to do in Gainesville?
Gainesville, Florida is a lively city in Alachua County. Home to the University of Florida, this city is known for its vibrant college town atmosphere. With plenty of shops and restaurants along bustling downtown streets and nearby outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking at Paynes Prairie State Park, there's no shortage of things to do here. Gainesville also has great schools and universities, as well as several parks where visitors can take in the beauty of nature. Whether you're looking for an exciting night out or a peaceful afternoon in nature, Gainesville is sure to have something for everyone.

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.

 Gainesville, FLChester, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,512329,725,481
 Median Income$40,937  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$271,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.71  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Gainesville    60 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I've lived here most of my life. It's changed a lot, and a lot of the locals don't like it. Because it's home to one of the largest universities in the country, we see a  More

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Lovely diverse city! People is nice and there is always something to do. Outdoors activities are awesome! The springs are beautiful and there are plenty of hiking  More

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Gainesville has the highest taxes and electrical rates in the state. The city is run by a bunch of liberals who have no idea what they are doing. Crime and homelessness  More

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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

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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

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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

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