2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Madison, VA vs Chester, VA

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Highlights
Are people in Chester older or younger than people in Madison?
- The Median Age in Chester is 1.8 years younger than in Madison.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chester or Madison?
- Chester housing costs are 1.8% more expensive than Madison housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chester or Madison?
- The average commute for residents of Chester is 6.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Madison.

Things to do in Madison?
Living in Madison, VA is a delightful experience. The small town atmosphere offers a quiet, relaxing lifestyle where the locals are friendly and welcoming. There are numerous trails for walking and biking, beautiful parks to explore, and nearby rivers and lakes for swimming or fishing. The town also has great restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping to enjoy. Madison is surrounded by stunning natural beauty so there's plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore its wonders. In addition to the attractions within the city itself, there are several nearby cities that offer an even wider selection of activities. From hiking to historical sites, theater performances to art galleries, Madison has it all!

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.

 Madison, VAChester, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,512329,725,481
 Median Income$40,417  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$325,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.46  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Madison    0 Reviews

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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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