Moving to Chester: Area guide for homebuyers
Thinking of moving to Chester or the surrounding area? There are a great many reasons to consider a move to this beautiful part of North West England.
Located in the county of Cheshire, Chester is a very attractive city; its cathedral is one of the North West’s most popular tourist attractions. One of the best-preserved walled cities in England, Chester was founded as a Roman fort in the year 79 AD when it was known as Deva Victrix.
Chester Racecourse is Britain’s oldest sporting venue and is in continual use to this day.
Chester has a rich history, but what is it like to live in Chester today? The short answer is lovely. Here’s what you need to know if you are considering moving to Chester.
Living in Chester
Chester has a long and interesting history. This is visible in the many historic buildings that have been well-preserved throughout the city. From the aforementioned medieval cathedral and Roman amphitheatre to the Ruskinian Venetian Gothic Town Hall. Also, the city is home to many black and white, half-timbered buildings showcasing the Tudor period.
The beauty of living in or near Chester is being able to readily enjoy its fascinating history.
The biggest cultural boost to Chester in recent times has been the Storyhouse theatre and cinema which is right in the centre of the city. Its popularity has helped to bring customers to the surrounding restaurants.
Sport is well covered with a range of golf clubs, extremely vibrant rugby and cricket clubs, a David Lloyd Tennis Centre at Cheshire Oaks, and the Northgate Arena in the city centre which is the community leisure centre.
Families moving to Chester often, very wisely, purchase season tickets for Chester Zoo. It is the most visited zoo in the UK with approximately 35,000 animals set over 120 acres.
Where to live in Chester
The most sought-after residential areas are Hoole, Queens Park, Handbridge, and Curzon Park. Properties in these exclusive locations are often sold discretely. The most sought-after properties become available and sell in a short space of time. So, if you are thinking of moving to Chester, enlisting a professional property finder could be to your advantage.
Hoole village
Hoole village has a lovely vibe to it with independent shops and eateries, a couple of parks, and primary schools and the mainline station is within easy walking distance. Trains to London take just over 2 hours.
Curzon Park
Curzon Park boasts some of the most beautiful properties in Chester especially the ones with gardens running down to the river; if you’re searching for waterfront property in Chester, this is where to look.
Just a short walk from the city, the houses for sale in Curzon Park are in high demand but often low supply meaning buyers may need to be patient and determined to secure a home.
Queens Park
Queens Park where the High School is situated and Handbridge are, as the crow flies, the other side of the city centre from Hoole. Residents can stroll back into town over either of the two beautiful bridges that cross the River Dee and are immediately in the midst of shops, restaurants, and pubs.
Working in Chester
One of the advantages of moving to Chester is that it is positioned between Liverpool and Manchester. Therefore both cities can be easily reached by both road and rail.
Train times from Chester train station to Liverpool typically take just under 50 minutes. From Chester to Manchester takes around an hour.
Wrexham is around 15 minutes away by rail and Crewe is 20 minutes. By car, Manchester is an hour depending on what time of day you travel and Liverpool is around 40 minutes.
The area has a broad spectrum of employers with the likes of BAE Systems, Essar, Airbus, M&S Bank, Iceland, Toyota, and Bristol-Myers Squibb all being prominent. In addition, the city has a strong legal and financial representation. Slightly further afield, Bentley Motors is based just outside Crewe.
Top schools in Chester
Chester has a range of state primary and secondary schools as well as some of the best private schools in the North West; The King’s School and The Queen’s School – both of which are situated in the city.
Chester College of Law is a couple of miles out of the centre and the University now occupies five campus sites in and around the city, one in Warrington and a University Centre in Shrewsbury, and is home to just under 20,000 students.
Where to live outside Chester
If moving to Chester itself isn’t for you and more green space is required, then the Chester area has a selection of vibrant villages all within an easy commute. These include Christleton, Tattenhall, Farndon, Rossett, Aldford, Tarvin, and Tarporley.
Many of these villages are to the east of the city an area that boasts beautiful countryside.
The biggest of these villages are Tarporley and Christleton. Both are extremely sought after as they have plenty going for them.
Tattenhall, Tarvin, and Rossett are all popular and are bigger than Aldford and Farndon. What all of these locations do have in common is a certain charm and style.
Tarporley
Tarporley offers a mix of period and modern architecture. The high street’s elegant Georgian buildings, ancient coaching inns, and boutique shops add to the village’s charm.
There are a range of other amenities, including general stores and medical facilities. Additionally, the good selection of pubs and restaurants, provide a vibrant social scene.
The village is home to Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College which is recognised for its excellence.
Tarporley is a very popular choice for those moving to Chester’s surrounding area. It was ranked among the best places to live by The Sunday Times in 2023. Its proximity to Chester, coupled with the village’s quintessentially English atmosphere, makes it a highly sought-after location.
Christleton
Christleton is a village with a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community. It has lovely pubs such as the Ring o’ Bells and The Plough Inn, a village shop, a coffee shop, and a dental practice.
Highly-regarded schools, Christleton Primary School and Christleton High School are located in the village.
There are plenty of recreational opportunities available including a local cricket club and playgrounds, or you can just relax by the tranquil village pond. Brio Leisure at Christleton Sports Centre also offers fitness classes and facilities including a gym and swimming pool.
The canal path provides a pleasant route to Chester City Centre, reachable in just 20 minutes by foot.
Beyond the village, there are nearby golf courses at Eaton, Vicars Cross, and Carden Park, or you can take advantage of scenic walks along the Shropshire Union Canal and the surrounding countryside.
Tattenhall
Tattenhall, is another highly desirable village near Chester. For those who appreciate boating or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the Shropshire Union Canal, Tattenhall Marina is just a 10-minute drive from the village.
This picturesque spot provides moorings for canal boats and offers various leisure opportunities and a café where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquil waterside environment.
The village itself offers a range of amenities and services, making it an attractive place to live. With a general store, a post office, a butcher, a chemist, and a doctor’s surgery, the essentials are catered for. Additionally, there are a choice of pubs, restaurants, and independent shops.
Surrounded by picturesque countryside, there are numerous walking routes, including the renowned Sandstone Trail.
There is a highly regarded primary school in the village, which falls within the catchment area for Bishop Heber High School on the outskirts of Malpas.
Tattenhall has a sports club, which serves as a community hub, offering facilities for football, cricket, tennis, squash, and a gym. The village is also well-positioned for access to the nearby golf courses.
Tarvin
Tarvin’s village centre is a designated conservation area. Tarvin boasts 28 listed buildings, reflecting its rich historical heritage. The surrounding land is predominantly Green Belt, preserving the rural character of the area.
Tarvin Community Woodland Trust plays an active role in enhancing the village’s natural environment, having developed a beautiful woodland and wildlife area for the community’s enjoyment, known as Grogan’s Walk.
Additionally, the village is served by both a doctor’s surgery and a dental practice. There is a newsagent with a post office, two pubs, a pharmacy, a Chinese restaurant, a fish and chip shop, a bistro, and several unique shops.
Tarvin offers a highly regarded state primary school within the village, while excellent secondary education options are available nearby, including schools in Tarporley and Christleton.
Rossett
Rossett is located between Chester and Wrexham and offers a perfect blend of rural tranquillity and essential amenities.
The village features a general store, welcoming pubs, and a pharmacy, catering to the daily needs of its residents. Education is well-supported with a respected primary school in the village and excellent secondary schools in nearby Chester and Wrexham.
The River Alyn adds to Rossett’s scenic appeal.
For recreation, residents can explore numerous walking opportunities, including Marford Quarry Nature Reserve. Additionally, the nearby Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa provides leisure facilities and golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at Wrexham Golf Club.
Malpas
Malpas is a sought-after village that offers a blend of tranquillity and community spirit, recently included in The Times’ list of the top 20 lesser-known but highly desirable villages in the UK, it’s a village that’s seen growing popularity.
Known for its historic charm with half-timbered houses and a prominent hilltop church, Malpas is ideal for families.
It boasts excellent schools, a range of local shops, including a popular bakery, and a welcoming, active community.
For those with equestrian interests, the area is renowned for its facilities, including racing stables.
With Chester only 35 minutes away, it provides an appealing mix of rural living and easy access to urban amenities.
Cheshire Property Finders
If you are contemplating a new life in Cheshire, moving to Chester or one of its surrounding villages is well worth considering. The city has so much to offer – good housing, excellent schooling, a range of entertainment and sporting facilities, improving rail and road transport, and access to Manchester and Liverpool airports within 40 minutes.
The countryside is beautiful with some great walks including the Sandstone Trail, quiet lanes for cycling, vibrant villages with gastro pubs, and peace and quiet. The villages near Chester offer an ideal balance of rural life with easy access to the nearby city.
Our team of local property finders would be delighted to share their knowledge of the area finding the perfect location for your next home. Whether you’re new to the area or already based locally and are seeking a new place to live our professional property finders are well-placed to assist in navigating the property market and securing a home.
To talk to a member of our team regarding your plans to buy a property and potentially moving to Chester or the surrounding area, and to learn more about our services please do not hesitate to contact us, without obligation.
