The Ultimate Guide to Living & Working in Chester
[lead]New to the area? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our handy guide for settling into Chester.[/lead]
It’s always daunting moving to a new area, and we get that. We’re hoping our roundup of all the best things about Chester, on a need-to-know basis, will instil a little confidence in you. Even if you’re already living here, perhaps this will refresh your memory on why it really is a fantastic place to live.
Education is key
Let’s get the important bits out of the way first. This one is for the parents out there!
There is an abundance of fantastic, welcoming primary schools in the Cheshire West and Chester area. So, you can rest assured that your little ones will not only have a beautiful city to grow up in but will be happy in education too. For the older kids, there’s no scarcity of high schools, and even three colleges to choose from: West Cheshire, Mid Cheshire and Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College. All the local schools have great links to the university, which has racked up plenty of awards over the past year.
Bringing home the bacon
Chester is the perfect place to work and live no matter your experience or position on the career ladder. There are hundreds of offices and workplaces within the city walls and the surrounding areas. All of which come under various sectors including design, law, marketing and health. Of course, there’s no lack of summer jobs for the students in your family due to Chester’s thriving tourist industry. There are also great links to the M56, M53 and the A55. This means that North Wales, Liverpool and Manchester are easily commuted to if you fancy working a bit further afield, or want to keep hold of your current job. Chester train station is great for commuters too, with trains to Crewe leaving every half an hour or so and direct lines to London.
Now, that’s out of the way, you’re going to want to fill your evenings and weekends with fun and entertainment.
Fancy a bite to eat?
Everyone’s favourite chains are here: from Hickory’s to The Botanist. Looking for something a little more special? There is absolutely no shortage of independent eateries in Chester. The charming Italian hideaway La Fattoria is a favourite amongst locals. Look out for AA award-winning Sticky Walnut and the quirky Atina Kitchen. You’re really going to be spoilt for choice!
If you’ve got a penny to spare and a more refined taste to match, try Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor – the Roman city’s very own Michelin-starred restaurant.
Got a sweet tooth? Hanky Panky’s on quaint Commonhall Street will satisfy your sugary taste buds. And while you’re there, you could try out Commonhall St. Social with its gorgeous beer garden and locally sourced ales. For those who enjoy a fancier tipple, swing by The Suburbs for a cocktail or two. Long story short, there’s something to suit everyone.
Days out for everyone
When you think of Chester, you think of the Races. From May to September, there are various dates to put in your diary. Who doesn’t love an excuse to get glammed up? Place your bets, get a glass of prosecco and let your hair down for the day!
Perhaps you’re looking for something more family-friendly. We couldn’t possibly give you a rundown of Chester’s attractions without mentioning our beloved Zoo – the biggest and best in the UK (officially). Chester Zoo puts all its profits back into its amazing wildlife conservation efforts, so you can rest assured that your visit will make a difference.
Shop ‘till you drop
Like we mentioned earlier, Chester is bursting with independent restaurants, and the story is no different when it comes to shopping. Of course, you’ll find all the usual big-name shops, but it’s much more exciting to dig a little and discover for yourself Chester’s eclectic boutique shopping scene. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip back in time and check out The Rows – Chester’s unique two-tier arcades which add to the old-world charm of the city. Speaking of going back in time…
A city of culture
Chester truly is a spectacle for budding historians and eager tourists alike. Its rich combination of Tudor architecture, Georgian townhouses and Roman ruins create an awe-inspiring cityscape like no other.
Fun fact: The clock on Eastgate Street was built for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It’s the second most-photographed timepiece in the UK!
And there’s plenty more to take photos of while you’re at it. The Roman Amphitheatre, the River Dee and Grosvenor Park make glorious backdrops for those all-important family snaps.
It’s a no-brainer that Chester is a special place, and living here means experiencing all of these marvels every day. If we’ve convinced you to make the move, we’d be more than happy to help you find your dream home.