Let the numbers do the talking.
Chester, PA vs Hazleton, PA
Chester, PA vs Hazleton, PA: What the data shows
Chester, PA is in Chester, PA while Hazleton, PA is in Hazleton, PA — both in the same state. On home prices, Chester, PA is the more affordable option at $80,100 median — $43,400 less than Hazleton, PA's $123,500. WYLT rates Chester, PA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Hazleton, PA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Chester, PA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Chester, PA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Hazleton, PA has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Chester, PA has Low flood risk and Hazleton, PA has Low flood risk.
Chester, PA is the more walkable neighborhood. Chester, PA scores 46/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Hazleton, PA's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Hazleton, PA has the higher school rating — Chester, PA rates 6.1/10 and Hazleton, PA rates 6.4/10.
| Category | Chester, PA | Hazleton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $80K ✓ Lower price | $124K |
| Median Rent | $995 | $970 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $38K | $40K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 46/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 10/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | N/A | 90 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.1/10 | 6.4/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | First‑time buyersRenters looking for low cost of entryRemote workers who don’t mind a car | Budget‑conscious buyersFamilies looking for affordable homesJob seekers in local industries |
Bottom line
Chester and Hazleton are both challenging neighborhoods, but for those with specific priorities, one is marginally more suitable than the other. If you're a budget-conscious individual who values affordability and has a car, Hazleton might be the better choice due to its lower cost of living and closer proximity to local job opportunities. On the other hand, if you're a remote worker who doesn't mind commuting or can live without many amenities, Chester could be a slightly better fit despite its high unemployment rate.
Share this comparison