An Expat Talks about Living in Chester, New Jersey

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Chester

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

For kids, there are youth baseball, soccer and lacrosse teams. For parents, there is a PTA and a historical society. The town has both working class individuals and working professionals. I like that about our town. It is changing towards being more professional, perhaps. Most people are friendly, start with your neighbors and church and then go from there. If you are younger, I would suggest going to New York from time to time, or even to restaurants or bars in Mendham, Morristown or Bernardsville for nightlife.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

I wouldn't say it's diverse at all. Most people probably just don't think about diversity much, which is probably too bad. It's just a little town out in the country, but there are some hispanic people that have started to find their way into town, which is a start.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Not everyone works in town. Some of the working class folks do, but the working class professionals work between here and New York City. Most people get jobs through people they know. There are big corporations in every direction and from many industries, so that's why it is drawing a lot of white collar workers.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

This town is all about family. Yes, people are concerned with their careers, but almost everyone in our town would say family is most important to them in my opinion. Sports are also closely followed.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

The schools are good, the people are too, and almost everyone here is pretty easy going. It's mostly friendly people that tend to be private. People tend to come out of their shells around their kids activities.