Chester, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#2034
,
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chester is a historic city in Cheshire, England, known for its Roman walls, Tudor-style buildings, and the River Dee. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 120,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GBP ≈ 1.31 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include EE, Vodafone, and Three. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Monzo are popular, and cashless payments are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and budget hotels like Travelodge. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, including contactless payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local letting agents offer various options from short to long-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like YHA Chester or budget hotels like Ibis Styles Chester. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is ideal, close to attractions like the Chester Cathedral and the Rows. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas like Hoole or near the city center offering a range of coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hoole Community Centre offers great coworking spaces with amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Watergate Street Coffee has good Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups happen at Chester Business Quarter. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Chester Expats group regularly hosts events for newcomers and locals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and local taxi service Chester Taxi provide on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycle Chester offers bike rentals across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | West Kirby Beach is roughly 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Eastern Airways is a prominent regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways operates flights from nearby Liverpool and Manchester airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | M56 and A55 highways provide easy road access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chester Railway Station connects to major cities like Liverpool and Manchester. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Arriva passes for local buses and rail tickets can be purchased for better rates. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains via Transport for Wales and local bus services connect to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Countess of Chester Hospital is the primary healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Cheshire offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Gym Group Chester provides affordable fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Cleaners on Northgate Street offer wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular in Chester for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cheshire cheese and local game dishes are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Greenhouse offers a wide range of plant-based choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Ice Cream Farm is a favorite for sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Chester Market offers affordable grocery and food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and local providers offer various online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer online shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Watergate Street area has vibrant pubs and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Chester Beer Factory offers locally brewed beers and tasting tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Abode Bar has a great selection of wines and ambience. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Chester Food Festival features local street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Fattoria offers excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Chester Roman Walls and the Chester Cathedral are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Grosvenor Museum showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The medieval Chester Rows are a unique architectural feature. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Chester Cathedral is a must-visit for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chester’s Christmas Market and The Chester Food Festival are highlights. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center hosts a rich cultural scene with theaters and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Chester Storyhouse presents a variety of plays and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chester Market operates with diverse vendors and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like The Live Rooms host regular gigs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Chester has various murals and street installations across the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery School offers various culinary workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Chester Arts Centre features local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Chester’s town hall is a significant historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Chester's heritage is strongly tied to its Roman history and medieval structures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | River Dee offers scenic paths and waterfront areas for leisure. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Delamere Forest is nearby and great for hikes and nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails along the River Dee provide pleasant cycling and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Old Dee Bridge offers picturesque views of the river and city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Parks like Grosvenor Park attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in local parks are bonfire-friendly. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail and DHL operate multiple service points in Chester. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techzone offers reliable gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host regular table tennis matches. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Chester Language School provides various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Chester Library offers quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Unity Centre offers cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Replay Gaming Lounge offers a fun atmosphere with various video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grosvenor Casino provides gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £128,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £138,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £224,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £176,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for UK residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | UK operates on a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income over £150,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the UK has CFC rules to prevent tax avoidance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual based on property value and location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty applies, with rates varying based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The UK offers various incentives for digital nomads, including no income tax for the first £12,570. |