Chester

Established in 1721 by some of America's first dairy farmers, Chester is home to William A. Lawrence's Philadelphia-style cheese that was the first to be made in New York state. (Don't mistake this for the Philadelphia Cream Cheese brand.) It's simply called as such because it attests to Philadelphia's style for extra-creamy cheese spreads.

Aside from its history, Chester has excellent, beautiful parks located throughout the village and town named after itself, which make visiting and living in Chester a wonderful spot in the Mid-Hudson valley. Many of these parks have picnic tables, restrooms, playgrounds, and sports fields for all to enjoy. Anyone coming to Chester should check out Glenmere Lake, which is home to a rich biodiversity that includes the endangered species of Northern Cricket Frogs and several different species of owls and hawks, including the very majestic Bald Eagle (which is making a comeback).

There's plenty of shopping amenities in town such as C&S Wholesale Grocers and Cumberland Farms for fresh groceries, CVS Pharmacy, GNC, A.I. Friedman Department Store and Lowe's Home Improvement, as well as your neighborhood's local Radio Shack for all the latest technological discoveries. Fantastic restaurants in town include many options like Alan's Falafel (Middle Eastern food); Magoya Japanese (highly rated Sushi); Lobster Pier Seafood Restaurant (great for the whole family) or GW's Sports and Grill on Brookside Ave. for a fun night out on the town.

Chester can be reached by car via King's Highway (or also I94). Chester Union Free School District is fair with mixed reviews. Excellent medical care can be found at the Chester Medical Clinic (via the Horizon Family Medical Group). Chester is a fairly safe town with crime rates going down since 2009. Overall it's an okay place to live, but a much nicer place to visit.