Chester is a historic Delaware County city situated along the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Wilmington. The city has roots extending to Pennsylvania's colonial era and later became an important industrial and shipbuilding center, a history still reflected in parts of its architecture and waterfront landscape.

The Delaware River remains one of Chester's defining geographic features. Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, anchors a portion of the city's waterfront, while Widener University is located farther inland. I-95, Route 291, and SEPTA rail service connect Chester with Philadelphia, Wilmington, and surrounding Delaware County communities. Ongoing redevelopment has also brought new uses to portions of the city's waterfront and former industrial areas.