As the largest urban centre in Chatham-Kent, Chatham is a prosperous community with an eclectic blend of natural and created attractions.

Chatham is centrally located between Windsor, Sarnia and London and it is within a short driving distance to three major border crossings. Within a one-hour commute, Chatham-Kent reaches 950,000 Ontario residents, with 60% of the United States population within a six-hour drive.

Chatham is the central retail district for Chatham-Kent with 2.6 million sq. ft. of commercial businesses. A new Wal-mart, Real Canadian Superstore, Home Depot and Future Shop are among the recent commercial projects in Chatham.

Chatham is home to many automotive manufacturers including International Truck & Engine Corp. (Navistar), Meritor Suspensions Co., Siemens VDO Automotive and Dana Canada. Union Gas Limited (a Spectra Energy Company) and Pioneer Hi-Breed Limited (a Dupont Company) both have their Canadian head offices in Chatham-Kent. Chatham is also home to a vibrant contact centre industry.

St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology-Thames Campus offers education and training programs for students, business and industries. St. Clair College will soon operate a student residence in Chatham. Chatham is also home to the Chatham Cultural Centre, a unique facility hosting a live theatre, art gallery and museum under one roof. There are four golf courses in and around Chatham ranging from a challenging private club to a 9 hole par three executive course.

The main campus of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is located in Chatham with an innovative partnership strategically designed to provide state-of-the-art health care into the next century.

Chatham-Kent figures prominently on the province-wide Underground Railroad tour with many sites to visit. They include the self-guided exhibit Black Mecca: The Story of Chatham's Black Community, Chatham First Baptist Church, the Mary Ann Shadd Carey Ontario Heritage Foundation Plaque, and the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.

With the scenic Thames River winding through its core, downtown Chatham offers opportunity to shop, play, eat and stay all within walking distance of this quaint turn-of-the-century setting. Specialty shops, riverfront dining, museums, galleries, performing arts venues and the unique accommodations of Retro Suites are set in beautiful restored Victorian architecture. Wall murals decorate many of the historic buildings in downtown Chatham. Slated to open in the near future, the Capitol Theatre will feature a variety of live music, plus famous comedians, first-class musical theatre tours, professional children’s shows, and much more.

Outside the centre, Chatham offers a choice of family destinations including TJ Stables horseback riding.