Yes, for most people relocating to the Charlotte area, Matthews is a strong choice: it’s a walkable, historic small town with solid schools, good job access, and a stable, family-oriented feel, all within easy reach of uptown Charlotte. Like any town, though, whether it’s the right fit depends on which part of Matthews you’re looking at and what matters most to you.
A small town that’s kept its identity
Matthews is home to roughly 32,000 people in Mecklenburg County, and unlike a lot of fast-growing Charlotte suburbs, it’s held onto a genuine small-town center. Historic downtown Matthews is one of the more walkable suburban downtowns in the metro, with independent shops, local restaurants, and a well-loved farmers market anchoring the area. About 68% of homes here are owner-occupied, and the average household size runs around 2.7 people, both signs of a settled, neighborly community rather than a transient one.
Schools and family draw
Matthews consistently comes up as a family-friendly pick in the Charlotte suburbs, and access to strong public and private schools is one of the most commonly cited reasons families choose it. Independent livability scoring rates Matthews highly for education, alongside strong marks for employment access, both relevant if you’re relocating for work in Charlotte’s job market.
Safety and crime
Matthews rates favorably on safety overall, with a violent crime rate meaningfully lower than the national average. Property crime runs somewhat higher than the national average, which is common in walkable, retail-adjacent downtown areas, so it’s worth asking about specific streets and neighborhoods rather than relying on the townwide number alone.
Cost of living
Matthews’ cost of living sits close to the national average. One index puts it slightly below average (about 93 on a scale where 100 is the national average), while another puts it right at 100. The honest answer is that it’s roughly in line with the national average, not meaningfully cheaper or more expensive, though housing costs specifically have climbed faster than the town’s overall cost-of-living index, so it’s worth looking at home prices separately from day-to-day living costs.
Location and commute
Part of what makes Matthews appealing is where it sits: close enough to uptown Charlotte’s job centers and Charlotte Douglas International Airport for an easy commute, but far enough to keep its own identity rather than feeling like a pass-through suburb. That balance, small-town feel with big-city access, is probably the single biggest reason people choose Matthews over other Charlotte-area towns.
Bottom line
For families prioritizing schools, a walkable town center, and a stable community feel, Matthews is genuinely one of the stronger options in the Charlotte metro, and the data backs up the reputation. That said, this is a townwide picture: specific neighborhoods, price points, and school zones within Matthews can look pretty different from each other, so the right answer for you depends on your priorities and budget. Thinking about a move to Matthews, or want a neighborhood-level read on schools, commute, or home prices? Reach out and let’s talk it through.