Pros and Cons of Matthews, NC | Living in Matthews North Carolina
Snapshot: Is Matthews Right for You?
Located just 11 miles southeast of Uptown Charlotte, Matthews, North Carolina, blends small-town charm with big-city convenience. In this video, local REALTOR® Steve Jarrell breaks down the biggest advantages of moving to Matthews—along with a few drawbacks you should weigh before packing the moving truck.
Fast Facts at a Glance
| Category | Matthews | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-Living Index | 107 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $235,000 |
| Average 2-Bedroom Rent | $1,600 / mo. | $1,400 / mo. |
| Violent-Crime Rate | 22.6 | 22.7 |
| Property-Crime Rate | 32.0 | 34.0 |
| Public Schools in Town | 18 | — |
Top 5 Reasons People Love Matthews
- Prime Location
Perched at the crossroads of U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard) and I-485, Matthews offers quick commutes to Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and neighboring employment hubs.
- Walkable Downtown
Historic Trade Street is lined with preserved brick facades, local coffee shops, boutiques, and popular breweries like Carolina Beer Temple and Seaboard Brewing. It’s a family-friendly hangout—perfect for stroller walks during the late-afternoon “witching hour.”
- Highly Rated Schools
The town is home to 18 public and charter schools. Test scores consistently outperform state averages, making Matthews a magnet for families.
- Educated & Engaged Community
Over 54 % of residents hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree, while 95 % possess at least a high-school diploma—statistics that translate into an active, informed citizenry.
- Lower-Than-Average Crime Rates
Both violent and property crime sit below national benchmarks, providing peace of mind for homeowners and investors alike.
Challenges & Considerations
- Rising Cost of Living – At 107 % of the U.S. average, everyday expenses, rents, and home prices are climbing as demand increases.
- Limited Housing Inventory – Low supply means fierce competition; when the right house appears, buyers must act fast and decisively.
- Traffic Congestion – Growth has outpaced infrastructure. Expect slow-downs along Trade Street, Matthews Township Parkway, and the I-485/Independence Blvd interchange, especially during rush hour.
Key Takeaways
If you’re after small-town character with easy access to Charlotte’s urban perks, Matthews deserves a top spot on your shortlist. Just be prepared for a hotter housing market and a bit more traffic than in years past. Secure a home now, and you’ll likely enjoy steady appreciation as the town continues to thrive.
Need Help Relocating to Matthews?
Contact The Longleaf Group for customized advice on neighborhoods, schools, and winning strategies in a competitive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of living in Matthews, NC?
The main advantages of Matthews are a prime location 11 miles from Uptown Charlotte with I-485 and US-74 access, a walkable historic downtown on Trade Street with breweries and local shops, 18 public and charter schools that consistently outperform state averages, an educated community where over 54 percent of residents hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree, and crime rates below national averages for both violent and property crime. The main drawback is a cost-of-living index of 107, slightly above the national average, and a median home price of $365,000 that is well above the national median.
What is the median home price in Matthews, NC?
The median home price in Matthews is approximately $365,000, which is significantly above the national median of around $235,000. The overall cost-of-living index is 107 versus 100 nationally. Average two-bedroom rents run about $1,600 per month compared to a national average of $1,400.
How far is Matthews, NC from Uptown Charlotte?
Matthews is about 11 miles southeast of Uptown Charlotte, positioned at the crossroads of U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard) and I-485. That location gives residents quick access to Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and surrounding employment hubs in South Charlotte and the Ballantyne area.
What is downtown Matthews like?
Historic Trade Street is the heart of downtown Matthews, lined with preserved brick facades, local coffee shops, boutiques, and breweries including Carolina Beer Temple and Seaboard Brewing. It is a walkable, community-oriented area that draws residents on weekends and weekday evenings. The scale is smaller than a full urban district but genuinely active for a town of this size.
What are the crime rates in Matthews, NC?
Matthews has a violent crime rate of 22.6 and a property crime rate of 32.0, both below the national averages of 22.7 and 34.0 respectively. That safety profile, combined with the school quality and community character, makes Matthews consistently competitive with higher-priced Union County suburbs.
What types of buyers does Matthews, NC attract?
Matthews attracts buyers who want a walkable small-town environment with genuine downtown character, solid schools, and a shorter commute to Uptown Charlotte than Union County suburbs like Waxhaw or Weddington. It works well for buyers who value proximity to Matthews amenities and do not need the largest lot or the highest-rated school district in the region.