The REAL Reasons People Move To Matthews North Carolina | Moving to Matthews NC
Overview: Why Matthews, NC Is on Everyone’s Radar
Matthews, North Carolina, sits just south-east of Charlotte and has quickly become one of the metro’s most sought-after suburbs. In this video, Steve Jarrell breaks down the five biggest factors fueling the area’s growth—from unbeatable commute times to award-winning schools.
Top 5 Reasons People Are Moving to Matthews
- Uptown Charlotte – roughly 20–25 minutes
- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport – about 30 minutes
- Monroe & Union County – quick south-east access
- Local restaurants (perfect for date night!)
- Seasonal festivals & farmers markets
- Charming pocket parks and public art
- Average home values rising 10%+ year-over-year
- New construction and resale options across multiple price points
- Master-planned communities with pools, clubhouses, and trails
- Matthews Elementary – walkable from downtown
- David W. Butler High School – robust AP & athletics
- Central Academy of Technology & Arts (CATA) – top-ranked Union County charter
- Multiple private options such as Covenant Day & Carmel Christian
- Prime Location & Easy Commuting
Matthews straddles the junction of I-485 and U.S.-74 (Independence Blvd), giving residents a straight shot to:
- Uptown Charlotte – roughly 20–25 minutes
- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport – about 30 minutes
- Monroe & Union County – quick south-east access
- Historic & Walkable Downtown
Trade Street and John Street showcase restored brick storefronts, cafés, and boutiques instead of generic strip malls. Residents love strolling to:
- Local restaurants (perfect for date night!)
- Seasonal festivals & farmers markets
- Charming pocket parks and public art
- Outdoor Recreation Everywhere
Matthews is a playground for anyone who enjoys fresh air. Notable spots include:
Park / Greenway Key Features Squirrel Lake Park 1-mile walking trail, fishing pier, large playground Stumptown Park Downtown concerts, festivals, open lawn Four Mile Creek Greenway Scenic boardwalks & bike paths through wetlands Francis Beatty Park 5-acre lake, mountain-bike trails, disc golf, picnic shelters - Diverse & Appreciating Housing Market
Whether you’re after a starter townhome or a luxury single-family estate, Matthews delivers. Recent MLS data shows:
- Average home values rising 10%+ year-over-year
- New construction and resale options across multiple price points
- Master-planned communities with pools, clubhouses, and trails
- High-Performing Schools (Public, Private & Charter)
Education is a prime driver of property values, and Matthews shines with respected campuses on both county sides:
- Matthews Elementary – walkable from downtown
- David W. Butler High School – robust AP & athletics
- Central Academy of Technology & Arts (CATA) – top-ranked Union County charter
- Multiple private options such as Covenant Day & Carmel Christian
| Park / Greenway | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Squirrel Lake Park | 1-mile walking trail, fishing pier, large playground |
| Stumptown Park | Downtown concerts, festivals, open lawn |
| Four Mile Creek Greenway | Scenic boardwalks & bike paths through wetlands |
| Francis Beatty Park | 5-acre lake, mountain-bike trails, disc golf, picnic shelters |
Matthews at a Glance – Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
- Commuter-friendly location
- Vibrant historic downtown
- Abundant green space & parks
- Strong appreciation in home values
- Highly rated schools
- Increasing traffic on U.S.-74 & I-485 interchanges
- Competitive housing market (low inventory)
- Property taxes differ between Mecklenburg & Union sections—research before buying
Pros
- Commuter-friendly location
- Vibrant historic downtown
- Abundant green space & parks
- Strong appreciation in home values
- Highly rated schools
Cons
- Increasing traffic on U.S.-74 & I-485 interchanges
- Competitive housing market (low inventory)
- Property taxes differ between Mecklenburg & Union sections—research before buying
Ready to Explore Matthews?
Whether you’re 9 days or 9 months away from relocating, The Longleaf Group is here to guide you. Reach out for neighborhood tours, price trends, or school insights—no pressure, just friendly expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the real reasons people move to Matthews, NC?
The five main factors are a prime location 20 to 25 minutes from Uptown Charlotte with I-485 and US-74 access, a walkable downtown Trade Street with local restaurants and seasonal festivals, highly rated public and charter schools, home values rising over 10 percent year over year, and a genuine community feel with master-planned neighborhoods offering pools, clubhouses, and trails.
How far is Matthews, NC from key Charlotte destinations?
Uptown Charlotte is 20 to 25 minutes from Matthews. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 30 minutes. Monroe and Union County access is quick to the southeast. The I-485 and US-74 intersection makes Matthews one of the more connected suburbs in the region for buyers who need multiple commuting directions.
Is Matthews, NC a good place to invest in real estate?
Yes. Home values in Matthews have been rising over 10 percent year over year with inventory declining. New construction and resale options exist at multiple price points, and the area continues to attract buyers relocating from higher-cost markets. The combination of location, schools, and community character makes it a consistently strong market for both buyers and long-term investors.
What is the community feel like in Matthews?
Matthews has a genuinely active community with local restaurants on Trade Street, seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and neighborhood parks. Master-planned communities within the Matthews area offer pools, clubhouses, and trail systems. The combination of walkable downtown character and neighborhood amenities gives Matthews a community feel that is harder to find in more car-dependent suburbs.
What types of housing are available in Matthews?
Matthews has a mix of older established neighborhoods with more character and mature trees alongside newer master-planned communities with resort-style HOA amenities. Price points range from the mid $300,000s for smaller entry-level homes up through larger luxury properties. The variety gives buyers more options than some of the newer-construction-only Union County suburbs.
How does Matthews compare to Waxhaw and Weddington for buyers?
Matthews is closer to Uptown Charlotte and has a lower median price point than Waxhaw or Weddington. The trade-off is that Matthews is in Mecklenburg County, so property taxes are higher than Union County addresses. School ratings in Matthews are solid but do not match the 10 out of 10 ratings of the top Union County high schools. Buyers who want urban-adjacent convenience at a lower price than Waxhaw often choose Matthews.