Choosing the right Charlotte suburb
Having lived in the big cities, I moved to Charlotte in 2006. I have had the experience of being in various sections of Charlotte, and I can honestly say all are great. For those looking to move to the Charlotte area from another state, or a big city, I can assure you that you will find what you are looking for here in Charlotte. I found a recent study that covered the top 10 suburbs to live in. I wasn’t surprised that 2 of them are Charlotte suburbs. The suburb study is based on criteria including cost of living, education, and amenities. At the top of the list is Westerville, OH, a suburb of Columbus, OH. The rest of the list is comprised of cities in states including Texas, California, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Tennessee:
1. Westerville, OH
2. Plano, TX
3. Georgetown, TX
4. Round Rock, TX
5. Cedar Park, TX
6. Cupertino, CA
7. Matthews, NC
8. Cornelius, NC
9. Newton, MA
10. Germantown, TN
The study is based off the top 75 suburbs connected to the largest 20 cities in the U.S.
- Amenities (shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.)
- Cost of living (percent above or below national average)
- Crime (percent above or below national average)
- Education (student to teacher ratio compared to national average)
- Employment (income and unemployment compared to national average)
From sources including the U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics—we were able to see how each city did in the individual criteria (on a scale of 1 to 75, with 1 being best) and also on average to give them an overall score.
DETAILS ON MATTHEWS and CORNELIUS
#7. Matthews, NC
Source: Wikipedia user Jon Platek
The first of two North Carolina suburbs (of Charlotte, NC) the top 10, Matthews, population 27,198, isn’t as safe as the cities we’ve talked about thus far. With 2,952 crimes per 100,000 residents, its crime rate is only 6.6 percent below the national average.
Thankfully for its residents, the city did better in other areas. One of them is cost of living, where it is 3.3 percent below the national average (and only .2 percent above the average for the rest of North Carolina). Median household income is also quite high at $70,742, which is 35.2 percent higher than the national average.
VIEW LISTINGS NOW IN MATTHEWS OR CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM SEARCH
Live the ultimate Lake Norman lifestyle at 16407 Jetton Road — a private, gated waterfront retreat with sweeping year-round water views and NO HOA. This award-winning renovation has been elevated once again with a brand-new 2025 backyard oasis crafted by Pelican Pools, featuring a heated saltwater pool with tanning ledge, stunning hardscaping, and lush landscaping designed to make lakefront living effortless and scenic. Inside, the home blends luxury, comfort, and thoughtful design. The main-level primary suite offers incredible water views and a recently renovated bathroom. Each secondary bathroom also features high-end custom tile designs, adding personality and quality throughout the home. A welcoming two-story foyer sets the tone, leading into bright, open living spaces perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances, a built-in Miele cappuccino machine, and generous prep and gathering areas. Unique lifestyle features include two laundry rooms, a dedicated kids’ workstation, and the signature full-size slide connecting the spacious playroom to the adult bonus room on the main level. Outdoor living takes center stage with expansive porches on both levels to help capture postcard-worthy lake views. The recently renovated dock, sandy beach area, fenced yard, and horseshoe gated driveway complete the property’s unmatched functionality. A dog-washing station in the three-car garage adds day-to-day convenience. Perfectly located just minutes from The Peninsula Golf & Yacht Clubs, shops and dining at Birkdale Village, and quick access to I-77 — this is lakeside luxury at its finest.
| MLS#: | 4326392 |
| Price: | $6,500,000 |
| Square Footage: | 6901 |
| Bedrooms: | 5 |
| Bathrooms: | 4.2 |
| Acreage: | 0.83 |
| Year Built: | 1998 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | EXP Realty LLC Mooresville - Chad@ElevateREpros.com |
Contact An Agent:
8. Cornelius, NC
Source: City of Cornelius, NC
With 24,866 residents, the second suburb of Charlotte to earn a spot in our top 10, Cornelius, is about on par with the national average in terms of crime; 314 crimes per 10,000 residents annually. Property crime in the city, however, is slightly higher than the national average.
Cornelius is the first city we’ve detailed where the cost of living is actually higher than the average than the rest of the country (by 2.5 percent). Its median household income of $81,532 is 55.8 percent higher than the American average and 85.3 percent more than the average for North Carolina. In terms of education, its class sizes are double the national average; it has a 32-to-1 student-teacher ratio compared to 16-to-1 for the U.S. average.
Cornelius, also has the drawn of Lake Norman. A beautiful lake, boasting million dollar lake homes, condos, and restaurants.
VIEW LISTINGS NOW IN CORNELIUS: OR CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM SEARCH
Live the ultimate Lake Norman lifestyle at 16407 Jetton Road — a private, gated waterfront retreat with sweeping year-round water views and NO HOA. This award-winning renovation has been elevated once again with a brand-new 2025 backyard oasis crafted by Pelican Pools, featuring a heated saltwater pool with tanning ledge, stunning hardscaping, and lush landscaping designed to make lakefront living effortless and scenic. Inside, the home blends luxury, comfort, and thoughtful design. The main-level primary suite offers incredible water views and a recently renovated bathroom. Each secondary bathroom also features high-end custom tile designs, adding personality and quality throughout the home. A welcoming two-story foyer sets the tone, leading into bright, open living spaces perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances, a built-in Miele cappuccino machine, and generous prep and gathering areas. Unique lifestyle features include two laundry rooms, a dedicated kids’ workstation, and the signature full-size slide connecting the spacious playroom to the adult bonus room on the main level. Outdoor living takes center stage with expansive porches on both levels to help capture postcard-worthy lake views. The recently renovated dock, sandy beach area, fenced yard, and horseshoe gated driveway complete the property’s unmatched functionality. A dog-washing station in the three-car garage adds day-to-day convenience. Perfectly located just minutes from The Peninsula Golf & Yacht Clubs, shops and dining at Birkdale Village, and quick access to I-77 — this is lakeside luxury at its finest.
| MLS#: | 4326392 |
| Price: | $6,500,000 |
| Square Footage: | 6901 |
| Bedrooms: | 5 |
| Bathrooms: | 4.2 |
| Acreage: | 0.83 |
| Year Built: | 1998 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | EXP Realty LLC Mooresville - Chad@ElevateREpros.com |
Contact An Agent:
Here are the details found on CORNELIUS and MATTHEWS.
CITY RANK AMENITIES EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT $LIVING CRIME RANK
If you would like to search homes in the Cornelius or Matthews area please visit www.daniellewasser.com for
my easy to use Real Estate search in the Charlotte area, and Charlotte suburbs.
Look forward to answering any of your questions!
DANIELLE WASSER
704-604-2999
