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
A defining statement of waterfront luxury, 18326 Nantz Road offers a lifestyle reserved for a select few—and one that captures everything Lake Norman living was meant to be. Perfectly positioned on one of Cornelius' most coveted waterfront addresses, this remarkable residence blends timeless California-inspired architecture with warm organic finishes, exceptional craftmanship and a perfect blend of modern and traditional. One of the home's most extraordinary attributes is its unrivaled location. Nestled along prestigious Nantz Road, a quiet peninsula with virtually no through traffic, this exclusive waterfront setting is surrounded by water, creating an extraordinary sense of privacy while remaining just moments from every convenience. Just across the peninsula, Ramsey Creek Beach offers the nostalgic charm of carefree summer days, just a quick golf cart ride from home. Inside, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Wide-plank white oak flooring, soaring ceilings accented with architectural white oak beams, oversized black windows, custom millwork, designer lighting, and carefully layered natural textures provide a timeless backdrop throughout. Every room reveals a new architectural moment. Handcrafted zellige tile, custom designer cutout details, warm white oak, and richly layered natural textures give the home a sense of authenticity and soul. A striking glass pivot front door welcomes guests with dramatic elegance, while the floating glass staircase serves as a sculptural centerpiece, blurring the line between architecture and art. From bespoke millwork to thoughtfully curated designer finishes, every turn reveals another unexpected detail, creating a home that feels both timeless and unforgettable. At the heart of the home, the chef's kitchen is both a showpiece and a culinary masterpiece, featuring custom white oak and painted cabinetry, an oversized Taj Mahal quartzite island, a sculptural plaster range hood, and a premium Thermador appliance suite anchored by a 48-inch dual-fuel range and panel-ready refrigeration. Hidden just beyond, the fully equipped scullery offers additional prep space, a farmhouse sink, dishwasher, wine storage, custom cabinetry, and a built-in workspace—allowing effortless entertaining while keeping the main kitchen beautifully organized. The main-level primary suite is a private sanctuary overlooking the water, complete with a spa-inspired bath featuring custom white oak cabinetry, designer stone selections, a freestanding soaking tub, an oversized walk-in shower, and carefully curated luxury fixtures. Every secondary bedroom enjoys its own beautifully appointed en-suite bath, while expansive living and entertaining spaces invite family and friends to gather in effortless comfort. A private guest suite above the attached three-car garage provides exceptional accommodations for extended family, overnight guests, an au pair, or a sophisticated executive office, offering privacy while remaining seamlessly connected to the home. Step outside and discover an outdoor experience that rivals the finest private resorts. The spectacular pool and spa serve as the centerpiece of an extraordinary backyard designed for unforgettable entertaining, with expansive covered terraces, generous lounging areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. A brand-new deep-water dock provides immediate access to everything Lake Norman has to offer—from boating, wake surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing to waterfront dining and sunset cruises. Spend the morning exploring the lake, anchor at Ramsey Creek Beach for the afternoon, then return home to relax beside your resort-style pool as the evening settles over the water. From its extraordinary waterfront setting to its unforgettable architectural moments, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of Lake Norman's signature waterfront estates.
| MLS#: | 4391469 |
| Price: | $4,450,000 |
| Square Footage: | 5149 |
| Bedrooms: | 6 |
| Bathrooms: | 6.1 |
| Acreage: | 0.67 |
| Year Built: | 2026 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | Barringer Realty LLC - 619-964-6882 |
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
A defining statement of waterfront luxury, 18326 Nantz Road offers a lifestyle reserved for a select few—and one that captures everything Lake Norman living was meant to be. Perfectly positioned on one of Cornelius' most coveted waterfront addresses, this remarkable residence blends timeless California-inspired architecture with warm organic finishes, exceptional craftmanship and a perfect blend of modern and traditional. One of the home's most extraordinary attributes is its unrivaled location. Nestled along prestigious Nantz Road, a quiet peninsula with virtually no through traffic, this exclusive waterfront setting is surrounded by water, creating an extraordinary sense of privacy while remaining just moments from every convenience. Just across the peninsula, Ramsey Creek Beach offers the nostalgic charm of carefree summer days, just a quick golf cart ride from home. Inside, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Wide-plank white oak flooring, soaring ceilings accented with architectural white oak beams, oversized black windows, custom millwork, designer lighting, and carefully layered natural textures provide a timeless backdrop throughout. Every room reveals a new architectural moment. Handcrafted zellige tile, custom designer cutout details, warm white oak, and richly layered natural textures give the home a sense of authenticity and soul. A striking glass pivot front door welcomes guests with dramatic elegance, while the floating glass staircase serves as a sculptural centerpiece, blurring the line between architecture and art. From bespoke millwork to thoughtfully curated designer finishes, every turn reveals another unexpected detail, creating a home that feels both timeless and unforgettable. At the heart of the home, the chef's kitchen is both a showpiece and a culinary masterpiece, featuring custom white oak and painted cabinetry, an oversized Taj Mahal quartzite island, a sculptural plaster range hood, and a premium Thermador appliance suite anchored by a 48-inch dual-fuel range and panel-ready refrigeration. Hidden just beyond, the fully equipped scullery offers additional prep space, a farmhouse sink, dishwasher, wine storage, custom cabinetry, and a built-in workspace—allowing effortless entertaining while keeping the main kitchen beautifully organized. The main-level primary suite is a private sanctuary overlooking the water, complete with a spa-inspired bath featuring custom white oak cabinetry, designer stone selections, a freestanding soaking tub, an oversized walk-in shower, and carefully curated luxury fixtures. Every secondary bedroom enjoys its own beautifully appointed en-suite bath, while expansive living and entertaining spaces invite family and friends to gather in effortless comfort. A private guest suite above the attached three-car garage provides exceptional accommodations for extended family, overnight guests, an au pair, or a sophisticated executive office, offering privacy while remaining seamlessly connected to the home. Step outside and discover an outdoor experience that rivals the finest private resorts. The spectacular pool and spa serve as the centerpiece of an extraordinary backyard designed for unforgettable entertaining, with expansive covered terraces, generous lounging areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. A brand-new deep-water dock provides immediate access to everything Lake Norman has to offer—from boating, wake surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing to waterfront dining and sunset cruises. Spend the morning exploring the lake, anchor at Ramsey Creek Beach for the afternoon, then return home to relax beside your resort-style pool as the evening settles over the water. From its extraordinary waterfront setting to its unforgettable architectural moments, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of Lake Norman's signature waterfront estates.
| MLS#: | 4391469 |
| Price: | $4,450,000 |
| Square Footage: | 5149 |
| Bedrooms: | 6 |
| Bathrooms: | 6.1 |
| Acreage: | 0.67 |
| Year Built: | 2026 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | Barringer Realty LLC - 619-964-6882 |
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.
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