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
Experience the rare opportunity to enjoy both breathtaking Lake Norman views and premier golf course living in The Peninsula. Perfectly situated along the 18th hole and complemented by a deeded boat slip, this exceptional residence offers an unparalleled combination of beautiful water views and championship golf course frontage. Designed with both elegance and functionality in mind, the home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. The chef's kitchen serves as the heart of the home, showcasing marble countertops, Ralph Lauren light fixtures, and a sunlit breakfast area overlooking the fairway. The main level is highlighted by a spectacular living room, where a dramatic concrete fireplace and an expansive wall of windows create a light-filled gathering space. The luxurious primary suite boasts expansive views of Lake Norman while offering a private retreat complete with a wet bar, oversized walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bath. Upstairs, dual staircases lead to a generous family room, three additional bedrooms with en-suite baths, and a versatile bonus room ideal for recreation, fitness, or media use. Fresh interior paint, hardwood floors, custom PowerView shades, and integrated Savant smart-home technology, blend sophistication with modern convenience. Step outside to your own private resort-style oasis featuring a saltwater infinity-edge pool, spa, and expansive lanai. Entertaining is effortless with AquaLink pool automation, surround sound, an outdoor kitchen, and a dedicated pool bath. This extraordinary property captures the essence of luxury Lake Norman living—offering panoramic water views, spectacular golf course scenery, and an unmatched lifestyle in one of the area's most sought-after communities.
| MLS#: | 4392235 |
| Price: | $4,300,000 |
| Square Footage: | 4825 |
| Bedrooms: | 4 |
| Bathrooms: | 4.1 |
| Acreage: | 0.7 |
| Year Built: | 2018 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | Ivester Jackson Christie's - erinf@ivesterjackson.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
Experience the rare opportunity to enjoy both breathtaking Lake Norman views and premier golf course living in The Peninsula. Perfectly situated along the 18th hole and complemented by a deeded boat slip, this exceptional residence offers an unparalleled combination of beautiful water views and championship golf course frontage. Designed with both elegance and functionality in mind, the home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. The chef's kitchen serves as the heart of the home, showcasing marble countertops, Ralph Lauren light fixtures, and a sunlit breakfast area overlooking the fairway. The main level is highlighted by a spectacular living room, where a dramatic concrete fireplace and an expansive wall of windows create a light-filled gathering space. The luxurious primary suite boasts expansive views of Lake Norman while offering a private retreat complete with a wet bar, oversized walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bath. Upstairs, dual staircases lead to a generous family room, three additional bedrooms with en-suite baths, and a versatile bonus room ideal for recreation, fitness, or media use. Fresh interior paint, hardwood floors, custom PowerView shades, and integrated Savant smart-home technology, blend sophistication with modern convenience. Step outside to your own private resort-style oasis featuring a saltwater infinity-edge pool, spa, and expansive lanai. Entertaining is effortless with AquaLink pool automation, surround sound, an outdoor kitchen, and a dedicated pool bath. This extraordinary property captures the essence of luxury Lake Norman living—offering panoramic water views, spectacular golf course scenery, and an unmatched lifestyle in one of the area's most sought-after communities.
| MLS#: | 4392235 |
| Price: | $4,300,000 |
| Square Footage: | 4825 |
| Bedrooms: | 4 |
| Bathrooms: | 4.1 |
| Acreage: | 0.7 |
| Year Built: | 2018 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | Ivester Jackson Christie's - erinf@ivesterjackson.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
