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 a level of lakefront living where architecture, setting, and design exist in effortless harmony. Set along the shores of Lake Norman, this meticulously crafted estate captures long-range, year-round water views and a sense of quiet grandeur from the moment of arrival. A dramatic two-story foyer unfolds into a grand salon, where walls of glass and fold-away doors open to expansive terraces, blending indoor and outdoor living. Light moves throughout, highlighting refined finishes and thoughtfully curated spaces. At the heart of the home, a chef’s kitchen of exceptional scale features dual islands, a fully appointed scullery, and integrated appliances—designed for both gathering and precision. A covered lakeside terrace extends just beyond, complete with a fireplace, ceiling-mounted heaters, and an outdoor kitchen with Wolf grilling. The main level is anchored by a private primary suite, thoughtfully positioned as a true retreat, offering serene lake views and a spa-inspired bath with elevated finishes and a sense of quiet separation from the rest of the home. Additional bedroom suites are thoughtfully arranged across all levels, including a main-level guest suite, a lake-level suite, and three expansive upper-level bedrooms—each designed with the scale and comfort of a private retreat, featuring walk-in closets and ensuite baths. Laundry on every level and elevator access throughout further enhance everyday ease. The lake level is designed for both relaxation and recreation, featuring a full kitchen, golf simulator, fitness studio, sauna, and wine cellar. Outdoors, a resort-style setting unfolds with an infinity-edge pool and spa, fire features, and multiple gathering spaces oriented toward the water. A private dock with dual slips and personal watercraft lifts provides immediate access to the lake. Enhanced by Control4 smart home technology, the residence offers a seamless blend of sophistication and modern convenience. Offered fully furnished with interiors curated by David Smith Interiors, along with a pontoon boat and two PWCs. Opportunity to acquire membership to The Peninsula Club further elevates the lifestyle.
| MLS#: | 4359813 |
| Price: | $14,500,000 |
| Square Footage: | 12002 |
| Bedrooms: | 6 |
| Bathrooms: | 8.1 |
| Acreage: | 0.95 |
| Year Built: | 2024 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Listing courtesy of: | Ivester Jackson Christie's - lori@ivesterjackson.com |
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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 a level of lakefront living where architecture, setting, and design exist in effortless harmony. Set along the shores of Lake Norman, this meticulously crafted estate captures long-range, year-round water views and a sense of quiet grandeur from the moment of arrival. A dramatic two-story foyer unfolds into a grand salon, where walls of glass and fold-away doors open to expansive terraces, blending indoor and outdoor living. Light moves throughout, highlighting refined finishes and thoughtfully curated spaces. At the heart of the home, a chef’s kitchen of exceptional scale features dual islands, a fully appointed scullery, and integrated appliances—designed for both gathering and precision. A covered lakeside terrace extends just beyond, complete with a fireplace, ceiling-mounted heaters, and an outdoor kitchen with Wolf grilling. The main level is anchored by a private primary suite, thoughtfully positioned as a true retreat, offering serene lake views and a spa-inspired bath with elevated finishes and a sense of quiet separation from the rest of the home. Additional bedroom suites are thoughtfully arranged across all levels, including a main-level guest suite, a lake-level suite, and three expansive upper-level bedrooms—each designed with the scale and comfort of a private retreat, featuring walk-in closets and ensuite baths. Laundry on every level and elevator access throughout further enhance everyday ease. The lake level is designed for both relaxation and recreation, featuring a full kitchen, golf simulator, fitness studio, sauna, and wine cellar. Outdoors, a resort-style setting unfolds with an infinity-edge pool and spa, fire features, and multiple gathering spaces oriented toward the water. A private dock with dual slips and personal watercraft lifts provides immediate access to the lake. Enhanced by Control4 smart home technology, the residence offers a seamless blend of sophistication and modern convenience. Offered fully furnished with interiors curated by David Smith Interiors, along with a pontoon boat and two PWCs. Opportunity to acquire membership to The Peninsula Club further elevates the lifestyle.
| MLS#: | 4359813 |
| Price: | $14,500,000 |
| Square Footage: | 12002 |
| Bedrooms: | 6 |
| Bathrooms: | 8.1 |
| Acreage: | 0.95 |
| Year Built: | 2024 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Listing courtesy of: | Ivester Jackson Christie's - lori@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
