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
Exceptional proposed new construction waterfront modern residence, envisioned as a striking three story design with approximately 5616 square feet of interior living space plus 528 square foot garage. Upon completion the home is designed to make an immediate statement with clean architectural lines, bold massing wood accents and expansive glass that floods the interiors with natural light and frames the lake. Curated lighting is planned throughout the home to elevate the architecture after dark and create a refined intentional atmosphere. Inside, the main level is planned around dramatic volume and seamless flow, with white oak hardwood floors, floor to ceiling windows and doors and large stacked sliding systems designed to fully open the living spaces to the outdoors while perfectly framing the water. At the center of the home the chef's kitchen is planned as both a statement and a workhorse, featuring custom cabinetry and a full suite of high end Monogram appliances including a 48" range and 48" refrigerator . A substantial 5X12 island anchors the space, while a dedicated scullery supports effortless prep, catering, and entertaining with everything kept streamlined and out of sight. A built in bar area is also planned to elevate hosting and everyday convenience. Large scale sliders are designed to open to the covered porch and terrace, creating a true indoor outdoor experience. The rear concept is designed around resort style waterfront living with an option for a future infinity edge pool and hot tub, generous paver stone terraces, and layered spaces for dining and lounging that are positioned to maximize views. The primary suite is planned on the main level as a private retreat with a spacious dressing room and spa inspired bath. Upstairs five additional bedrooms plus a dedicated office are designed for comfort and flexibility, with multiple ensuite baths and generous storage throughout. The third level adds a distinctive lifestyle feature with a rec room, powder bath and roof terrace, creating an ideal space for sunset view or a private lounge above it all. a rare opportunity to secure a design driven modern build where architecture, scale, and waterfront lifestyle come together in a truly one of a kind offering. Planned features and finishes are subject to change prior to completion.
| MLS#: | 4347482 |
| Price: | $4,300,000 |
| Square Footage: | 5616 |
| Bedrooms: | 6 |
| Bathrooms: | 6.2 |
| Acreage: | 0.29 |
| Year Built: | 2026 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Listing courtesy of: | Premier Sotheby's International Realty - christy.walker@premiersir.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
Exceptional proposed new construction waterfront modern residence, envisioned as a striking three story design with approximately 5616 square feet of interior living space plus 528 square foot garage. Upon completion the home is designed to make an immediate statement with clean architectural lines, bold massing wood accents and expansive glass that floods the interiors with natural light and frames the lake. Curated lighting is planned throughout the home to elevate the architecture after dark and create a refined intentional atmosphere. Inside, the main level is planned around dramatic volume and seamless flow, with white oak hardwood floors, floor to ceiling windows and doors and large stacked sliding systems designed to fully open the living spaces to the outdoors while perfectly framing the water. At the center of the home the chef's kitchen is planned as both a statement and a workhorse, featuring custom cabinetry and a full suite of high end Monogram appliances including a 48" range and 48" refrigerator . A substantial 5X12 island anchors the space, while a dedicated scullery supports effortless prep, catering, and entertaining with everything kept streamlined and out of sight. A built in bar area is also planned to elevate hosting and everyday convenience. Large scale sliders are designed to open to the covered porch and terrace, creating a true indoor outdoor experience. The rear concept is designed around resort style waterfront living with an option for a future infinity edge pool and hot tub, generous paver stone terraces, and layered spaces for dining and lounging that are positioned to maximize views. The primary suite is planned on the main level as a private retreat with a spacious dressing room and spa inspired bath. Upstairs five additional bedrooms plus a dedicated office are designed for comfort and flexibility, with multiple ensuite baths and generous storage throughout. The third level adds a distinctive lifestyle feature with a rec room, powder bath and roof terrace, creating an ideal space for sunset view or a private lounge above it all. a rare opportunity to secure a design driven modern build where architecture, scale, and waterfront lifestyle come together in a truly one of a kind offering. Planned features and finishes are subject to change prior to completion.
| MLS#: | 4347482 |
| Price: | $4,300,000 |
| Square Footage: | 5616 |
| Bedrooms: | 6 |
| Bathrooms: | 6.2 |
| Acreage: | 0.29 |
| Year Built: | 2026 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Listing courtesy of: | Premier Sotheby's International Realty - christy.walker@premiersir.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.
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