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
Discover refined living in this custom luxury residence located in Highgate, on of South Charlotte's most desirable communites. Set on over one acre of private, natural surroundings, this home combines quality craftsmanship with an exceptional location and just minutes from top-rated schools, dining, shopping, and recreation. A thoughtful floorplan showcases rich trimwork, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the home with natural light. The updated 2026 kitchen features quartz counters, a new backsplash, and freshly painted cabinetry, opening seamlessly to the main living areas for effortless everyday living and entertaining. The family room includes a fireplace, new lighting, and freshly painted built-ins, with direct access to the screened porch overlooking the quiet, fenced backyard. The main-level primary suite offers a spacious retreat with a tray ceiling, new lighting, large walk-in closet, and a well-appointed bath with separate vanities, a soaking tub, and ample storage. A cozy office/den with fireplace and an elegant dining room with wainscoting complete the main level. Upstairs, you’ll find generously sized bedrooms, two full baths, and versatile flex space, all freshly painted. Additional highlights include a circular driveway and three-car garage, enhancing both convenience and curb appeal. This Highgate home delivers luxury, comfort, and privacy in a premier location.
| MLS#: | 4343840 |
| Price: | $1,475,000 |
| Square Footage: | 3968 |
| Bedrooms: | 4 |
| Bathrooms: | 3.1 |
| Acreage: | 1.05 |
| Year Built: | 2001 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | COMPASS - deb.white@compass.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
Discover refined living in this custom luxury residence located in Highgate, on of South Charlotte's most desirable communites. Set on over one acre of private, natural surroundings, this home combines quality craftsmanship with an exceptional location and just minutes from top-rated schools, dining, shopping, and recreation. A thoughtful floorplan showcases rich trimwork, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the home with natural light. The updated 2026 kitchen features quartz counters, a new backsplash, and freshly painted cabinetry, opening seamlessly to the main living areas for effortless everyday living and entertaining. The family room includes a fireplace, new lighting, and freshly painted built-ins, with direct access to the screened porch overlooking the quiet, fenced backyard. The main-level primary suite offers a spacious retreat with a tray ceiling, new lighting, large walk-in closet, and a well-appointed bath with separate vanities, a soaking tub, and ample storage. A cozy office/den with fireplace and an elegant dining room with wainscoting complete the main level. Upstairs, you’ll find generously sized bedrooms, two full baths, and versatile flex space, all freshly painted. Additional highlights include a circular driveway and three-car garage, enhancing both convenience and curb appeal. This Highgate home delivers luxury, comfort, and privacy in a premier location.
| MLS#: | 4343840 |
| Price: | $1,475,000 |
| Square Footage: | 3968 |
| Bedrooms: | 4 |
| Bathrooms: | 3.1 |
| Acreage: | 1.05 |
| Year Built: | 2001 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | COMPASS - deb.white@compass.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
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