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
1.7 mi to I-485 Idlewild Rd • Saltwater Pebble Tec pool • Dock on Lake Shannamara • New roof and HVAC (2023) • Finished basement with theater and bar • Screened porch with lake views Located in the **Shannamara community**, this full-brick home offers over 5,300 sq ft on a .67-acre fenced lot with direct lake access. Outdoor living includes a private saltwater pool, upper deck, covered patio, and dock for kayaking or relaxing by the water. Inside, the two-story great room impresses with arched windows and a stone fireplace. The open kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances, a large island, and an oversized walk-in pantry. A formal dining room and flex space for a home office or guest room complete the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a tray ceiling, dual walk-in closets, and a spa-style bath with granite vanities, soaking tub with columns, and separate shower. Three additional bedrooms and two full baths provide ample space. The finished walk-out basement adds exceptional functionality with a built-in theater, bar area, game room, fitness space, and storage. Step to the screened porch overlooking the pool and lake for quiet morning coffee or evening relaxation. Recent updates include a **new roof and two new HVAC systems (2023)** for efficiency and peace of mind. Additional features include a three-car garage and ample driveway parking. Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and scenic lakes. Conveniently situated just **6 miles from Downtown Matthews** shopping and dining and close to local restaurants, grocery, and parks along Idlewild and Stevens Mill Roads. Easy access to Uptown Charlotte (˜ 20 mi) via I-485 and US 74. **Highlights:** fenced yard, screened porch with lake views, pool and dock, large pantry, theater and bar in basement, fitness room, updated systems (2023), and access to Shannamara amenities. Includes Zillow 3D Home tour and professional photography. Experience spacious design and lakefront living in this Matthews home combining comfort, updates, and prime location near Charlotte. -
| MLS#: | 4275130 |
| Price: | $1,100,000 |
| Square Footage: | 5376 |
| Bedrooms: | 5 |
| Bathrooms: | 4 |
| Acreage: | 0.67 |
| Year Built: | 2003 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty - melissa.zimmerman@bhhscarolinas.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
1.7 mi to I-485 Idlewild Rd • Saltwater Pebble Tec pool • Dock on Lake Shannamara • New roof and HVAC (2023) • Finished basement with theater and bar • Screened porch with lake views Located in the **Shannamara community**, this full-brick home offers over 5,300 sq ft on a .67-acre fenced lot with direct lake access. Outdoor living includes a private saltwater pool, upper deck, covered patio, and dock for kayaking or relaxing by the water. Inside, the two-story great room impresses with arched windows and a stone fireplace. The open kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances, a large island, and an oversized walk-in pantry. A formal dining room and flex space for a home office or guest room complete the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a tray ceiling, dual walk-in closets, and a spa-style bath with granite vanities, soaking tub with columns, and separate shower. Three additional bedrooms and two full baths provide ample space. The finished walk-out basement adds exceptional functionality with a built-in theater, bar area, game room, fitness space, and storage. Step to the screened porch overlooking the pool and lake for quiet morning coffee or evening relaxation. Recent updates include a **new roof and two new HVAC systems (2023)** for efficiency and peace of mind. Additional features include a three-car garage and ample driveway parking. Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and scenic lakes. Conveniently situated just **6 miles from Downtown Matthews** shopping and dining and close to local restaurants, grocery, and parks along Idlewild and Stevens Mill Roads. Easy access to Uptown Charlotte (˜ 20 mi) via I-485 and US 74. **Highlights:** fenced yard, screened porch with lake views, pool and dock, large pantry, theater and bar in basement, fitness room, updated systems (2023), and access to Shannamara amenities. Includes Zillow 3D Home tour and professional photography. Experience spacious design and lakefront living in this Matthews home combining comfort, updates, and prime location near Charlotte. -
| MLS#: | 4275130 |
| Price: | $1,100,000 |
| Square Footage: | 5376 |
| Bedrooms: | 5 |
| Bathrooms: | 4 |
| Acreage: | 0.67 |
| Year Built: | 2003 |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Virtual Tour: | Click here |
| Listing courtesy of: | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty - melissa.zimmerman@bhhscarolinas.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
