Matthews
The Matthews Town Hall
Matthews is a large suburban town located roughly 10 miles southeast of Charlotte. Originally a small farming community focused on cotton, Matthews has grown into a thriving area known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. Its residential real estate market offers a range of options, from historic homes in the downtown area to newer developments with ample amenities, catering to a diverse population. The town boasts a lively cultural scene, with highlights like the Matthews Heritage Museum, seasonal festivals, and the popular Matthews Farmers Market. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the green spaces of Stumptown Park or the Four Mile Creek Greenway. With its steady growth and focus on community-oriented development, Matthews is positioned for continued success.
Location / Access / Proximity
Matthews is located in the southeastern portion of Mecklenburg County. This location is within the Charlotte metropolitan area, and offers residents the benefits of suburban living with easy access to a major city. Matthews features a charming downtown area with historic buildings, local shops, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Its close connection to Charlotte and the surrounding suburbs has driven significant real estate growth, with an increase in both residential neighborhoods and commercial developments. The town’s blend of modern amenities and small-town charm appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Matthews is accessible via several major roads, including Independence Boulevard (US-74) and the Interstate 485 loop, which provides efficient connectivity to Charlotte and other regional destinations. Residents primarily commute by personal vehicles, although the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offers bus services to Matthews. There are plans to bring the LTNX Silver Line to the area, although those plans have been slow to develop. While Matthews does not have an airport or train station within its boundaries, Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the Amtrak station in Charlotte are both easily reachable, enhancing its regional connectivity.
Matthews is surrounded by the other thriving suburban communities of Mint Hill, Stallings, Indian Trail, and Ballantyne. Its strategic location allows for easy access to major shopping destinations and outdoor spaces. Uptown Charlotte is also a short drive away and offers countless cultural attractions, professional opportunities, and entertainment venues. Matthews’ proximity to these resources makes it a highly desirable place to live, providing a balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Families and professionals appreciate the blend of amenities, strong schools, and community-oriented lifestyle that the area offers.
The Story of Matthews
Matthews was officially incorporated in 1879, though its roots date back to the early 19th century. Similar to most of Charlotte, the town developed around the flourishing cotton industry and grew exponentially with the support of the Central Carolina Railroad in the mid-1800s. This vital transportation link made Matthews a hub for the shipment of cotton and other goods, helping the small farming community grow into a bustling trade center. The town was named in honor of Edward Matthews, a prominent director of the Central Carolina Railroad, whose contributions to the development of the region were significant in its early growth.
Matthews has preserved much of its downtown. Some buildings can trace construction back to the early 1900s.
In the 20th century, Matthews expanded beyond its agricultural beginnings, embracing suburban development as the nearby city of Charlotte expanded. This suburbanization brought new businesses, schools, and infrastructure to the area. Though Matthews was not directly affected by the creation of Lake Norman, the lake’s influence on the surrounding region indirectly contributed to Matthews' growth, as improved connectivity and recreational attractions made Mecklenburg County an appealing place to live. Today, Matthews is a thriving town that blends its historical charm with modern amenities. Its historic downtown, filled with preserved buildings, local shops, and community events, serves as a centerpiece for residents and visitors alike, reflecting a rich heritage and a forward-looking spirit.
Real Estate
As a large suburban town, Matthews has a diverse real estate market. Commercial space is primarily located around Independence Boulevard (US-74) and comprises hotels, strip malls, and retail shopping centers. Residential subdivisions begin to pop up on the outskirts of these centers along with a few parks and wooded areas. The majority of homes built in Matthews proper were built in the late 1990s to the early 2000s. This means they usually are two stories and include a garage or at least a parking pad for personal vehicles. Lot sizes vary but a majority have sizable yards for suburban families to enjoy.
As Matthews has grown over the past decade its housing expense has followed suit. Today (2025) the Matthews neighborhood has a wide range of price points depending on housing features/locations. Below is a table to further demonstrate the variability the neighborhood experienced during the 2024 calendar year.
| Bedrooms | Total Sales | Med. List Price | Med. Sales Price | Avg. Year Build | Med. Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $103,700 | $82,500 | 1969 | 68 |
| 2 | 54 | $329,900 | $329,900 | 2006 | 41 |
| 3 | 188 | $429,000 | $425,000 | 1995 | 45 |
| 4 | 195 | $575,000 | $585,000 | 2000 | 47 |
| 5 | 73 | $674,000 | $665,000 | 2005 | 49 |
| 6 | 16 | $795,000 | $777,500 | 2007 | 56 |
| Totals | 527 | $500,000 | $501,000 | 2000 | 46 |
During the 2024 calendar year, the typical home sold in Matthews was in the high $400k to low $500k range. It would have been a 3-4 bed home built in the late 1990s / early 2000s and spent about 45 days on the market (about a month and a half). This made up roughly 73% of all housing transactions last year. It appears there is room for negotiation in Matthews as the typical transaction sells about 1.4% below the original asking price ($4k-$5k depending on pricing). Homes on average sold for $195 per square foot and the most expensive home sold was just shy of $1 million.
Matthews’ housing expense has also grown over the years in the rental sector. Below is a table to show rental prices experienced during 2024.
| Bedrooms | Total Leases | Med. List Price | Med. Lease Price | Avg. Year Build | Med. Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $1,173 | $1,198 | 1985 | 33 |
| 2 | 25 | $1,650 | $1,650 | 1994 | 28 |
| 3 | 127 | $2,095 | $2,045 | 1999 | 28 |
| 4 | 48 | $2,473 | $2,473 | 2000 | 29 |
| 5 | 20 | $3,050 | $2,950 | 2004 | 39 |
| 6 | 1 | $3,550 | $3,550 | 2002 | 9 |
| Totals | 223 | $2,100 | $2,100 | 1998 | 28 |
According to Zillow, rent in Matthews is 14% higher than in neighboring Charlotte and 11% higher than the national median. Rents have remained consistent from 2024-2025 though this varies by housing type. Today (2025) you can expect to rent a home in Matthews for about $2,100-$2,200 per month.
Attractions
Squirrel Lake Park is a major draw for Matthews residents
Matthews offers charming amenities ranging from outdoor recreation to sports and entertainment to a growing brewery scene. Sports fans can catch a game at the Matthews Sportsplex, home to the Charlotte Independence Professional soccer team, while nature lovers can explore the scenic trails and green spaces like Squirrel Lake Park and Stumptown Park. Craft beer has also become a staple in Matthews with breweries like Seaboard Brewing and Ghostface Brewing’s Matthews having footprints here. Shopping enthusiasts can browse boutique shops in historic downtown Matthews or visit Sycamore Commons for various retail options. The blend of sports, parks, breweries, and community events makes Matthews an appealing destination for visitors and residents alike. Listed below are 10 things we recommend you do when you visit Matthews. Make sure to check them out when you’re in the area. Matthews awaits!
Seaboard Brewing
Oaklore Distilling
Other Neighborhood Info
Crime
Matthews, like all neighborhoods, has crime though the town is considered very safe for visitors. If you want to learn more about the crime in Huntersville, check out our crime breakdown here.
Schools
The town of Matthews is serviced by Butler High School. To learn more about Butler, check out our school summary articles here.
Overview
The town of Matthews is a suburban, welcoming, established town with lots to offer new visitors. The expansion of I-77 as well as the presence of Lake Norman have increased the popularity of the area which looks to continue for the foreseeable future. Whether you’re looking to move in or maybe just want to check it out for yourself, plan a visit today! Cornelius awaits!
