Thinking about making the move to Matthews, North Carolina? You've probably heard glowing reviews, and honestly, much of it is true. Matthews offers a rare balance of small-town charm and big-city convenience, but it’s not without its drawbacks. In this post, we break down the key pros and cons of living in Matthews, everything from walkability and schools to traffic and rising costs. This local’s perspective will give you a full, no-fluff view of life in Matthews.

Pro: Prime Location Near Charlotte

One of the biggest draws to Matthews is its unbeatable location. Situated just southeast of Charlotte’s city center, this suburb offers the best of both worlds, quick access to urban amenities and a peaceful, suburban atmosphere.

Why Location Matters:

Only 15–20 minutes to Uptown Charlotte
25–30 minutes to Charlotte Douglas Airport
15 minutes to SouthPark & Ballantyne for upscale shopping and dining
Easy access via I-485 and Highway 74

This kind of connectivity makes Matthews ideal for commuters or anyone who wants access to the city without sacrificing space and community feel.

Pro: Historic Downtown Matthews

Downtown Matthews is the beating heart of this community. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern vibrance with walkable streets, locally-owned restaurants, breweries, and shops.

Highlights:

Seaboard Brewery & Grace O'Malley’s Irish Pub
Brakeman’s Coffee Shop
Boutique shopping & Saturday Farmer’s Market with 30+ local vendors
Community events at Stumptown Park

Locals love strolling through downtown or enjoying year-round events like art walks and concerts. It’s the kind of place where neighbors meet and new residents feel instantly welcomed.

Pro: Family-Friendly Community

Matthews is known as one of the safest and most family-oriented suburbs in the Charlotte area. If you have kids, you’ll love the number of festivals, parks, and year-round activities available.

What Families Love:

Summerfest (May): Carnival rides, concerts, crafts
🇺🇸 Matthews Alive (Labor Day): Four days of food, rides, and one of the largest parades in the Southeast
Greenways like Four Mile Creek with water access for kids
Dozens of local parks and safe neighborhoods

It’s the kind of town where community means something—and families often stay for the long haul.

Families enjoying a community festival in Matthews, NC.

Pro: Top-Rated Schools

Another huge advantage to life in Matthews? The schools. Whether you’re going public or private, options abound—and many are top-ranked.

Education Highlights:

Strong public school options across multiple districts
Private options like Covenant Day and Providence Day
Great resources, PTA engagement, and college prep programs

Do your homework, though. Matthews straddles multiple counties and zip codes, meaning school assignments can vary by neighborhood.

Children arriving at a top-rated school in Matthews, NC

Con: Confusing Boundaries & Zip Codes

While the location is great, navigating the different neighborhoods in Matthews can be tricky. The town overlaps two counties and three zip codes, each with different rules.

What to Watch Out For:

Two counties: Mecklenburg and Union (different tax rates!)
Multiple zip codes with varying home values and vibes
Different utilities and school districts depending on your address

It’s crucial to work with a local real estate expert who understands the nuances of the area to avoid surprises.

Map showing Matthews spread across two counties and zip codes.

Con: Increasing Traffic & Development

With Matthews growing in popularity, traffic congestion is becoming a concern, especially during peak commute hours.

Local Traffic Pain Points:

🚦 John and Trade Streets: Major intersection with backups
🚧 Ongoing road construction on McKee Road
🛣️ Future I-485 exit & light rail extension planned
🚲 Vision Zero traffic calming pilots in effect (speed tables, new curbs)

While the town is actively working on improvements, daily congestion is something to plan around.

Traffic congestion and construction in Matthews, NC.

Con: Rising Cost of Living

One of the biggest tradeoffs for all the benefits of Matthews is its soaring housing market. The cost of living has increased sharply in the last few years.

By the Numbers:

💰 $665,000 average home price in 2025 (up 80% since 2020)
📈 12.6% higher cost of living than NC average
🏘️ High demand = competitive real estate market

That said, many residents feel the premium is worth it for the schools, safety, and lifestyle Matthews provides.

Modern Matthews home recently sold at high market value.

Final Thoughts: Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?

So, is Matthews right for you? If you're looking for a vibrant, safe, and family-oriented community close to Charlotte, Matthews checks a lot of boxes. While traffic and rising costs can be frustrating, they’re common signs of a highly desirable suburb.

Josh Finigan, who once lived here himself, only moved out to be closer to his boat on Lake Wylie. That's the kind of “problem” we all wish we had.

If you're considering moving to the Charlotte area, reach out to a trusted local agent who knows Matthews inside and out. It could make all the difference in finding the right neighborhood for your family.

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