What to know when moving to Matthews, NC
TL;DR: Matthews at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 56.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 7% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $129,775, making it financially attractive.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,705, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.1% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,705/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Matthews is home to around 36,232 residents, with a strong focus on education-over half of the population has a bachelor's degree. The community is mostly homeowners, with just 7% of residents renting. The median household income of $129,775 suggests a financially stable environment, but potential newcomers should be aware of the high median gross rent of $1,705. With only 0.1% commuting via public transit, it's a car-dependent area.
Probably not your spot if you prefer urban transit options or are on a tight budget for housing.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,705, which indicates a higher cost of living.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $482,200, reflecting a strong real estate market.
- 56.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to an educated community.
- Poverty rate is low at 4.0%, suggesting economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
North Carolina's crime rates show a declining trend in both violent and property crimes. The state annual violent crime rate is 321 per 100,000, slightly below the national rate of 325.3. Property crime is at 1,780.6 per 100,000, higher than the national rate of 1,546.9. Notably, the homicide rate is 6.4 per 100,000, significantly above the national figure of 4.3, but has decreased by 23.2% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 321 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3, down 21.5% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,780.6 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9, down 15.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 23.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to nearby higher education options is strong, with a total of 8 postsecondary institutions available in the region.
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Charlotte
- Central Piedmont Community College
- Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
- Empire Beauty School-Pineville
- No Grease Barber School
- Paul Mitchell the School-Charlotte
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, there are plenty of parks and outdoor spots nearby for residents to enjoy.
- Freedom Park - 4.8 stars from 8,279 reviews
- McAlpine Creek Park - 4.7 stars from 2,230 reviews
- Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park - 4.7 stars from 1,853 reviews
- Park Road Park - 4.6 stars from 1,725 reviews
- Squirrel Lake Park - 4.7 stars from 1,277 reviews
Source: Google Places API.