Living in Matthews, N.C.
Matthews was originally known as Stumptown, earning the moniker for the thousands of tree stumps left behind as the area was cleared for cotton fields. You’ll still see some references to the name, most prominently at the one-acre Stumptown Park close to downtown that’s home to festivals, movie nights and food truck rodeos throughout the year.
In modern times, Matthews has long been known as an attractive bedroom community, convenient to Uptown and SouthPark.
But lately, it’s developed into an attraction in its own right. The sleepy downtown area has gone through a renaissance, bringing craft beer, fine wine, high-end coffee and authentic barbecue to the heart of Matthews — making this city center feel just as vibrant as Uptown Charlotte.
Vitals
Population: 30,760
Commute distance to Uptown: 30 minutes
Median age: 43.3
Median household income: $76,007
Median home sales price: 231,300
Average rent: $1,153
Things to do in Matthews
Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply. Operating out of a renovated 1920s-era home, this local coffee shop and a front porch and stunning back patio that will make you feel at home. Details.
Buffalo Jackson. Inspired by Teddy Roosevelt, this all-American outdoor adventure brand sells high-quality flannels and leather goods. Don’t miss the life-size buffalo in the lobby. Details.
Matthews Community Famers’ Market. Arguably the Charlotte area’s premier farmers market, this downtown establishment brings local vendors in from around the region every weekend during the summer. Details.
Temple Mojo. This funky beer taproom and growler shop is a mainstay of Matthews’ vibrant cycling community. Details.
Matthews real estate
The suburban community of Matthews is dominated by the single-family home. Most neighborhoods were built between the 1980s and early 2000s, but you’ll still find a few new subdivisions delivering new construction homes.
Most homes range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, with prices starting around $200,000 and going up to $500,000 or more for larger properties.
Cover photo by John Ashley via Flickr (Creative Commons)