Matthews, NC

Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina is the Charlotte suburb of Matthews. Located just beyond the southeastern reaches of the Charlotte sprawl, Matthews is composed of middle-class urbanites who prefer the slower pace and less expensive housing of the suburbs yet work and play in Charlotte. Matthews is home to nearly 25,000 residents and maintains a strong growth trajectory as it serves the expanding Charlotte community with residential properties.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Due to Matthew's status as a suburb, residential real estate is one of its chief industries, and real estate researchers consider South Charlotte to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the Carolinas. Most of the residential communities are located off the commercial spine of the city, Independence Boulevard. Single-family housing predominates in most communities, with a few multifamily housing complexes in the busier area of town.

Matthews has its share of beautiful, spacious and impressive properties. However, it does not boast the high-dollar neighborhoods of Charlotte, such as Ballantyne, Dilworth or South Park. Because of its location on the southernmost boundaries of the Charlotte metro area, Matthews retains a small-town flavor with comfortable proximity to big city life.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The economy of Matthews is inextricably linked to the local boom in the housing market. Despite a sagging national market, analysts foresee little negative effect on the Matthews real estate industry.

The median family income in Matthews is more than $75,000, with the primary job center being in downtown Charlotte. Matthews itself, however, as a self-contained community, certainly provides its fair share of commerce and industry. New retail establishments, shopping malls and car dealerships cluster around the bustling eight-lane arterial, Independence Boulevard.

Family Dollar, the variety store chain of 6,500 establishments, is headquartered in Matthews, and the city is now the location of one of Family Dollar's major warehouses. Another retail mogul, the Harris Teeter chain of supermarkets, is based in Matthews.

FOR VISITORS

Matthews is close to these Charlotte attractions:

• Carowinds: A theme park, complete with some of the most thrilling rides in the Southeast.
• McDowell Nature Center and Preserve: This forested area along Lake Wylie offers educational programs, wildlife viewing and fascinating flora and fauna.
• Historic Downtown Charlotte: Guided tours provide information on the fascinating and varied history of this intriguing city.
• The Billy Graham Library: A religious museum, offering an inside look at the life of American's most influential evangelist.
• U.S. National Whitewater Center: For those who like to play outside, this state-of-the-art recreational facility is an official Olympic training site and home to the largest artificial whitewater river in the world.
• South Park Mall: This upscale mall offers a shopping experience with hundreds of specialty and designer stores.
• Discovery Place: More than a museum, this is the perfect place for kids to touch, feel and learn about science and technology.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

With Charlotte as its next-door neighbor, Matthews residents do not want for cultural events. However, Matthews itself has a generous offering of arts and culture. As one of its 12 objectives for the city, the Town Council of Matthews has determined that the city will be a "destination for arts and culture." On any given weekend, one can attend an art showing, listen to a musical production or watch a play. The Matthews Community Center regularly performs classics such as Pinocchio or Fiddler on the Roof. Painting classes, ballroom dancing and shag classes are among the activities for cultural enrichment available in Matthews.

Chances are, Matthews denizens will be loyal supporters of two major teams: the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Bobcats.

Carolina Panthers: The Charlotte-based Carolina Panthers is an NFL team coached by John Fox (since 2002). The Panthers' success in recent years has sustained their enthusiastic fan base. The Panthers played their first Superbowl in 2004, and they play in the Bank of America Stadium.

Charlotte Bobcats: The Hornets, once Charlotte's prized NBA team, moved to New Orleans in 2002, and The Charlotte Bobcats replaced the Hornets with their startup in 2004. Robert L. Johnson, owner of Black Entertainment Television, and Michael Jordan, of NBA fame, are both prominent shareholders of the team. Their home stadium is the Time Warner Cable Arena.

In addition to these two major teams, Matthews residents keep up with the Charlotte Checkers (hockey), Eagles (soccer), Knights (baseball), and their own Charlotte Rugby Football Club.

Many of the residents of Matthews are NASCAR fans, and the nearby Lowe's Motor Speedway is considered the home base of NASCAR.

EDUCATION

Central Piedmont Community College, Levine Campus: This college provides a variety of trade-focused majors. Central Piedmont's business degrees, in particular, are highly respected. With nearly 70,000 students enrolled each year, it is one of Charlotte's largest schools. Levine campus is located in Matthews.

Wingate University, more than 100 years old, is a small but respected private university.

The School of Graduate and Adult Education in Matthews offers degree completion or graduate programs to working professionals.