Our Matthews NC Community Guide
Counties: Mecklenburg
Area: 17.12 sq. mi.
Population: 29,435 (2020)
Demographics: The breakdown of racial and ethnic groups are: White (76.3%); Black or African American (11.6%); Hispanic (7.8%). The median age for residents is 39.7. In 2017-2021, the median household income of households was $96,195.
Brief History: The Town of Matthews was first settled by farmers in the 1800s. The land was cleared and cotton became the cash crop. There were many tree stumps left from the clearing and the town was unofficially known as “Stumptown” in the early years. The railroads first came to town in 1874 and the town was incorporated in 1879. The area was largely made up of cotton fields by the 1920s (with a number of gins in town providing refreshments to folks). Modern-day Matthews now includes hotels, restaurants, recreational centers, and a hospital. But the history is well remembered, and preserved, as there are 10 downtown buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Area Info: Residents began rooting for the Stumptown AC, a professional soccer club, at the Sportsplex in 2021. The soccer club was formed in 2018 and plays in the National Independent Soccer Association league.
Historic Places & Cultural Places of Interest:
- Matthews Heritage Museum
- Matthews Playhouse
- McDowell Arts Center
Amenities: Shopping in the downtown district includes a 120-year-old hardware store and a farmers market. There are also numerous retail shops, salons, and restaurants in the downtown district.
Parks and Recreation: The Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department manages 15 parks and ballfields. There are over 56 miles of greenways and trails winding through Mecklenburg County. It is an ongoing project, as more are built each year. Matthews trails include the Four Mile Creek Greenway, Matthews Sportsplex Trails, and the recently built Matthews Heritage Trail: Historic Crestdale, completed in 2021. The town opened up the Sportsplex in 2013. It features 9 synthetic turf fields, 2 grass fields, and a 2,500-seat stadium with a two-story field house. There are 2 miles of paved trails at the Sportsplex.
Public Transportation: The Town of Matthews is served by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). There are a number of bus stops throughout the town, with park and ride lots.
Education: Read about private K-12 schools including Covenant Day School and Carmel Christian School or higher learning at Southern Evangelical Seminary.
Find Your Perfect Matthews Home!
Are you looking to relocate to the Matthews area? Learn more about the properties currently available in Matthews and speak to one of our real estate experts who know the area best. Our relocation is best in class for helping you move to Matthews, providing resources, and helping you find the perfect home. Learn more about the relocation process with our amazing team!