Matthews, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Matthews is a lively suburb of Charlotte in Central North Carolina. The city offers many things to do, whether it’s shopping or getting outdoors. Besides that, Matthews hosts a popular farmers market and a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.

Climate & Geography

Matthews experiences all four seasons with mild winters. The city receives more rainfall, less snowfall, and more sunny days than the national average.

Matthews is situated southeast of Charlotte in North Carolina. Located in the Piedmont Plateau, the area has rolling hills and is east of the Appalachian Mountains.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Matthews is an active community that houses plenty of modern restaurants to eat and drink. Residents can find both local and commercial shopping opportunities that provide easy access to daily necessities. Those looking for a busier, city-like experience can take a short trip to Charlotte, just 11 miles away. 

Matthews is proud of its producer-only market, Matthews Community Farmers Market, open every Saturday of the year. The market provides a space for locals to find fresh produce, meats, and hand-crafted goods sold exclusively by the producers themselves. Additionally, the city hosts many fun festivals and events for the community throughout the year. Downtown Matthews has the Matthews Heritage Museum, which is located in a century-old building. The museum educates the community on the life of the early settlers of Matthews.

Those looking for a natural escape will appreciate the number of parks located in Matthews. The Four Mile Creek Greenway offers a quiet place for a stroll or bike ride, and Colonel Francis Beatty Park provides the perfect place for aquatic activities like kayaking, fishing, and canoeing.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Matthews is higher than the state and national averages. High housing costs make the biggest impact on the city's overall cost of living. Grocery and utility costs in Matthews, however, are lower than the state and national averages.

North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 5.25 percent, but Social Security benefits are exempt. The sales tax in Matthews is about average at 7.25 percent, and property taxes are lower than the national average.

Health Care

There are several hospitals in the Matthews area, including Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, which is located in the city. The Carolinas Medical Center, ranked No. 4 in the state, and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, ranked No. 11 in the state, are both located in Charlotte and rated high performing by U.S. News.

The Charlotte metro area ranks in the top 55 communities on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.