Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Matthews, North Carolina
Wooded and Well Manicured, Matthews has a Cute, Old Fashioned Downtown, a Farmers' Market and Fun Festivals
Matthews started out as a cotton producing center and grew up with the railroad. It sits between Charlotte and the South Carolina border in the southcentral section of the state.
Residents enjoy a quaint, old fashioned downtown with shops, boutiques and restaurants. The Matthews Playhouse has a year round schedule, and art, ballet and exercise classes are held at the Community Center. The ArtWalk and MusicFest, the BeachFest and the Matthews Alive Festival draw lively crowds. Residents also enjoy summer concerts in the park. A farmers' market with handmade chocolates, goat cheese and fresh produce is held Saturday mornings. Mostly wooded and well manicured, Matthews has a variety of modern subdivisions and historic homes. Large box stores include Target, CostCo and Sam's Club. More shopping, dining and amenities are 12 miles away in Charlotte.
Population: 30,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 41%
Cost of Living: 15% above the national average
Median Home Price: $495,000
Climate: This area has a humid subtropical climate. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 20s, 30s and 40s. On average, the city receives 45 inches of rain and 3 inches of snow per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes, and Presbyterian Hospital is award winning for excellence in overall patient experience, general surgery and more.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Public Transit: Yes
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Liberal
College Educated: 54%
Is North Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: The tornado risk is 75% higher than the national average.
Notes: Matthews has maintained its population during the last decade, and home prices have increased 2% since last year. Traffic congestion along Route 74 (Independence Boulevard) through town is particularly bad. The Levine Senior Center has a good menu of activities and services.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
North Carolina:
With its wide range of elevations and its three distinct geographic regions, the Tar Heel State is an inviting place to live or visit.
Its Atlantic Coastal Plain offers two national seashores and more than 300 miles of barrier island beaches. The Chowan, Roanoke, and Neuse rivers find the Atlantic here and provide endless opportunities for sailing, fishing, and kayaking. Seven coastal lighthouses help mark a history of pirates, wild horses, aviators, and Revolutionary War heroes. Downtown Wilmington buzzes with fine dining and nightlife.
North Carolina's Piedmont Region shelters some of the state's biggest cities. Metropolitan Charlotte is packed with galleries, furniture factories, breweries, and gardens. Winston-Salem harbors a a living history museum and sponsors the RiverRun International Film Festival. Barbecue flourishes in Lexington. For those looking to play golf, Pinehurst and the Sandhills beckon. The jewel of the region may be "The Triangle," a triumvirate of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. World-class universities, museums, and college athletics are everyday occurrences.
The state would be nothing without its Mountain Region. Mount Mitchell, the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi is here. Asheville, the foothills, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are here. Biltmore, the nation's largest home, is here. Visitors might boat at Lake Lure or find their way to the top of Chimney Rock and a stunning 75 mile view. Summer in the high country means the Great Smoky Mountains, camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. Winter means skiing at the Appalachian, Beech, or Sugar Mountain ski resorts.
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