Is Forest Homes safe?
Matthews, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Forest Homes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Forest Homes
“Go. Forest Homes is a peaceful and secure suburban neighborhood in Matthews, characterized by low crime rates and stable residential surroundings. Visitors will feel safe at any time of day, though navigating the area comfortably requires personal vehicle access.”
About the area
Forest Homes is an established, tree-shaded residential community situated in Matthews, North Carolina, just southeast of Charlotte. It features traditional single-family homes on spacious lots with quick access to regional retail corridors and historic downtown Matthews.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Forest Homes
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 35/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but cyclists can readily access the nearby Four Mile Creek Greenway multi-use trail for recreational riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are consistently far below national and Charlotte metro averages.
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained single-family housing stock.
- Convenient driving access to Matthews community events, farmers markets, and greenways.
- High household income and low poverty levels typical of suburban Mecklenburg County.
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent layout with sparse sidewalks on internal residential roads.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins.
- No commercial venues or dining located directly within the residential subdivisions.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Forest Homes or the surrounding residential sections of Matthews.
What Forest Homes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging and walking dogs along quiet neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with light local traffic and standard suburban daytime routines.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential as commuters return, with well-lit driveways and minimal foot traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and silent with little activity; while crime remains low, lack of sidewalks calls for caution if walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), primarily via commuter bus lines along Monroe Road and East John Street; there is currently no direct rail access.
Parking is exceptionally easy with abundant free street parking along residential lanes and large, free surface lots throughout nearby shopping centers.
Things to do in Forest Homes
- Explore the weekly Matthews Farmers Market in nearby historic downtown for local produce and artisanal foods.
- Walk, jog, or bike along the paved paths of the Four Mile Creek Greenway.
- Attend community festivals, live music events, and food truck rallies at Stumptown Park.
Local favorites
- Brakeman's Coffee & Supply · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (860)A cozy, community-focused coffee house serving specialty espresso drinks and pastries in historic downtown Matthews.
- The Loyalist Market · Deli & Cheese Shop · 4.8★ (680)Artisanal cut-to-order cheese counter and eatery known for elevated sandwiches and charcuterie boards.
- Carolina Beer Temple · Craft Beer Bar & Bottle Shop · 4.8★ (510)Beloved local taproom offering a curated selection of North Carolina craft ales, Belgian beers, and meads.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.