Is Hoods safe?
Matthews, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Hoods as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Hoods
“Go. Hoods is a quiet, highly secure residential pocket in the Matthews area with negligible crime and strong suburban stability. Visitors will find a relaxed and welcoming neighborhood, though having a personal vehicle is essential to reach local amenities and dining hubs.”
About the area
Hoods is an established residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Matthews, characterized by mature tree canopies, spacious single-family homes, and low-traffic streets. It offers a tranquil home base positioned convenient to downtown Matthews, Mint Hill, and regional nature preserves.
- Suburban Retreat
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Hoods
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 26/100
There are no public bike-share stations in the area; recreational cycling is best done along the nearby Four Mile Creek Greenway and McAlpine Creek Greenway systems.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are well below national and regional averages.
- High homeownership rate and well-maintained properties foster a stable, safe environment.
- Peaceful, quiet neighborhood streets with minimal cut-through traffic.
- Easy driving access to historic downtown Matthews, local parks, and shopping corridors.
Cons
- Car-dependent area with no walkable commercial establishments inside the neighborhood.
- Limited street lighting on secondary residential roads after dark.
- No direct rapid rail transit options into central Charlotte.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this residential neighborhood, with very rare panhandling isolated strictly to major commercial intersections several miles away.
What Hoods is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe and peaceful, with early-morning joggers and dog walkers moving along quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm suburban environment with minimal traffic, ideal for quiet neighborhood walks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure as residents return home, though pedestrians should watch for low lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with minimal street activity, remaining safe with very low risk of incident.
Transit, parking and getting around
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates local and express buses in the greater Matthews area (including Routes 51 and 48X), though the neighborhood itself lacks interior bus routes; the nearest LYNX Blue Line light rail station is about a 20-minute drive away.
Parking is completely free and easy with abundant private driveways and ample curb space, as well as generous free parking lots in nearby shopping centers.
Things to do in Hoods
- Hike the forested trails and explore wildlife exhibits at Stevens Creek Nature Center.
- Browse local produce and artisanal goods at the historic Matthews Community Farmers' Market.
- Tee off for a round of 18 holes at the nearby Divide Golf Club.
Local favorites
- Brakeman's Coffee & Supply · Coffee Shop · 4.8★ (1150)Popular, cozy community coffee house serving specialty espresso and pastries in a converted historic cottage.
- The Portrait Gallery Restaurant & Bar · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (750)Upscale yet approachable dining spot featuring creative small plates and craft cocktails.
- Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant · Irish Pub · 4.5★ (950)Authentic tavern offering hearty Irish fare, imported draughts, and frequent live Celtic music.
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.