Due to geographical and other reasons, Machida is often regarded as having more connection to Kanagawa Prefecture than to Tokyo Metropolis, to which it administratively belongs.

Kanagawa Prefecture Tokyo Metropolis Machida has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall.

In the post-Meiji Restoration cadastral reform of July 22, 1878, the area became part of Minamitama District in Kanagawa Prefecture.

From 1973, the Tama New Town development resulted in a rapid increase in population, turning the city into a bedroom community for Tokyo and Yokohama.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Tokyo 23rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.