Halfway between Wilmington and Jacksonville is Hampstead, an unincorporated town in Pender County that's growing at a rapid pace. The population grew over 70% between 2010 and 2020, and people continue to move in for this coastal community’s schools, nearby beaches and proximity to larger cities. “A lot of people prefer to be close to Surf City,” says Tom Gale, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage who has also been a resident in the Wilmington area since 1994. “Hampstead is close to Jacksonville and Wilmington for employment, hospitals, shopping and whatever else people are looking for.”
Hampstead is considered a bedroom community because many residents travel out of town for work. Some military members stationed at Camp Lejune live in Hampstead and commute north to the Marine base in Jacksonville. Anyone who works in health care, manufacturing or technology often drives south to Wilmington.
Topsail Beach near Hampstead is a popular beach locals go to for a peaceful jog.
Hampstead residents who work in healthcare at Novant Health have a short commute to work.
Discover waterfront living with coastal home styles and private docks in Hampstead.
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New homes with more on the way
Craftsman and Cape Cod-style homes are concentrated to the east of U.S. Highway 17, and thick forests stretch along the west side. The median price is around $524,000, higher than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Homes with private boat docks are often the most expensive options, while more inland properties start in the $400,000s. New construction is a constant part of Hampstead life. “You’re definitely seeing the area between Jacksonville and Wilmington grow with more communities, and Hampstead is a part of that,” Gale says. “Hanover County is about 96% built out at this point, so any growth that can happen is in Hampstead and beyond.” Salters Haven still has lots available for buyers wanting custom-built homes.
Being so close to the water can pose a flood risk, primarily for homes along waterways. Hurricanes have caused flooding for homes and roads in the past, particularly Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. The rainiest season often lasts from June to October, usually referred to as hurricane season on the East Coast.
Hampstead has gorgeous craftsman home styles with striking architectural detail.
Find charming Cape Cod style homes with spacious lawns in Hampstead.
Hampstead has coastal style waterside homes with private docks and access to the waterways.
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Fishing and relaxing at Topsail Beach
Residents don’t have to travel far from home to find a place to enjoy the outdoors. Surf City and Topsail Beach are roughly 13 miles north with public access to 26 miles of sandy shoreline. There’s also Hampstead Marina for boaters who want to spend a day fishing. Hampstead Kiwanis Park is popular for recreational basketball and seasonal events, like Pender County’s Easter egg hunt. Pender County recently broke ground on upgrades for the park, which will include new athletic courts, a multipurpose field and walkways.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office responds to calls in Hampstead. According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation's 2023 report, Pender County as a whole had a lower crime rate than the state.
Surf City and Topsail Beach near Hampstead has miles of sandy beach and easy access for residents.
Hampstead Marina is a private marina with memberships to take your boat out fishing on the waterways.
Kids love the fun playground at Hampstead Kiwanis Park in Hampstead.
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Pender County Schools draw in new residents
Schools in Hampstead are a driving factor for the area. Pender County Schools gets a B-plus from Niche. South Topsail Elementary School, which gets an A-minus, is within Hampstead’s city limits, but students often bus out to Topsail to attend middle and high school. Topsail Montessori is the only private school in town, and it’s currently unrated by Niche.
Topsail Elementary School is a public school serving students in grades PK, K-4 in Hampstead.
Topsail Middle School is a public school, serves grades 5-8 in Hampstead.
Topsail High School in Hampstead is a public high school in the Pender County School District.
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Highway 17 is the main commercial hallway in town
Hampstead’s churches, restaurants and small shopping centers border Highway 17. The destinations range from locally owned restaurants that serve American classics and seafood dishes to small boutiques that neighbor grocery stores. There are more shopping centers in Wilmington, which is 15 miles south when driving down the highway.
Many residents commute to Wilmington or Jacksonville for work. “We get a lot of people who are in the military and work in Jacksonville," Gale says. "They work farther out, but they like being close to Wilmington.” Driving on Highway 17 often means dealing with heavy traffic, because Hampstead’s rapid growth has caused congestion on the main commuter route. Driving is the sole way to get around town and visit nearby cities. The Hampstead Bypass is currently under construction and aims to make commuting easier. The first half of the project is scheduled to finish in 2026, and the second half will be done around 2030.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hampstead is a place for families to worship.
Sawmill Grill in Hampstead is a popular family restaurant locals go to for great seafood.
Hampstead residents shop for all of their grocery needs at the Lowes Foods of Hampstead.
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Celebrating spot fish and community
Hampstead is known as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas” for its access to waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. Spots are one of the most common types of fish in Hampstead and the town created the North Carolina Spots Festival, a two-day event filled with live music, beer gardens, performances from student bands and spot fish dinners. The festival has been a tradition since 1963.
Hampstead is well known for being the seafood capital of the Carolinas.
Hampstead is popular for its beautiful waterways and scenic beaches nearby.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hampstead, NC sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampstead, NC over the last 12 months is $493,950, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover your new home with a new price in the Sanctuary at Forest Sound, where limited opportunities remain in this sought-after neighborhood. The Hemingway model from American Homesmith features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The main floor offers a versatile study/formal dining area with craftsman-style wainscoting and a tray ceiling, leading into an open-concept family room, kitchen, and
Welcome home to your quiet piece of paradise located in the heart of Hampstead! Sitting on just over half an acre, this home offers peace and tranquility just steps from the ICW with access to a community dock. Custom built in 2020, the home and outdoor amenities are all in immaculate condition including an outdoor firepit and cooking area, completely fenced in backyard, string lights, an outdoor
Welcome to a spectacular family compound in the upscale coastal equestrian community of Whitebridge, featuring two homes totaling 6564 sq ft! on a pristine 2-acre lot. This estate offers an extraordinary lifestyle, blending luxury, comfort, and privacy. At 314 Rolling Meadow, a 5 bdr, 6.5 bath estate, you are greeted by a breathtaking custom home showcasing exquisite wood trim, moldings, and
Charming Ranch-Style Home Just Steps from the Intracoastal WaterwayLocated in the desirable Topsail School District and just minutes from the stunning beaches of Topsail Island, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal living.With 2,214 square feet of single-level living, this home features a large living and dining area enhanced
Coastal comfort meets timeless Southern charm! Welcome to 557 Button Bush Lane—a beautifully updated home perfectly situated on a quiet, tree-lined street in the highly sought-after Olde Point community. Every detail has been thoughtfully refreshed, from the fresh interior paint, new carpet, and updated fixtures to the warm, inviting layout designed for both style and comfort. Step inside and
Discover your new home with a new price in the Sanctuary at Forest Sound, where limited opportunities remain in this sought-after neighborhood. The Hemingway model from American Homesmith features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The main floor offers a versatile study/formal dining area with craftsman-style wainscoting and a tray ceiling, leading into an open-concept family room, kitchen, and
Welcome to the premiere lot & home in Majestic Oaks! With community owned natural wooded spaces across the street & to the south, you can experience the utmost privacy. There is also a vegetative hedge between your new home & the one neighbor to the north. Mature trees w/ songbirds & squirrels are all around creating the perfect canopy for relaxing. This is not your typical cookie-cutter
The Bradley offers the perfect blend of style and convenience with main-level living at its core. This thoughtfully designed home starts at 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,300+ square feet of versatile living space. The primary suite, located on the first floor, boasts a spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a spacious walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms on the main
Approximately 20 acres of land in Hampstead, Pender County with over 900 feet of road frontage on US HWY 17. Current zoning is RP (Residential). Although Pender has identified this corridor as major commercial corridor in their future land use plan. This is perfect for retail strip center, mixed use, or residential with excellent proximity to area beaches and Wilmington. As well as it is roughly
Welcome home to your quiet piece of paradise located in the heart of Hampstead! Sitting on just over half an acre, this home offers peace and tranquility just steps from the ICW with access to a community dock. Custom built in 2020, the home and outdoor amenities are all in immaculate condition including an outdoor firepit and cooking area, completely fenced in backyard, string lights, an outdoor
Discover your turnkey coastal retreat at 1035 Grandview Drive in Eagles Watch. This 4,200-plus sq ft home offers four bedrooms, 3 baths and dual primary suitesone on each levelso multi-generational stays or guests are effortless. Fully updated and move-in ready, it's ideal for buyers relocating from near or far. The chef's kitchen brings precision cooking with Bosch-style induction, double ovens,
Welcome to Plantation Pointe Villas your gateway to coastal living in the heart of Hampstead, NC! Located in the sought-after Topsail School District and just minutes from the pristine beaches of Surf City and Topsail Island, this end-unit villa offers the perfect blend of convenience and coastal charm. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully updated with new carpet, and new piping
Rare offering on the ICW - welcome to this stunning custom built luxury home perfectly positioned on two deep water lots offering expansive views spanning up and down the waterway. This one of a kind property is designed for the boating enthusiast, featuring a private onsite boat ramp, boat lift, floating dock, boat slips, room for a second boatlift and bulkheaded protected deep water basin. A
The Hampton offers a spacious and flexible design with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 3,125 square feet of thoughtfully crafted living space. The open-concept main level features a chef’s kitchen with a central island, seamlessly connecting to the great room and dining area for easy entertaining and everyday living. A tech nook near the kitchen provides a convenient space for work, study, or
Prepare to be captivated by this stunning new construction, perfectly situated in The Harbour at Summerset in Hampstead. This custom-built Jon Ford home has been meticulously designed with both luxury and comfort in mind. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 1/2 beautifully appointed bathrooms, every detail showcases quality craftsmanship and thoughtful upgrades throughout. From the inviting front
Whitebridge Crossing is an exciting, brand-new apartment-style community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Discover chic living with our selection of stylish townhomes and spacious cottages nestled in the heart of Scotts Hill. Experience boutique resort-style living at Whitebridge Crossing! With just 125 homes, we offer a more intimate, personalized living experience that sets us apart. Our
Brand New Construction Townhome in Hampstead, NC Be the First to Live Here! Welcome to this newly built townhome offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,431 sq. ft. of modern living space. This home is available for immediate move-in and is perfect for those seeking comfort, convenience, and a great coastal location. Located directly across the street from South Topsail Elementary, this growing
Introducing Hawthorne at Hampstead, a brand-new luxury community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Choose from our 1, 2, 3, or 4- bedroom apartments and cottage homes , featuring designer finishes and no detail left untouched. Youll also have access to top-of-the-line resort-style amenities and a prime location. Sign up today to receive progress and leasing updates for this brand-new community!
This home just minutes from the new Publix, and all the fun stuff that people want when they move to Surf City! Ride your bike from your driveway down a country road to the waters edge...The Austin ranch style floor plan features 3 bedroom, 2 full bathrooms at 1692 heated sq ft. This floor plan offers a covered front porch with an open concept with a vaulted great room, kitchen island with
Welcome to Palisades at Surf City Apartments — the pinnacle of elegant, modern living in Hampstead, North Carolina.Our thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments showcase sophisticated interiors with upscale finishes and contemporary flair. Each home features soaring nine-foot ceilings, spacious walk-in closets, and private balconies that invite you to relax in style.Experience
Classic brick home in Belvedere Plantation sitting at the 18th fairway of Ironclad Golf Course. Entering the home, you find the entry hall with hardwood flooring ushering into the living room, complete with a stone and wood framed decorative fireplace, and access to the back deck. Adjacent to the living room sits the formal dining room and kitchen, accompanied by the breakfast nook, sunroom,
Find Your Home at Hawthorne at the Bend, featuring one, two and three bedroom apartments in Hampstead, NC. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Are you looking for an apartment for rent in Hampstead, NC? Contact our friendly, professional office staff to schedule
''MOVE-IN SPECIAL: $500 Off First Full Month of rent'' HOPE CREEK3 Bed/2.5 BathPets permitted with monthly pet fee (Under 40lbs & 2 Pet Max) Property Features:- Two-story home- Covered front porch- Spacious open-concept main level with luxury vinyl plank flooring- Kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, pantry, and breakfast bar- Half bathroom located on first
Welcome to Hampstead Place, located in the seafood capital of the Carolina! Our open-concept studio and two-bedroom floor plans add a contemporary twist of comfort and style. Experience it all with home features that include refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves for meal preparations.All renderings and/or images used are for illustrative purposes only and are intended as a general
Great home located halfway between Jacksonville and Wilmington. Quick commute to Sneads Ferry area and base gates and only minutes to the beach. Large home with formal dining room and great room. Upstairs you will find a large primary bedroom plus two additional bedrooms and a large loft area. Large fenced-in yard perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. ***Pets are negotiable with a
Property Id: 2305632Within walking distance to local elementary school. Access within minutes to many local ammenities. Zoned in top rated Topsail schools. Be the first to live in this brand new 3bedroom, 2.bath single-family home located in the desirable Brookfield Branch community in Hampstead, NC. This home offers the perfect mix of comfort, style, and
This nice home is on a corner lot and features wood floors, vaulted living room ceilings, gas log fireplace and a two car garage. Only minutes from schools and shopping, and in the Belvedere Community which now features Iron Clad Brewery as the operator of the 18 hole golf course!
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