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
Cisco Cardoso,
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 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampstead, NC over the last 12 months is $490,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED! MOVE IN READY! SHOWS LIKE A MODEL! Welcome to 2 Artisan Drive, a meticulously maintained home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Hampstead's highly sought-after Wyndwater community. Newly priced to present one of the best values in the area, this move-in-ready property offers a rare blend of privacy, tranquility, and peaceful neighborhood living. Thoughtfully designed
This beautiful luxury home is ready for the entertaining season with its new lush landscaping and privacy wood fence. Front porch and screened back porch are great for enjoying time with neighbors and family. Spa like primary suite with its spacious layout, large walk-in closet, walk-in rain shower, and restful soaking tub. The main level also showcases a formal dining room adorned with a
Affordable coastal living with space to spread out! Located in northern Hampstead, this 2020-built 3-bedroom, 2-bath Clayton modular home sits on a generous .453-acre lot, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and outdoor freedom. Inside, a bright open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area creates an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. The functional layout
Tucked away on a private 1.25-acre homesite in the coveted Pelican Reef community, this custom coastal retreat was thoughtfully designed to be a forever home -- a place where mornings begin with coffee overlooking the marsh and evenings end with sunset skies over Virginia Creek. Framed by mature hardwoods and sweeping water views, the home embraces its natural surroundings at every turn.
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
Welcome to this beautiful, better than new 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in sought after Villages at Olde Point! Notice the attention to detail--beautiful hard flooring throughout the main living areas and a formal dining room that impresses with a coffered ceiling and wainscoting.The open-concept kitchen features staggered-height cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel
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
Check out this Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully upgraded home in the highly desirable Hampstead area, zoned for the sought-after Topsail School District. This move-in-ready residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a dedicated home office, and a versatile bonus room--providing flexible living space to suit a variety of needs. The primary suite has been tastefully remodeled,
Welcome to Plantation Pointe Villas -- your gateway to coastal living in the heart of Hampstead, NC! Short-term rentals are allowed, making this condo the perfect opportunity for an Airbnb golf and brewery getaway at the coast or a full-time residence with income potential. Located in the sought-after Topsail School District and just minutes from the pristine beaches of Surf City and Topsail
Discover a rare opportunity to own 7.8 acres tucked away on Jerome Court in the established Olde Point community of Hampstead. Large tracts like this, located within a well-known golf and coastal community, are extremely hard to find. Surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty, this expansive parcel offers privacy, space, and the perfect setting to design and build a custom home that
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
WOW!!! This is a MUST-SEE custom-built home in the beautiful community of Wyndwater. You will fall in love with this home at first sight!! A covered front porch will be the first amazing feature you will find that is perfect for your rocking chair and morning coffee as you look out into this beautiful neighborhood. Upon entering you will be greeted by a very spacious living area boasting 9ft
This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offering approximately 1,205 square feet sits on approximately 0.50 acres in the heart of Hampstead and is ready for you. With close proximity to local schools, shopping, and daily conveniences, this one checks the ''location, location, location'' box while also delivering the updates buyers want most. The inviting front porch is the perfect place for rocking
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers a low-maintenance lifestyle close to Wilmington without coastal pricing. The open living area feels comfortable and functional with 9-foot ceilings, a tray ceiling detail, and LVP flooring throughout the home. The kitchen works well for daily living and casual gatherings, with white cabinets, granite countertops, a large island, stainless steel appliances,
Turnkey Deep-Water ICW Retreat with Dock, Boat Lift & Exceptional Investment AppealPositioned on deep water along the Intracoastal Waterway, this fully furnished, extensively updated property offers a rare combination of coastal living and compelling income potential. Whether envisioned as a private waterfront retreat or a high-performing rental asset, this home delivers. Boating enthusiasts
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
Nice corner lot in Hampstead near all schools, shopping, golf, beaches, marinas...just the life you have been looking for. Large open living room with 2 sided fireplace into attached sun room, and bonus room with full bath! With brand new paint, carpets, stainless steel appliances, and ceiling fans in the great room and sun room. This is a very sought after floor plan. Reach out today to schedule
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 two bedroom, two bath unit, not only overlooks the tenth fairway of the Belvedere Golf Course, but is one of the rare end condos of this development with no overhead unit. Professionally remodeled, this sun room is ready for year round entertaining or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Low maintenance, with yard/exterior maintained by HOA. Located in the Topsail School District, miles
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
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to rent a nearly new, 3-bedroom, 2-full-bathroom manufactured home located just 2,000 feet from the Intracoastal Waterway. Situated on a spacious .48-acre lot in the established community of Moores Landing, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty. This home features luxury vinyl flooring in the main common areas and
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
This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house sits at the end of the street next to a tree line, ensuring privacy and tranquility. The covered front porch welcomes you inside. As you enter, you'll find a spacious living and dining area. There's also a separate office/flex room that can be used for various purposes. The kitchen includes granite countertops and a stylish white subway tile backsplash. The 3
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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
Welcome home to this beautiful property in the highly desirable Hampstead area! Located in the sought-after Topsail school district, this well-appointed 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers modern comfort, stylish finishes, and plenty of space to enjoy both indoors and out.Step inside to discover an open and inviting floor plan featuring a large kitchen with newer appliances, attractive finishes,
ASK ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE SECURITY DEPOSIT OPTIONS!Gorgeous home in a beautiful neighborhood! This spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom single-family home in Hampstead features: Keyless Locks, Smart Thermostat, Primary Suite, Granite Countertops, Open Concept Layout, Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups, Covered Backyard Patio, and Two-Car Garage. Kairos Living has no pet restrictions and is happy to
Fall in love with this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the sought after community of Belvedere. This is a very nice home in central Hampstead. Close to everything that Hampstead has to offer such as Kiwanis Park, Iron Clad Golf Course, Topsail Schools and boating! The backyard is perfect for entertaining with a privacy fence and deck patio. This property is perfectly positioned
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