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.
On average, homes in Hampstead, NC sell after 66 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 $498,950, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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