A second chance brings lasting improvements for small-town Hampton
Country roads, farms and forests open up to Hampton, a small hamlet about 7 miles south of Starke. Locals generally rely on Starke for grocery stores, restaurants and schools, but enjoy extra elbow room and small-town vibes. "While small, it has a very tight group of families that have lived there for generations," says Justis Smith, Realtor with Southland Realty & Management Co. "Rural living is the reason people move to the area and most want an acre of land or more." Hampton's is a story of redemption. Lawmakers considered dissolving this small Bradford County town in 2014 in light of government malfeasance, but a determined community voted in new leadership, renovated the city hall and park and obtained around $1.6 million in grants for infrastructure improvements.
Mix of older homes and new builds on spacious rural lots
The housing stock includes manufactured homes and bungalows, often with front porches. Properties often include fenced-in lots anywhere from a third of an acre to five acres. Sprawling farms offer more acreage outside the city limits. In addition to the older dwellings, new farmhouse-inspired homes with over half-acre lots are popping up in the Fox Hollow subdivision. "This is definitely an area that is improving, especially with the new construction and the fact that the county currently does not have any impact fees," Smith says. The median price is about $250,000, on par with neighboring Starke.
City park upgrades and lake access offer outdoor fun
Hampton City Park is a town hub for outdoor play and family gatherings. In its push to revitalize after 2014, the town added new picnic tables, grills and swings, and the maintenance efforts are ongoing. The park also features a basketball court and play equipment. Hampton Lake, one of Bradford County's five recreational lakes, is just west and features a public boat ramp. The up-and-coming Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail brings lots of visitors to the area, Smith says. It offers scenic views along its nearly 47-mile stretch through four Northeast Florida counties.
Public schools earn average grades but offer advanced programs
Bradford County Schools are centered in Starke. Bradford Elementary School earns a C, and Bradford Middle and High Schools earn a C-plus. Bradford High School
students can take rigorous Cambridge International classes and earn industry certifications through career and technical education courses. The high school's Future Farmers of America club was recognized in 2025 as a top chapter in Florida. The local nonprofit Bradford Community for Schools supports middle and high schoolers with college scholarships, STEM summer camps and other social and educational services.
Robust retail and restaurant scene in Starke
Dollar General and gas stations are among Hampton's only businesses, but Starke helps to fill the gap with grocery stores, thrift stores and boutiques, fast food drive-throughs, casual chains and local haunts. Call Street Café serves breakfast and lunch classics on the historic downtown strip, including signature omelets and paninis. Hometown Grounds Coffee Company is another favorite breakfast stop with signature espresso drinks, energy drinks, protein bowls and sandwiches. Walmart, Aldi and Winn-Dixie are available for grocery trips.
Starke celebrates high school football, holidays and strawberries
Friday night games are a main event during football season. Home games at Bradford High School come with a fireworks display. The second weekend of December brings Christmas on Call Street, featuring a tree lighting, vendors and a parade through downtown Starke. The Bradford County Strawberry Festival in March features monster truck rides, kids' games, strawberry-themed trinkets and fruit by the pallet.
U.S. 301 connects to Gainesville and Jacksonville
Hampton was a notorious speed trap town — a reputation it has since shed — gaining revenue from speeding tickets on its stretch of U.S. Route 301. That highway remains a main north-south connector through the region. Gainesville is about 20 miles southwest, and Jacksonville is about 50 miles northeast. Residents mainly rely on cars as there are no bus routes. The Suwannee River Economic Council provides paratransit services to medical facilities, food sites and shops for older adults. HCA Florida runs a freestanding emergency room in Starke. Gainesville Regional Airport offers direct flights to major hubs in the southern U.S.
Infrastructure projects will help mitigate flooding
The town contains some FEMA-designated flood zones, which are mostly in the undeveloped areas. In 2023, Hampton received a Resilient Florida grant for stormwater infrastructure and flooding mitigation projects.
