Hampton is a rustic nerve center that packs an eclectic assortment of amenities into a community of 4,300. The seat of Franklin County, Hampton has a quaint downtown around a striking historic courthouse, multiple spacious places for outdoor recreation and close-by public schools. Still, the area’s established homes go for relatively affordable prices. That’s what local broker Brad Staley considers the biggest draw to the community. “When you’re talking county seat towns of this population, I would say they have an advantage over many of them,” says Staley, owner of Staley Real Estate and a Hampton native.
Hampton welcomes visitors with small‑town charm and city‑center convenience.
Hampton’s quiet intersections lead to schools, shops and parks
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Buyers can choose from a wide variety of classic options
The bulk of Hampton’s homes were built between 1880 and 1980. That means that, while many options have some age, homebuyers have an array of architectural styles, including foursquares, bungalows and ranch-style houses. Homes sit off from the street on roomy lots — the median is about one-fifth of an acre. Properties needing upgrades go for $40,000 to $60,000, while most listings sell for $70,000 to $400,000. “You’ll have houses that don’t need anything, and then you got houses that a flipper could jump in and do well trying to improve and resell," Staley says.
Side streets in Hampton add a peaceful rhythm to daily routines.
Established trees and roomy lots reflect Hampton’s small‑town character.
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Hampton’s downtown provides plenty of eats and entertainment
Situated right at the center of the community, Hampton’s downtown is full of retro Italianate-style brick buildings with glass storefronts. The buildings revolve around the Romanesque Revival-style Franklin County Courthouse, built in 1890. Many of the businesses in this area are restaurants. La Chozita is a favorite for Mexican food. The pork tenderloin and brisket sandwiches are popular items at Willie’s Restaurant. B&C Kitchen is a Chinese restaurant where the egg drop soup is well-regarded. Rustic Brew offers a mix of coffee and craft beer. “They’re very popular,” Staley says.
Locals can shop at downtown spots like Troves of Treasure, a thrift store with clothes, home decor, art and books. The locally owned Koerner-Whipple Pharmacy is an option for prescriptions, and Fareway is nearby for groceries. An outing downtown can also mean a movie at the Windsor Theater, which is over 110 years old and still screens new films. “It’s been renovated,” Staley says. “And they do a great job of getting the best movies they can.”
Downtown Hampton blends shopping, dining and everyday errands.
Hampton’s The Wood Cellar and nearby shops showcase local finds.
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Local schools provide plenty of opportunities to get active
The Hampton-Dumont Community School District carries a B-minus rating from Niche. “When you talk about schooling, obviously, the quality of teachers is huge,” Staley says. “And I believe ours is really good.” The district’s B-rated North Side Elementary includes preschool through kindergarten, while the C-plus-rated South Side Elementary covers grades 1 through 4. Hampton-Dumont Middle gets a C-plus and offers sports programs from football to cross-country. Sports are also prevalent at the C-plus-rated Hampton-Dumont High, and the school boasts a recent state champion in the shot put.
Students at Hampton-Dumont High School benefit from a variety of sports and activities.
Hampton‑Dumont Middle School offers academics and sports for grades 5–8.
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Outdoor spaces foster activities from disc golf to fishing
Hampton’s rural landscape leaves room for multiple green spaces. “You can get most anything you need here,” Staley says. “From tennis to pickleball to golf to bike paths, walking paths, fishing, small boating and hunting.” Progress Park has tennis courts. A nine-hole disc golf course is available at East Park, a facility that also provides access to the 28-mile, paved Rolling Prairie Trail. Anglers can drop a line into Spring Creek from Harriman Park or head north to hunt the waters in Beeds Lake State Park. The lake is open to low-speed boating, and the park has a campground. Hampton Country Club has a semi-private nine-hole course. Indoor pickleball courts are among the amenities at Franklin Wellness Center, which charges for entry.
Local parks provide easy ways to get outdoors for residents in Hampton.
Ice fishing is a popular winter hobby for locals in Hampton.
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The county fair is a well-established tradition
Hampton hosts the annual Franklin County Fair across five days in July. The fair dates back nearly 170 years and draws tens of thousands for rodeos, auto races, live music and more. “You’ll have people from out of state, from several states,” Staley says. “They’re getting major music events for the grandstand. It’s a real bargain as far as bang for your buck. Because they don’t charge for parking, they don’t charge for admission. There are a lot of free events on the grounds.” Tuesday on the Town is another Hampton tradition, a series of free concerts at the area’s Band Shell Park.
Central roadway is a key thoroughfare
The community’s Central Avenue is part of Iowa Highway 3, the longest state highway in Iowa. It connects to U.S. Route 218 for trips to the Waterloo Regional Airport, 55 miles away. The airport provides direct service to Chicago. Franklin Medical Center is just off Highway 3 in Hampton and includes a 24-hour emergency department.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karmen Schwake,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hampton, IA sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampton, IA over the last 12 months is $137,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Call us and we will show you why this 2,424 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath Ranch style home with walkout, finished lower level is a perfect fit for you. This home features a main floor living room with fireplace, kitchen, dining area with sliding glass door to the deck. The lower level has a finished rec room with wood burner, non-conforming bedroom, storage room, laundry room and walkout to
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Beautifully remodeled bungalow in Hampton, IA offering 1,210 sq ft of updated living space on a generous 0.36-acre lot. This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home blends classic charm with modern upgrades throughout. Recent improvements include a brand-new roof, all new windows, high-efficiency furnace, water heater, sump pump, updated electrical service, new plumbing, and all-new appliances including washer
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This affordable 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is centrally located near downtown Hampton and the aquatic center. The main floor features a large kitchen with laundry, dining room, living room, office, and a full bath. Upstairs you'll find three bedrooms and a half bath. Vinyl siding adds low-maintenance appeal and the open front porch is a great spot for a porch swing or morning coffee. Great started
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home near the Hampton golf course! This 1-story, 3-stall attached garage home is sure to add a touch of convenience to your life with a kitchen built for efficiency (appliances included), a laundry area (washer & dryer included), primary bedroom with private fill walk and walk-in closet for extra storage, large living room that flows into the dining
Located one mile east of Hansell, this 239-acre m/l property sits along 160th Street with a CSR2 of 65. Strong production history relative to the farm’s soil ratings, contact agent for more information. Tile improvements were completed when the long-time owners purchased the property, though no maps tile maps are available. Available for the 2026 crop season. Seller open to splitting into
Centrally located and within walking distance to downtown Hampton, the aquatic center, and the high school, this brick home offers convenient living in a great spot. It features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a 1-car attached garage. Inside, you'll find an efficient kitchen with a pantry, a breakfast nook that also works well as an office, and a full basement with a rec room and laundry. The bedrooms
Location, Location, Location!! This one- owner home is on the best spot, in a fantastic neighborhood. It needs cleaned out, some repairs and renovations, but oh my, what an amazing home you will have when you get done!! Big rooms, master suite, fireplaces, open floor plan, open staircase, sliders off of dining room, sliders from family room out to big patio. Just needs some tlc, and you'll love
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