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.
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On average, homes in Hampton, IA sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampton, IA over the last 12 months is $137,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
***NEW PRICE*** SELLER AGREES TO CREDIT BUYER $5.000.00 AT CLOSING FOR IMPROVEMENTS, CLOSING COSTS AND/OR PRE-PAID EXPENSES. This Terrace Hill listing is adjacent to the Golf Course. Drive directly from your back yard onto the course. The View is a definite benefit of the property. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE LAST 30 DAYS: Updates to the kitchen and major remodeling to the main floor bathroom. Check the
If you have been searching high and low for ranch-style living, look no further than this lovingly cared for 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath Hampton home in a great location! Featuring a large living room with great natural light, 3 bedrooms, a 3/4 bath with a zero-entry shower for ease of use, a spacious eat-in kitchen with included appliances, laundry room with washer & dryer included, utility room with an
Don't miss this freshly painted 1915 home with original woodwork, wood floors and an open staircase to the upstairs. The main level shows off with a bright kitchen (including stove and refrigerator), a charming dining room that opens into a large living room, and a 3/4 bathroom with an adjacent laundry room (including washer and dryer). The upstairs offers three large bedrooms with closets and a
Charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home that is just waiting to offer you both peace of mind and a peaceful space. The main level of this home has been tastefully renovated with new vinyl flooring throughout, spacious living room, new vinyl windows, updated full bath with a luxury showerhead that will feel like stepping into your own spa, remodeled bedroom, all-new kitchen boasting new cabinetry and
Looking for your first home or a rental property? This just renovated 3 bedroom, 1 bath with new furnace, central air, plumbing in basement, electric panel (breakers) and most windows with all new vinyl window shades, replaced in 2026. Also new washer, dryer, water softener, stove & refrigerator included. There are new outside, inside and closet doors. This home is move in ready.
3-bedroom,1-bath home with a 2-car attached garage and permanent siding. Features include an eat-in kitchen with appliances, spacious living room with electric fireplace, and some hardwood floors. Flexible main floor layout with option for laundry or additional bedroom. Full basement offers a rec room, second kitchen area, and laundry. Recent updates include roof and furnace in 2022. Large
This property is the Armory Lane Development. It includes 2.48 acres of land. A concrete street provides access to the lots. All water and sewer lines are in place as well as engineering. There is a French drain around the whole perimeter and a rainbow garden to collect excess run off. Zoning allows additional townhomes to be built. Excluded from the sale: Armory Lane Town-homes #1,2,3 & 4.
PRIME LOCATION | NEW PRICE | PRE-INSPECTED! Welcome home to 1044 Glendale Park Drive in one of Hampton’s most established and desirable neighborhoods! Now offered at $237,000, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features nearly 2,600 sq. ft. of finished living space. . Major Updates: Brand-new roof, LP SmartSide siding & new seamless gutters . Main-floor laundry . Fully fenced backyard . 4
3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home located on a corner lot on the SE edge of Hampton offering peaceful country views. Features of this home include a wood-burning fireplace, main floor laundry, some hardwood floors, main floor living room, spacious second-floor family room, convenient carport, and new roof in 2025
Step into this beautifully preserved Queen Anne Victorian filled with timeless charm, character, and craftsmanship. This impressive 4-bedroom, 2-bath home showcases stunning oak woodwork, leaded glass windows, pocket doors, a grand open staircase, and a welcoming foyer that reflect the elegance of a bygone era. The spacious main floor features a formal dining room, office, eat-in kitchen with
This ranch style, 2 bedroom home with 1 bath is move-in-ready and will pass the “white glove” test. The home features an eat-in-kitchen and living room with a gas fireplace. The finished basement has a family room and laundry area. Included are the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer. A front deck, attached garage and fenced in yard complete this home.
Full of character and charm, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home features beautiful hardwood floors, a main-floor office, classic built-in buffet and decorative columns, and included kitchen appliances. Enjoy the open front porch, perfect for a swing or entertain on the private patio with an outdoor bar. Additional highlights include a walk-up attic, full basement, detached one-car garage, and major
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