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
Ed Wagenseller,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hampstead, NC sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampstead, NC over the last 12 months is $502,700, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New construction custom designed by Longshore Custom Homes 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom, in the heart of Hampstead with current views that are hard to find--watch horses graze peacefully just across the street while enjoying the charm of live oak trees right in your own yard. This thoughtfully designed home blends high-end finishes with everyday comfort in a setting that feels like home the moment you
Welcome to this beautifully crafted custom hom with Hardie plank siding, ideally situated in an amazing community that offers water access, a community pool, and is just minutes from the beach and all that Surf City has to offer. Enjoy the convenience of a side-load garage and a thoughtfully designed floorplan perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The main level features a spacious
Welcome home to this meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence located in the highly sought-after community of Wyndwater. Thoughtfully upgraded for modern living, this home features durable and stylish LVP flooring throughout the main level. The inviting living room exudes charm with a cozy electric fireplace and a custom-built cabinet that adds both warmth and functionality. Flowing
Nestled within the esteemed enclave of Olde Point, this distinguished residence offers an unparalleled fusion of sophistication and tranquility. Positioned at the rear of a meticulously landscaped lot, the home boasts panoramic marsh vistas that can be savored from the poolside, gourmet kitchen, screened-in porch, and the pergola-adorned deck.A sweeping driveway, flanked by mature landscaping and
VA Assumable loan! Discover this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a finished bonus room above the garage, perfectly situated on a scenic golf course lot in one of Hampstead's most sought-after communities.Step inside to a spacious open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings and an abundance of natural light. The kitchen offers generous cabinet and counter space, along with a
Coastal comfort is here! Step inside this incredibly cozy 2,261 sq ft home that truly has everything you need--thoughtfully designed, effortlessly livable, and filled with warmth. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed by open, flowing spaces that feel just right--not too big, not too small, but perfectly balanced. The heart of the home is a bright and airy living area that flows into a
Welcome to coastal comfort at WyndWater! Charming home built in 2023, this 4‑bed, 3.5‑bath floorplan features an open-concept kitchen and living area with gas-log fireplace, primary suite and two additional bedrooms on the first floor, plus a versatile loft & guest suite upstairs. Designed with care, the home includes durable fiber-cement siding, metal roofing, stylish finishes,
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
This lovely 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in Greenway Plantation and sits on half an acre. A neighborhood near Kiwanis Park, boat ramp and award winning Topsail District Schools. The home features a large fenced-in back yard with a screened porch and back deck. Located approximately halfway from Wilmington and the back gate of Camp LeJeune, this home is about 15 minutes from the beautiful
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