Hampstead, N.C.- There’s a phrase that you hear in Hampstead, North Carolina. It’s almost always spoken by parents of young children. Perhaps they started off in Wilmington; maybe they came down from another part of the state or country. When you ask them why Hampstead, without skipping a beat, they’ll tell you “We love the schools out here.”
In a state where growth and development have become a norm, few towns have exploded like Hampstead. From the 2010 to the 2020 census Hampstead has nearly doubled in size.
People come here because the taxes are lower, you can get more house for your money than you can in Wilmington (although prices are catching up) and because the award winning school district is one of the highest rated in the state.
The Pender County community borders the Intracoastal Waterway and is only minutes from Topsail Island and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It sits off Highway 17, almost exactly in the middle of Wilmington and Jacksonville- roughly 25 minutes to either location.
It is also a town for golfers. Hampstead offers three public courses. Both the Iron Clad (formally Belvedere) and Old Point Course were opened in the 1970’s and are located off of the appropriately named Country Club Road. The Newest course is the Scottish link style Caste Bay Country Club, which gives duffers a chance to play bump-and run- golf.
Just the Facts
- Hampstead is an unincorporated town without its own fire or police department. The community is served by the Pender County EMS and Fire as well as the Sheriff’s Department
- According to the 2020 census the town’s population sits at 7,016.
- Median annual household income is $86,250
- Average price of a single family home so far in 2022 is $459,457
- The largest event of the year is the annual North Carolina Spot Festival. The three day event is typically held in the last weekend of September and celebrates the spot, which is a saltwater fish that swims in marshy waters. The gathering attracts thousands of patrons and features live music, arts and crafts, and plenty of friend spots.
- Most homes in the area will have septic tanks, with many properties offering only well water
- Distance from Hampstead to Downtown Wilmington is 23 miles
- Distance from Hampstead to Raleigh is 126 miles
Why Kris Choose Hampstead
Just For Buyers Realty agent Kris Summers is one of the thousands of people who have chosen to relocate in Hampstead. She moved to the area in 2021 from Southern, California. She now serves as our Hampstead/ Pender County buyer’s expert. While she represents buyers in all areas of the Cape Fear region, Hampstead is home.
“I moved here because I wanted to be on the water, and it was in a price point that was reasonable,” said Kris. “It’s hard to find waterfront homes so reasonably priced anywhere else in America.”
Kris bought a property that overlooks the marsh on Topsail Creek. She loves the view of course, she loves taking her kayak on the water, or sitting on her private dock. But most of all she loves being that close to nature.
“The wildlife is incredible out here. I’ve become a bit of a bird watcher. We have ospreys and eagles, occasionally you will see a deer swimming across the creek… and at times you have to pinch yourself because you can’t believe how lucky you are to live here.”
Kris will tell you that one of the best parts of Hampstead is how easy it is to make friends. There are a lot of transplants here, a lot of people who moved away from their hometown to start over. A lot of people trying to make new friends.
“There are so many neighborhoods that have gone up here in recent years, that it really is possible to find the perfect fit,” said Kris. “I found exactly where I was meant to be. I love my neighbors. We get together for games and trivia nights. We’re from all over the country, but there is a bond between us. Everyone is so friendly.”
One day, like all Hampstead residents, Kris looks forward to the state finishing what is known as the bypass project which should alleviate the traffic and shorten the commute to Wilmington. For now virtually all the traffic runs down one artery, Highway 17 – which after 4pm becomes bumper to bumper.
“Listen, it’s not California traffic.” Kris laughs at the comparison. “When people talk about traffic in Hampstead that means they had to sit at a light for maybe a minute before they make it through.”
Where to Live
Belvedere Plantation: This is a waterfront community with an 18-hole golf course and a diverse set of architectural styles. Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming along the shores of Surf City just 15 minutes north on Topsail Island.
Caste Bay: This golf course community offers patio homes and larger single family homes. Floor plans range in size and options. Amenities include golf, playing tennis, swimming in the pool, and community gym
Crown Point: This community offers large wooded home sites. You’ll find a long list of amenities including access to Virginia Creek for canoeing and kayaking, clubhouse, pool and sidewalks for strolling and biking. The property borders Virginia Creek affording residents views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Topsail Island.
Dogwood Lakes: This community was developed along a natural lake setting with wooded home sites. Homes come in a variety of homes ranging in size from 1,600 square feet up to 4,000 square feet. This community offers owners sidewalks, water activities and a community pavilion.
Old Pointe: This is one of the largest communities in town. Many of the homes sites are situated along the Intracoastal waterway and offer home owners deep water access. Those homes located within the interior of the neighborhood are surrounded by mature hardwoods and oak trees, many over 100 years in age. With a semi-private golf course as the main amenity guest and owners can enjoy golfing from their back yards.
Pelican Reef: This is a gated waterfront community located on the Virginia Sound. Residents enjoy the old growth and hardwood trees giving home owners a wide array of nature within this beautiful setting. Amenities include, club house, tennis courts, community pier/dock and fitness center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a community with great schools, or if you want to be on the water without spending seven figures, then Hampstead needs to be on your list.
Its location makes it an easy commute for those who work in either Wilmington or Jacksonville. More and more in recent years it has also become home to a number of retired Marines who served at Camp Lejeune.
“If you’re looking to buy in Hampstead or anywhere in Pender County, I’d love to show you around and get you acquainted with the area,” said Kris. “I am so glad to have discovered this place.”