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North Carolina meadows near Durham showing rolling tree-lined hills, green grass, and sun setting in the background

Why Live in Hampstead, North Carolina?

In the growing beach town of Hampstead, North Carolina, residents find enjoyment in the amenities and living like they’re always on vacation, while also being within distance of Wilmington for work or other large city necessities. Being within minutes of top schools and Topsail Beach, there are many reasons why people are interested in this town. Boasting multiple golf courses and otherwise known as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas”, here are the top three reasons to live in Hampstead, North Carolina.

 

Coastal lifestyle and amenities without as high a cost

Hampstead is about 30 minutes away from the laid-back, family-friendly beach town of Topsail Island. Regulars of the island credit this beach as a relaxing getaway that has the benefits of recent commercialization. Those visiting the island can experience the natural beauty of the Carolina coast, excellent dining options, and other vacation-oriented activities. Home values in the Hampstead area compared to those in Wilmington are slightly higher or on par, making Hampstead a great investment for those families or individuals seeking coastal proximity without the premium beachfront pricing.

 

Good schools & Tight-Knit community

Hampstead is zoned to Topsail schools in the Pender County School District, which are some of the best schools in the district. According to Niche.com, Topsail High School is the 6th-best high school in the Wilmington area. Similarly, Topsail Middle School is rated the 5th-best middle school in the Wilmington area. These top-rated schools, coupled with the natural area amenities, make Hampstead an idyllic family retreat. Coming in 2027, Pender County is currently developing a 265,000 square foot K-8 school in Hampstead, which will be the “largest K-8 school east of I-95”. Pender County schools also have a “Purple Star” designation, showing their support for military families with nearby military bases at Camp Lejeune and the surrounding areas.

 

Proximity to the city and employment

Hampstead is ideally located for many reasons, but one of the primary reasons is its proximity to major highways and the easy commute to employment centers. The city itself sits right off I-17, which takes you straight into the Wilmington area, and is close to the I-40 corridor. The average commute time for residents in Hampstead is 30 minutes, which either takes you south to inner city Wilmington or north towards Jacksonville, NC.

 

Current Demographics of Hampstead, NC (as of the 2023 census bureau)

  • Population: 9,129
  • Median Age: 36
  • Median Household Income: $90,184

  • Median Property Value: $395,900


FAQs about living in Hampstead

Is Hampstead a good place to live?

Yes, Hampstead is considered a good place to live. As the #1 ranked best place to live in Pender County according to Niche, Hampstead has a lower crime rate than surrounding areas, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. For those who value a suburban lifestyle and close coastal/amenity proximity for a better value, Hampstead is a great option.

 

What is there to do recreationally near Hampstead?
Topsail Beach 

Topsail is a small beach town about 20-30 minutes away from the residents of Hampstead. Other than relaxing on the beach, visitors can enjoy many other beach-related activities, such as surfing and fishing. Topsail also offers local restaurants and shops, as well as the Topsail Beach Craft Market, which is every Thursday and offers local arts and crafts from vendors in the area.

Hampstead Kiwanis Park

Operated by Pender County Parks, Hampstead Kiwanis Park is a 53-acre park that serves the community by providing outdoor recreation, a fitness area, and centralized gathering areas for families to enjoy. Some of the outdoor recreational facilities include baseball/softball fields, football/soccer/lacrosse fields, turf fields, multipurpose fields, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, trails, and a few others.

Intracoastal Waterway and Marshes

Hampstead sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, providing residents with a plethora of access to coastal marshes, boating, and waterfront opportunities to fish, kayak, boat, and explore beach communities like Topsail.