Situated just between the traffic of Wilmington and Jacksonville, Hampstead is beloved by those who call it home. The residents here are, in a word, awesome. I do believe that Hampstead houses some of the most kind, genuine, feisty, talented, and colorful characters. Hampstead is unincorporated, which means it is not governed by its own municipal corporation.
STATS
County: Pender
Population: 4,247
- Hampstead is growing steadily. It’s the perfect location and the real estate here is affordable and beautiful. There are so many trees here, that even with a population influx, the community is able to retain a feeling of remoteness, as though you’re far away from the big city, in your own tranquil piece of the country.
Schools: 5 elementary*, 3 junior high*, 1 high school
*including the local public charter school
- The schools are highly praised and for good reason. Surf City is the newest school, which will be built and ready in time for the 2018-2019 school year. The charter school is located just outside of Pender County, near Wilmington. It is a public school with admission through a lottery.
- Elementary Schools:
- North Topsail Elementary School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/nte
- 1310 Sloop Point Loop Road, Hampstead, NC 28443
- South Topsail Elementary School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/ste
- 997 Hoover Road, Hampstead, NC 28443
- Surf City Elementary School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/pcs-community/home/surf-city-elementary-staff
- 12345-A Literacy Ln, Hampstead, NC 28443
- Topsail Elementary School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/tes
- 17385 Hwy. 17, Hampstead, NC 28443
- North Topsail Elementary School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/nte
- Middle Schools:
- Surf City Middle School https://sites.google.com/pender.k12.nc.us/scm
- 12345 B Literacy Ln., Hampstead, NC 28443
- Topsail Middle School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/tms/
- 17445 US Hwy 17, Hampstead, NC 28443
- Surf City Middle School https://sites.google.com/pender.k12.nc.us/scm
- High School:
- Topsail High School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/ths/
- 245 N. Saint Johns Church Road, Hampstead, NC 28443
- Topsail High School https://sites.google.com/a/pender.k12.nc.us/ths/
Average summer temp: 78 degrees F
- Winter is short, especially if you have ever lived anywhere with real winters. Snow often causes the entire city to shut down, which can be a delightful break, since it usually only occures once a year. There are 4 noticable seasons here, but summer feels the longest, which is the perfect complement to the nearby beaches.
Distance to beach: 10-15 miles
- You can have your toes in the water in basically a hot minute.
Super Market Chains: 2
- Both Lowes Foods & Harris Teeter offer a grocery pickup service, which is the best thing ever for working parents.
Food: Fast food chains (McDonalds, Taco Bell, Jersey Mike’s Subs, etc) and locally owned diners (Burrito Shak, Sushi Gem, Jebby’s, Village Cafe, Burney’s, and more)
- The fast food chains may not be anything special, but they get the job done when you need to eat in a hurry or on the run. Of course I will tell you that all the local restaurants are delicious (because they are!) but Burrito Shak is my personal favorite, followed closely by Sushi Gem.
Dollar stores: A lot
- There are enough to annoy all the locals, but also make it convienent to purchase ironing boards or other random things.
Superstores: 0
- Any time land is purchased for commercial use, the first rumor is always that it will be a Target. So far, that’s proved to be false.
Kiwanis Park in Hampstead, NC
Parks: Kiwanis Park
- This park is where it’s at. The are two playground sets, one on each end. The main one has a huge section made for all children to be able to play, including children with disabilities. There’s even a wheel chair swing! Ball fields and walking trails complete this awesome recreation space.
Nearest Target: 13.5 miles from city center
- And now with a Starbucks inside. Skinny caramel machiotto to sip in the dollars deals section, please!
Nearest Walmart: 7.4 miles from city center
- I am not kidding when I say that this Walmart is actually nice. You will not hate shopping here. It’s super convienient to Hampstead too.
Preservations: Holly Shelter Game Land
- It’s full of trails for walking or biking. Hunters with dogs frequent the Game Land, so it’s not a great spot for bow hunting.
Shooting range: 1
- This is a new and exciting development in Holly Shelter Game Land. It’s completely outdoors and you can shoot a variety of guns here.
Public libraries: 1
- They have a program here where your child can practice reading to a therapy dog. How cool is that?
Main highway: Hwy 17
- It can get pretty congested during rush hours, but if you have ever visited cities like Denver or San Diego, you will appreciate the “traffic.”
Golf courses: 3
- Castle Bay, Olde Point Golf and Country Club and the Belvedere Plantation. I guess the people of Hampstead love to golf!
There’s a reason Hampstead is growing so quickly. It’s because it rocks!
