Hampstead

Hampstead is an unincorporated but fast-growing coastal enclave in Pender County, set along U.S. 17 between Wilmington to the south and Surf City/Topsail Island to the east. Roughly 9,400 full-time residents spread across marsh, creek, and pine-forest acreage, making the town both a bedroom community for Wilmington commuters and a launch point for barrier-island adventures.

Locals nickname Hampstead the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas,” a nod to the roadside fish houses that line the highway and supply restaurants across the region. The area’s working-waterfront heritage comes alive each autumn during the NC Spot Festival, a two-day celebration featuring live music, helicopter rides, and—of course—plates of fried spot fish.

Compared with Surf City, Hampstead sits on the mainland, offering larger home sites, three public golf courses, and quick Intracoastal Waterway access—yet it’s only a ten-minute drive to the island bridges. That mix of space and shore keeps demand and home values high while preserving a laid-back, locals-first vibe.