Located between Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC, Hampstead is an unincorporated community encompassing around 20 square miles. Situated along U.S. Route 17 and bordered to the east by the Intracoastal Waterway, Hampstead residents are only minutes from a variety of attractions and amenities.

Long inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cape Fear Indians, the town of Hampstead was established by European settlers in the 1730s. During the colonial period, the area produced an abundance of plantation crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. Following the Civil War, cotton and tobacco were the area’s biggest exports. 

In recent decades, this charming coastal community has seen significant growth and development, driven by its proximity to Wilmington and Topsail Island. Subdivisions such as Pecan Grove Plantation and Crown Pointe offer custom homes, impressive amenities, and proximity to nearby beaches and recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating, and golf are popular pastimes. Locals also enjoy visiting farmers markets and berry farms on the weekends.