Many of the properties on Topsail Island are second homes or investment properties. However, the number of year-round residents continues to grow as more small subdivisions are built on the Intracoastal Waterway or are nestled in the maritime forests. The majority of these homes are occupied by retirees who enjoy the relaxed beach lifestyle. Properties most in demand are the large homes on the oceanfront and other waterfront locations. The trend continues to be toward rising prices, and property purchased today will be viewed as a bargain tomorrow. You can expect to pay an average of $700,000 to $1.5 million for a single-family, oceanfront home. Land is limited on this barrier island, and many retirees and new families relocating to the area often choose to live on the mainland, which is still close enough to the beach to feel like they are on a lifelong vacation.

Hampstead, once a small fishing village and a whistle stop alongside the Atlantic Coast Line RR, is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Many neighborhoods front the waterway, more are along the numerous creeks and even more line the area's four golf courses. The land side of the sound is officially referred to as Topsail Township and includes many small unincorporated communities and the larger community of Hampstead. There are still quaint fishing shacks on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway, though most are being replaced by much larger homes as new people move into the area. Hampstead, and in fact all of Pender County, is seeing growth and change come quickly, and farmlands once used for blueberries and tobacco are growing houses and neighborhoods as development of the area increases.

Hampstead is home to two large wholesale-only fresh fish dealers. Every September, J. H. Lea & Sons contributes about 5,000 lbs. of fish to the yearly Spot Festival, the event of the year in the town. There is also a marina, a full-service boat yard and lots of golf courses. History is everywhere, mostly related to marauding pirates. Topsail Inlet was a frequently used entrance to Topsail Sound, a hideout for Blackbeard, Steede Bonnett and Captain Kidd.