805 S. Walker Street
Burgaw, NC 28425-7620, 910.259.1200
www.pender-county.com       

A Sense of Community
Founded in 1875, Pender County was named after Confederate general William Dorsey Pender. Conveniently located and easily accessible from Interstate 40 and US highways 17 and 117, Pender County’s family-oriented beaches, beautiful rivers and verdant maritime forests are a popular vacation and relocation destination. Details: Pender County Tourism, PO Box 177, Burgaw, NC 28425, 888-576-4756, visitpender.com.

Hampstead
Known as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas,” Hampstead is a blooming commercial area and community within a short drive of Wilmington. Hampstead offers the small-town appeal many seek, while still remaining closely connected to the city. Hampstead claims an interesting history, as George Washington is reported to have stayed overnight at a local tavern. Hampstead has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a fishing village and whistle-stop alongside the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. It is currently one of the fastest growing areas in the state, helped by having a proximity to the beautiful beaches and city comforts. Contact the Hampstead Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 211, Hampstead, NC 28443, 800-833-2483, hampsteadchamber.com.   

Surf City
Surf City, a community shared between both Pender and Onslow counties, is located in the center of Topsail Island, a barrier island that’s part of the Southern Outer Banks. It is the largest of the three island towns and the island’s commercial center.Aside from postcard-perfect beaches, visitors and locals can enjoy the Soundside Park, or tour Surf City by bike path; a delight from spring through fall and even on some of winter’s more temperate days. Entering town via NC Highway 50, you’ll cross the Intracoastal Waterway over one of the last swing bridges in North Carolina, a legacy to this unique area. Contact the town of Surf City, 214 N. New River Drive, Surf City, NC 28445-9821, 910-328-4131, surfcity.govoffice.com.  

Topsail Beach
Looking for white sandy beaches with beautiful sunrises and sunsets? Look no further than Topsail Beach. Located on the southern end of Topsail Island, Topsail Beach encourages beautification and conservation of the island environment. This green-friendly seaside community has a quaint shopping district and vacant beaches perfect for family fun. Take the kids miniature golfing or grab a fishing rod and cast out near the inlet.Topsail Beach has a truly unique treasure in the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, the first facility of its kind in the state dedicated to helping sea turtles that choose the North Carolina coast on which to nest. For the military-minded, the Topsail Island Museum details the unique relationship Topsail Island had with the military during and just after World War II. Details: town of Topsail Beach, 820 S. Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445-9831, 910-328-5841, topsailbeach.org.  

Education
Public Schools, K-12

Pender County Public School System
925 Penderlea Highway
NC 28425
910-259-2187
www.pendercountyschools.net  

Higher Education
Cape Fear Community College
411 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401-3993
910-362-7000
www.cfcc.edu

Cape Fear Community College of Wilmington, with a convenient satellite campus in Hampstead, is among the largest of North Carolina’s community colleges. More than 25,000 people attend classes at CFCC every year. CFCC has 60 technical programs in a wide range of areas to give students hands-on training to get a job right after graduation. The community college also offers a college transfer program where students can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at a fraction of the cost of attending a four-year college or university. The growing community service course offerings include arts and crafts, sailing, kayaking and motorcycle safety. In the college’s Center for Business, Industry and Government, low-cost classes are offered in computer training, construction, foreign languages, leadership and management.