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Hempstead is a small, quiet Texan town with friendly residents and a suburban feel that allows for a more laid-back lifestyle. Not to mention the city’s widely famous, delicious watermelons, you can never have enough of those.
Despite its small size, Hempstead is an excellent place to visit and live. However, you need a car to get out and about in the town. Even though it has a high crime rate compared to other cities, visitors are always impressed with how friendly the people are.
About Hempstead, Texas
In 1856, Dr. Richard Peebles and James McDade sold lots through their Hempstead Town Company. These lots were located in the newly established community in Hempstead, located at the Houston and Texas Central Railway’s projected terminus.
The town was named after Peebles’ brother-in-law, Dr. G. S. B. Hempstead. A couple of years later, the Houston and Texas Central Railway line was extended to the town. Consequently, Hempstead became a distribution center between the inner parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Facts About Hempstead, Texas
- Location: Hempstead is located about 50 miles northwest of Houston, at the junction of Texas State Highway 6, Texas State Highway 159, and U.S. Highway 290
- County: Waller County
- Land Area: 6.5 square miles
- Zip code: 77445
- Population: A little over 8000 residents
- Crime rate: On a scale of 1 to 100, with 1 being the lowest crime, Hempstead, Texas scored 44.7 in violent crime and 46.6 in property crime
- Average Temperature June: High of 91°F and low of 72°F
- Average Temperature January: High of 62°F and low of 43°F
- Universities: There’s only one university within a 15-mile radius located in Prairie View, Texas about 5 miles from Hempstead, Texas called Prairie View A&M University.
- Airports: The nearest international airport is George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located in Houston, Texas, more than 60 miles from Hempstead, Texas. The nearest local airport is Easterwood Airport, which is 47 miles away.
- Best hotels: Summit Inn Hempstead, Evolve Lone Star State Escape with Deck, and View.
- Best Restaurants: Hill Country Bbq, Hempstead Steak & Seafood, Classic Events Cafe, Breakfast Paradise, Erik’s Mexican Restaurant, The Boat Seafood & Restaurant, The Thirsty Parrot Bar & Grill, Joe’s Italian Grill, and First Class BBQ.
What’s Hempstead, Texas Known For?
Hempstead, Texas is known for growing delicious, juicy watermelons. Until the 1940s, it was the country’s top watermelon shipper. The town even had a watermelon king and queen named Billy DiIorio and Angelina Dilorio.
People From Hempstead, Texas
- Kevin Carroll is a former American football player who played defensive linemen in the Arena Football League for eight seasons. He also played for the Cincinnati Rockers, Las Vegas Sting/Anaheim Piranhas, Los Angeles Avengers, and Grand Rapids Rampage.
- Norris Wright Cuney was an American businessman, union leader, politician, and advocate for African-Americans rights in Texas. He considerably improved African-American’s educational opportunities and employment in the city.
- Alfred C. Finn was an American architect who collaborated on numerous projects in Houston. Alongside Jesse Jones, in the 1910s and 1920s, Finn changed the face of downtown Houston with his innovative designs.
- Pamelya Herndon is an African-American politician, attorney, and accountant. She was appointed as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives. In 2012, she became the executive director of the Southwest Women’s Law Center.
- Johnny Holland is an American football coach and former player. He coaches the linebackers for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was a linebacker at the Green Bay Packers until 1993.
- Edmund Montgomery was a Scottish-American scientist, physician, philosopher, and the husband of Elisabet Ney, the German-American sculptor. He traveled to Texas in 1873 and served as Waller County Road Commissioner for two terms.
- Pat Newnam was born in Hempstead, Texas. He was the first baseman in Major League Baseball who played with the St. Louis Browns in 1910 and 1911. He passed away in 1938 at the age of 57.
- Buster Pickens was an American blues pianist who recorded a solo album in 1960. He also accompanies Lightnin’ Hopkins and Alger “Texas” Alexander.
- Terrence Toliver is a former American football player who played college football for the LSU Tigers as a leading receiver. Additionally, he was selected in the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic as the offensive most valuable player.
Where is Hempstead, Texas?
Hempstead lies in the heart of The Lone Star State. It’s a small town in Waller County and part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area.
Nearby Locations
| City | Location from Hempstead |
| Prairie View | 5.42 miles to the east |
| Waller | 9.48 miles to the east |
| Bellville | 14.77 miles to the southwest |
| Brenham | 19.68 miles to the west |
| Navasota | 20.08 miles to the north |
| Magnolia | 21.04 miles to the east |
| Sealy | 22.38 miles to the south |
| Brookshire | 22.82 miles to the south |
| Pinehurst | 24.2 miles to the east |
Layout of Hempstead, Texas
Hempstead, Texas is a small town with only about 8000 residents. It’s the county seat of Waller county and is located northwest of Houston. The small town only contains a few public elementary, middle, and high schools.
Additionally, there are several churches around the town, a golf course in the northwest, a glider airport in the north, a small Walmart, and several restaurants.
Areas in Hempstead, Texas
- Brazos Estates
- Cochran Estates
- Deerwood East
- Deerwood Lakes
- Fair Weather Field
- Gabriel Farms
- Hempstead South
- James Hall Jr.
- Legendary Oaks
There aren’t many places to go around Hempstead, Texas. It’s a quiet, suburban, kid-friendly town where everyone knows one another.
Getting About Hempstead, Texas
Although it’s a small town, getting about Hempstead, Texas, usually requires a car.
On Foot
The walkability of a particular city is determined by how many errands can be run without needing a vehicle. So, on a walking scale of 100, with 100 being the most walkable, the city of Hempstead, Texas, scored 59.
That means that about 43% of the daily errands in Hempstead require a car, giving it a rating of “somewhat walkable.”
Public Transport
Hempstead, Texas has limited public transportation options. The majority is only for getting you to or out of Hempstead.
Driving
Being ‘somewhat walkable,’ means there are a handful of places you can reach on foot. So, driving is your best option for quickly getting from place to place.
Bear in mind that Hempstead isn’t that big compared to nearby cities. You can drive from one end of town to the other in no more than 10 minutes when traffic is low.
What To Do in Hempstead, Texas?
There are quite a few activities to do in Hempstead, Texas and the surrounding areas. Take a look.
Legendary Oaks Golf Course
You can enjoy a visit to the legendary oaks 18 holes golf course, where you get to play a round of golf with family or friends. If you’re not into golf, there are other activities, like fishing and tennis. Additionally, there are amenities like a restaurant/bar where you can grab a bite to eat, a swimming pool, and a church.
John Fairey Garden Conservation
The beautiful garden is about a 7-minute drive away from the heart of Hempstead. It’s home to various rare plants and evergreen oaks, making for a fun day trip for the entire family.
Watermelon Festival
If you visit Hempstead, Texas, around July, you can’t miss their watermelon festival. This two-day festival includes many fun events, including a BBQ cookoff for kids and adults, a corn hole tournament, a car show, a parade, and a watermelon auction.
Where To Eat in Hempstead, Texas?
- Enjoy a good meal at First Class BBQ
- If you’re craving seafood, then Hempstead Seafood is the place to go
- Joe’s Italian Grill offers a delicious variety of Italian food
- Try eating at Ayala’s Cafe, Erik’s Mexican Restaurant, Arcelia Mexican Taqueria, or Las Fuentes for an authentic Mexican meal
Where To Stay in Hempstead, Texas?
- Summit Inn Hempstead: the hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Hempstead. It features free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Overall, it offers good value for money.
- Evolve Lone Star State Escape with Deck and View: Although a bit out of town, it’s a highly rated, cozy vacation home featuring free Wi-Fi.
Hempstead, Texas FAQs
Is Hempstead, Texas a good place to live in?
Although Hempstead, Texas is small compared to other cities, it’s reportedly a great town to live in. Some of its highlights are the quiet neighborhoods, great public schools, and friendly people.
Is Hempstead, Texas safe?
Hempstead, Texas has an overall crime grade of F. As a result of these findings, it’s been placed in the 7th percentile for safety, meaning that 97% of US cities are safer than Hempstead. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that the southeast part of Hempstead, Texas is considered to be the safest part of town.
References;
- Hempstead, Texas has an overall crime grade of F: crimegrade.org
- Hempstead, Texas has a score of 59: walkscore.com
- A little over 8000 residents: datausa.io
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
