Hempstead, Texas is often referred to as the "Watermelon Capital of Texas," but it has another pet name that few are aware of - "Six Shooter Junction". Through the early twentieth century, the town was a hot spot for many disputes that were settled with the law of the gun. A true western boom town, the city finally settled down and residents turned to the pastime of farming the fertile soil to become the top exporter of watermelons in the United States.
With a population of 5,770 townsfolk, Hempstead offers a laid back lifestyle. The town itself covers only five miles and retains its small community feel. Located approximately 50 miles northwest of Houston, quaint Hempstead has experienced a growth spurt in recent years as city dwellers seek a country lifestyle.
Moving to Hempstead
Despite its relatively small size, only about 56.4 percent of the homes are owner occupied. The remaining houses are used as rental properties. Rental apts are available throughout the town, but you might have to wait for certain models such as popular 3 bedroom apartments to become available. Some apartment complexes keep a waiting list of candidates and apartments locator services also put interested residents on call list of people looking for rental apartments. Some private houses may have a studio apartment available for rent.
Driving around or looking online is always a popular way to locate rentals. Also you can rely on local newspapers or word of mouth. When hunting for an apartment in Hempstead, you might want to utilize the services of a property management company. JD Services Property Management, located in neighboring Waller, oversees numerous rentals in the Hempstead area. Weichert Rentals is also a popular real estate agency that deals in local rentals. They often feature single family homes, townhomes, duplex units and, on rare occasions, apartments for rent.
When moving to a small town like Hempstead remember to be flexible. You will want to consider every apartment for rent, town home, duplex or single family rental residence a candidate as your next home. Initially, you might not find exactly what you are seeking, but you might find a home that will suffice until a larger or smaller place becomes available.
Neighborhoods in Hempstead
Hempstead does not really have designated neighborhoods, so you will want to pick an area that is close to things that interest you. Remember that the town doesn't have any real form of public transportation, so if you want to walk to work, you should find an apartment that is within walking distance of your place of employment. If you don't mind driving your vehicle, you will be open to living in any area of the small community. Its diminutive size means that virtually any residence you pick will be within walking or biking distance of restaurants and stores.
Apartment Complexes
Circle K Apartments: JD Services Property Management manages the apartments at Circle K Apartments located 650 Donoho Road in Hempstead. You will be required to fill out an application and undergo a background and credit check prior to moving in. There is an application fee charged for all applicants. All required deposits must also be paid upfront. Circle K Apartments has various sized units available, such as 2 bedroom apartments for rent. The apartment complex does not have pet friendly apartments. No pets of any kind are allowed. Apartment residents are also not allowed to smoke.
Park at Clear Creek: Located at 111 Clear Creek Street in Hempstead, the Park at Clear Creek apartment complex features one, two and three bedroom apartments for rent. The apartments vary in size from 600 square feet to over 1100 square feet. Each apartment boasts nine foot ceilings, ceiling fans, washer/dryer connections, dishwasher and spacious closets. If you have children, there is an on site day care center available for residents. All parking is covered. Residents are sure to enjoy lounging by the apartment complex's crystal blue pool during the hot summer months. There is also a playground with a picnic area to enjoy some quality time outdoors.
University Trails Prairie View: The apartments at University Trails Prairie View are fully furnished units. Located at 24444 Richards Road # 11 in Hempstead, the managers of University Trails Prairie View apartments take pride in the fact they are located only minutes away from shopping and and dining. On occasion they have one, two, three and four bedroom apartments available for occupancy. Each bedroom in all of the apartments also has free internet service. If you are seeking a roommate, the managers at University Trials Prairie View will even help you locate a compatible roommate to share your apartment. If you have children who will be attending the local Hempstead schools, you can rest easy in the knowledge that the University Trails Prairie View is one of the stops on the bus route, so your child will not be walking blocks to catch the bus. The Prairie View A&M is less than one mile from the apartment complex, which means its only a 10 minute walk each day to campus.
Living in Hempstead
When living in Hempstead, there is no lack of yearly fun activities. The annual Watermelon Festival happens each July and features two days of live bands, dancing and fun for all ages. They kick off the event with a car show and massive carnival. There is food, games and events non-stop for two days. The fun continues year round in Hempstead. Each December, the town celebrates the holidays with the Festival of Lights. Santa is the headliner with the town's parade followed by live entertainment. The downtown also become bathed in the soft glow of thousands of holiday lights. Even Easter becomes a celebration in Hempstead, as the annual Easter Egg hunt commences. No matter what time of year it is, there is fun to be had. The town's mild climate also helps make outdoor activities enjoyable. During the summer months, the average temperature is 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Mild winter time temperatures make it suitable to wear a lightweight jacket. The winter temperature normally hover around 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
The town has all the fast food favorites such as Subway and McDonald's. If you seek a nice sit down restaurant, you will be able to hit the Hempstead Seafood and Steak Restaurant, which is a good place to rub shoulders with the locals to get to know the townsfolk. For a taste of authentic Mexican food, the Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurant serves heaping plates of south of the border favorites. For many people life in Texas is not complete without old-fashioned Texas barbecue like the choices at Juniors Smokehouse. How about a quick cup of coffee and a donut to start your day off right? At 420 Austin Road sits Hempstead's Snowflake Donuts. The donuts and pastries are baked fresh daily and there is a wide variety to choose from.
If you are looking for a historic town with a big attitude in hospitality, look no further than Hempstead. Whether you call it the "Watermelon Capital of Texas" or "Six Shooters Junction," the town of Hempstead has a lot to offer its residents.
