The majority of the village is in the parish of Orlestone, named after a much older hamlet located 1 mile north of Hamstreet on the ridge of hills; however, part of the village falls within the parish of Warehorne, including the significant Ingoldsby Lane / Pippins development, giving a total population of 1,988 which will have increased since the 2021 census.

Until the coming of the railway in 1851, Hamstreet was just a hamlet known as 'Ham' based around the village centre which contains many buildings in the traditional Kentish weatherboard style.

Two large areas of public woodland surround the village, namely Ham Street Woods and Orlestone Forest, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

The Royal Military Canal, the UK's third longest defensive structure, passes by ½ mile to the south.

Three long distance footpaths also run through the parish: The area is also popular with cyclists, as Romney Marsh to the south is completely flat.