Local legend has it that Freeport got its name when during the Civil War when some unclaimed wine cases were found near the shipping docks. The townsfolk were invited to enjoy some “free port.” While chances are more likely that the panhandle community got its name from being a free place to dock, the story seems to match the city’s vibe.
Set along the shores of LaGrange Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay, Freeport is a community where local roots go back to the 1830 settlement of boaters, fishermen and farmers. Retail trade and construction are the leading industries today, but fishing, boating and farming remain pillars of the community. The once-small town is home to a fast-growing population of roughly 20,000. Freeport’s warm spirit, bayou beauty and increasing number of new developments make it a standout in south Walton County.
Freeport offers endless nature escapes, boating adventures, and fishing spots for locals.
Freeport hosts monthly movie nights for residents to relax and enjoy community fun.
Freeport’s marina serves as a hub for locals to connect and enjoy waterfront views.
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New construction is all over Freeport
“Freeport is the fastest growing city in our area, and it’s high up there in the whole state, too,” says Sabine Robertson, a broker for Sea Haus Realty. The median price here is around $391,000, lower the national median. Developers have descended upon the ample stretches of vacant land, plotting out new subdivisions of New Traditional and classic ranch-style houses surrounded by dense pine forests, lakes and waterways. The 3,000-acre, master-planned Hammock Bay community is at the forefront of this push; its bayfront homes are popular for their private docks. “I think more people live in Hammock Bay than the rest of Freeport,” Robertson says.
Freeport’s rapid growth includes new subdivisions filled with traditional-style homes.
Freeport’s mix of architectural styles makes it ideal for buyers seeking distinctive homes.
Traditional architecture shines in Freeport’s Brighton Cove community of homes.
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The Walton County School District
The Walton County School District is No. 9 on Niche’s list of Florida’s best school districts. Niche grades the district an overall A-minus and ranks Freeport Senior High — also graded A-minus — as the best high school in the county. Students at Freeport High enjoy small classes. Those interested in a future in manufacturing can enroll in the school’s advanced manufacturing program. In December 2024, the brand-new Freeport Middle opened its doors. The county spent $81 million on the development to keep up with Freeport’s growing population.
Freeport Senior High School celebrates student potential and individual achievements.
Freeport Middle School builds strong foundations for tomorrow’s future leaders.
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A boater’s paradise and Freeport Bayfest
Freeport is full of places to escape into nature, get a boat on the water and cast a line. Marse Landing at Four Mile Creek is the heart of the boating and fishing scene, featuring many boat slips. Outside the city, locals can hunt, hike and bike around the Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area, which spans over 3,000 acres. The Freeport Sports Complex has more traditional park amenities, from barbecue grills and picnic pavilions to ballfields, walking trails and athletic courts. The park hosts the annual Freeport Bayfest, bringing food trucks, craft vendors, a cooking competition, live music and more into town.
Boating in Freeport is a favorite pastime thanks to its accessible and scenic waters.
Marse Landing at Four Mile Creek anchors Freeport’s boating and fishing community.
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New developments on Main Street and fast-food joints on U.S. 331
Freeport doesn’t have a traditional downtown, but more shopping and dining options are cropping up with each new development – such as Hammock Bay’s General Store. “Ten years ago, there wasn’t even a Publix,” Robertson says with a laugh. Folks can run errands in town on U.S. Route 331, a growing commercial corridor with fast-food chains and other conveniences. As for local mainstays, The Oar House Pub & Oyster Bar opened in 2020. The family-owned and -operated spot quickly became a favorite among boaters thanks to its location in Marina Village — the city’s public marina.
Since 2020, The Oar House Pub & Oyster Bar has been a go-to dining spot in Freeport.
Freeport’s U.S. Route 331 corridor offers shops and services for convenient errands.
Freeport locals shop at the General Store in Hammock Bay for essentials and community charm.
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U.S. 331 and Florida 20
Freeport has one park-and-ride location on Main Street. U.S. 331 and Florida Road 20 are the main thoroughfares. Access to Interstate 10 is about 15 miles north. The closest hospital is in Defuniak Springs, the county seat, 15 miles north of Freeport.
Crime
Freeport’s crime rates are not readily available, but Niche gives the city a B grade for crime.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
Paul Ayala
Video By
Adam Barkley
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Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Freeport, FL sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Freeport, FL over the last 12 months is $401,990, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 155 Eunola Lane, a new home in Phase III at Ashton Park in Freeport, Florida. This home is ready for move in. Entering this home, you will find EVP through the foyer which opens to a bright and airy space, with two secondary bedrooms and a full bathroom tucked off to one side. These rooms are perfectly sized with each offering plenty of closet space and easy access to the shared bath.
Pamela HawkinsDR Horton Realty of Emerald Coast LLC
**RARE LOCATION** Cottage Style home located on Large Corner Lot that backs to Preserve in Schooner Landing. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is newly painted throughout, completely move-in ready, and offers an unbeatable combination of privacy, space, and resort-style living. Set on an oversized corner lot, the home features a large, manicured backyard with tranquil preserve
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home (with Bedroom 3 currently used as an office) located in the highly desirable Schooner Landing neighborhood of Hammock Bay. With $23,750 in recent upgrades, this home blends modern comfort, style, and function—truly move-in ready. Charming curb appeal welcomes you with manicured landscaping and an extended
Welcome to 33 Caymus Cove, a truly standout Randy Wise Homes custom residence located in the gated Vineyards of Hammock Bay, where thoughtful design upgrades elevate every space. From the moment you enter, curated details set this home apart—custom trim walls and designer wallpaper in the front bedroom, beautifully updated wallpaper and paint in the second bedroom, and a stunning, color-drenched
Investors what an opportunity ...Frontage on US HWY 331 with public water and sewer available in Freeport, one of the fastest growing areas in Florida. Current Rural Village zoning allows for many commercial business ventures including: Professional offices, restaurants, retail stores, medical offices, lodging, and several more options we can share with you. General Commercial zoning is an option
Are you seeking to construct your own personalized residence on a spacious property within a remarkable gated community centered around a golf course? Your search ends here, as this parcel is conveniently positioned in a cul-de-sac on a generous .66-acre lot, adjacent to the 14th green and the 15th tee box. Windswept Estates, a 750-acre meticulously designed residential community, offers an
ONE MONTH FREE RENT WITH A 13 MONTH SIGNED LEASE! *** Offer Expires 1/31/26 BEAUTIFUL Single-Story Home in the Cross Creek Freeport Community! The desirable Covington Plan boasts an open design encompassing the Living, Dining, and Kitchen spaces. The Kitchen features gorgeous cabinets, granite countertops, and Stainless-Steel Kitchen (Appliances include Refrigerator, Range with hood, and
Welcome to this completely renovated unit A under the beautiful oaks! 2bd, 1 bath tile and LVP floors throughout. Washer and Dryer included as well as landscaping and pest control. This neighborhood is just before Hammock Bay with an easy location to get to Freeport shopping and restaurants, Niceville and under 30 minutes to the beaches of 30A. Freeport was recently awarded A ratings for schools.
Welcome to this completely renovated unit C under the beautiful oaks! 2bd, 1 bath tile and LVP floors throughout. Washer and Dryer included as well as landscaping and pest control. This neighborhood is just before Hammock Bay with an easy location to get to Freeport shopping and restaurants, Niceville and under 30 minutes to the beaches of 30A. Freeport was recently awarded A ratings for schools.
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