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 is full of places to escape into nature, get a boat on the water and cast a line.
The public marina in Freeport has become a gathering place for the community.
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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 is one of the fastest growing cities in the area with many new subdivisions of new traditional homes.
Residents at Hammock Bay in Freeport can also enjoy games like corn hole when visiting Props Craft Brewery.
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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 recognizes and encourages students individual capabilities.
Freeport Middle School prepares the leaders of tomorrow.
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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.
Marse Landing at Four Mile Creek is the heart of the boating and fishing scene in Freeport.
Freeport residents love to spend time outdoors at Freeport Regional Sports Complex.
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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.
Freeport folks can run errands in town on U.S. Route 331, a growing commercial corridor.
Freeport residents love the General Store in the heart of Hammock Bay neighborhood.
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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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Yvonne Summerfield,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Freeport, FL sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Freeport, FL over the last 12 months is $399,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome Home! This 4 bed, 2.5 bath gem by Randy Wise Homes features a smart layout, spacious living, and timeless finishes. You'll love the natural light, serene views, and quality craftsmanship throughout. Located in one of Freeport's most sought-after neighborhoods, enjoy easy access to parks, schools, and the Bay. Walk to the playground, community pool, fishing ponds, and dog park—fun for all
Welcome to 44 Great Horned Owl Court, a new home located at Owl's Head Farms in Freeport Florida. This home is ready for move in. The Destin floor plan features an expansive great room, where the open concept design showcases 9' ceilings with additional tray ceilings in the living room and primary bedroom. You'll find elegant, engineered vinyl plank flooring throughout the home with carpet in
Welcome to 225 Gray Owl Drive, a new home at Owl's Head in Freeport, Florida. This home is ready for move in and features the Lakeside floor plan. The entry hall and foyer seamlessly transition into a spacious living area filled with natural light. The heart of the home features a kitchen with granite countertops, a large island with space for seating, and stainless-steel appliances. White shaker
Experience luxury waterfront living in this custom-built 2021 home, perfectly situated on 0.74 acres with 110 feet of direct Bay access. Designed for comfort, convenience, and breathtaking views, this 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom residence offers deep water access (4-6 feet year-round), a private dock with a boat lift, and a saltwater pool.For boating enthusiasts, the private dock and boardwalk provide
Welcome Home! This 4 bed, 2.5 bath gem by Randy Wise Homes features a smart layout, spacious living, and timeless finishes. You'll love the natural light, serene views, and quality craftsmanship throughout. Located in one of Freeport's most sought-after neighborhoods, enjoy easy access to parks, schools, and the Bay. Walk to the playground, community pool, fishing ponds, and dog park—fun for all
Luxury meets laundry? Yes, please! Step into one of the most stylish laundry rooms in Windswept Estates—fully renovated in April 2024 with brand-new cabinets, quartz countertops, deep sink, and high-end faucet. It's not just oversized... it's overachieving. Whether you're folding towels or storing Costco hauls, this space delivers both form and function. But it doesn't stop there—this
WELCOME HOME to Owl's Head East! Right of Hwy 331 and just 20 minutes to the beach. Your NEW CONSTRUCTION home Cary Plan 2039 SF spacious 4BR/3BA - 2 story open floor plan (2 rooms downstairs/2 rooms upstairs) with large bedrooms, living, dining and outdoor covered patio space for grilling and relaxing awaits you! Upgrades include LVP flooring, (no tub) walk in shower, double sinks in primary
3 bedroom, 2.5 bath end unit town home with upgrades and a community pool! This lovely home is across the street from an elementary school, just down the road from a Publix shopping center, and a short, easy commute to the sugar sand beaches and emerald waters of 30A and South Walton. It has fresh, neutral paint and all LVP flooring throughout (no carpet). The open floor plan on the first level
Chris RowlandFlorida Homes Realty & Mortgage Limited Liability Company
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