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
Paul Domenech,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Freeport, FL sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Freeport, FL over the last 12 months is $408,940, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this immaculate, like-new 3,058 sq ft ranch-style residence nestled along the 13th fairway of the esteemed Windswept Dunes Golf Course. Located within the gated Windswept Estates community, this elegant 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers luxury, privacy, and peaceful views—just 25 minutes from the renowned white-sand beaches of the Emerald Coast. Step inside to soaring 12-foot ceilings and an
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Built in 2023 and just 19 miles to the world class 30A beaches, this beautifully upgraded home in ''Bliss at Hammock Bay'' backs to a peaceful and private nature preserve! This beautifully upgraded turn-key home includes: quartz countertops thoughout, undercabinet lighting, wood-look tile in every room (no carpet), undermount sinks, framed mirrors, and a built-in computer niche. The open concept
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This charming townhouse located in the heart of Freeport at the Verandas is ready to call home!23 South Sand Palm has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 1 car garage. Master suite has a large walk in closet, double vanity and large soaking tub- separate from the walk in shower. New paint, LVP flooring throughout, updated fixtures and lots of storage! Community pool is a great place to make new
Kick back, relax, and enjoy the carefree lifestyle you deserve at Infinity Hammock Bay. Located just minutes from the beautiful white-sand beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast, our stylish one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in Freeport feature smart home technology and island kitchens with stainless steel appliances. Nearby, you’ll find swimming pools, hiking trails, pickleball courts, and so
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