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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michaela McGill,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Freeport, FL sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Freeport, FL over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
*$10,000 seller credit to buyers at closing.* Overlooking a pristine lake in The Meadows at Hammock Bay, this exceptional Randy Wise built home offers a true backyard retreat. The ozone pool and spa create a private oasis perfect for relaxing evenings or entertaining against a stunning waterfront backdrop. Upgraded landscaping enhances the beauty and privacy of this premier lakefront lot. Inside,
HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Welcome to 133 Sky Way in Hammock Bay, Freeport - a home where space truly opens up your life. Built in 2022 and offering nearly 3,000 sq ft, this brick home gives you room to breathe, room to grow, and room to live the way you've always imagined.From the moment you step inside, the sense of openness is unmistakable. Four bedrooms plus a big dedicated office offer
Welcome to 158 Whispering Way in the highly sought-after Hammock Bay community of Freeport. This beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers 2,824 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, perfectly positioned on an oversized 0.41-acre lot backing up to preserved land--ensuring lasting privacy with no rear neighbors. Step outside to your own private outdoor retreat featuring a
*$10,000 seller credit to buyers at closing.* Overlooking a pristine lake in The Meadows at Hammock Bay, this exceptional Randy Wise built home offers a true backyard retreat. The ozone pool and spa create a private oasis perfect for relaxing evenings or entertaining against a stunning waterfront backdrop. Upgraded landscaping enhances the beauty and privacy of this premier lakefront lot. Inside,
New roof at closing!!!! Custom-built solid brick home on nearly 5 acres--designed for space, comfort, and future potential. Enjoy high ceilings, granite countertops, and an outdoor kitchen and hot tub! Also includes a large chicken hotel and a large room upstairs that would make a great bedroom, bonus room, or office! It has a large barn to store your toys, and a second driveway to hold an RV,
Income producing, potential Barndominiom. live and operate a business from the same property, this unique opportunity blends residential comfort with income-producing and expansion potential. The property features a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom residence (approximately 700 sqft), paired with 1,900 sqft of attached flexible space ideal for operating your own business, creating a workshop, expanding
Owner Builder, Custom Built - Waterfront Florida Cottage on Alaqua Creek. Qualifies for 100% USDA Financing!This MUST SEE one-of-a-kind, custom waterfront home, designed by Designs by Vision, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. It features the patented Ty-Rite System, a revolutionary piling installation method where no wood touches the ground, ensuring superior durability and
HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Welcome to 133 Sky Way in Hammock Bay, Freeport - a home where space truly opens up your life. Built in 2022 and offering nearly 3,000 sq ft, this brick home gives you room to breathe, room to grow, and room to live the way you've always imagined.From the moment you step inside, the sense of openness is unmistakable. Four bedrooms plus a big dedicated office offer
MAJOR PRICE IMPROVEMENT -- NOW AT $415,000! This is not your average new construction home. Built in 2022 in Ashton Park, this beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home stands out from the start -- beginning with its oversized corner lot of approximately .28 acres, a rare find in many newer communities where outdoor space can feel limited. And the upgrades? Already done for you. While many
*$10,000 seller concessions with acceptable offer + SPECIAL RATES AVAILABLE ON THIS HOME. CONTACT LISTING AGENT FOR DETAILS.* 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
TWO Parcels-NO HOA or Restrictions!!! This beautifully wooded .73 acres property is located within 1/2 mile Choctawhatchee Bay at the corner of 117 Jolly Bay Rd and 221 Johnson Lane Freeport FL 32439. Great opportunity for Two adjacent parcels. Both have City water is available with their tap fees paid. Also, sewer is at the road (tap fees is due). There may also be an old well and/or septic on
Introducing the Ariana – a stunning floorplan from the Cornerstone collection by Holiday Builders. This exquisite home offers a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, designed to accommodate your unique lifestyle. With a total living area of 2,052 square feet, the Ariana provides ample space to fulfill your lifestyle needs. Whether you’re hosting gatherings, spending quality time with
Beautifully Wooded Acreage Near Windswept Dunes Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home on this beautifully wooded lot just under 5 acres on JW Hollington Road. Ideally located just down the street from Windswept Dunes Golf Course and only a 10-minute drive to shopping and everyday conveniences, this property offers the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility.The land showcases a
Live the Florida lifestyle in Windswept Estates! This custom 4BR/2BA home sits on a .64-acre lot and offers a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, a large quartz island, and a new refrigerator & microwave (2025). Spa-inspired primary suite with an oversized tiled shower and a huge walk-in closet that feels like a boutique. The main living areas have new luxury vinyl
BEAUTIFUL CLEARED WATERFRONT LOT...! This lot offers a beautiful lakefront view in a fantastic subdivision with low HOA's and plenty of amenities. The lot is right next to the Community covered dock. The subdivision sits right behind the new Publix shopping center. There is a community pool, kids playground area, a dock for fishing, and only 15 minutes to the beaches of South Walton this
ONE MONTH FREE RENT WITH A 13 MONTH SIGNED LEASE! ASK FOR FURTHER DETAILS. *** Offer Expires 4/30/26 Experience the tranquil, relaxed lifestyle with the luxury of the beautiful white sandy beaches just down the road. You won't want to miss out on this opportunity! Covered, back porch area, quartz counter tops, LVP flooring throughout, all stainless appliances, mini blind window coverings,
5-Bedroom Home in Riverwalk, a truly rare find in Walton County! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the desirable Riverwalk community offers the perfect blend of modern living and convenience. Built in 2024 and owner-occupied only, this home is in excellent condition and feels like new. With 2,593 square feet, there's plenty of room for everyone.Inside, you'll find durable LVP
ONE MONTH FREE RENT WITH A 13 MONTH SIGNED LEASE! ASK FOR FURTHER DETAILS. *** Offer Expires 4/30/26 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
Craftsman style home in a great neighborhood. The Canopies of Freeport is located in the heart of town close to schools and shopping. The subdivision also offers a community pool.
FIRST MONTH RENT FREE WITH A 13 MONTH LEASE. *** Offer Expires 4/30/26 This Vista floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,336 sq.ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. The open floor plan with kitchen island includes luxury finishes such as quartz countertops throughout, stainless steel appliances, soft-closing cabinets, and luxury vinyl plank flooring on the first floor and carpet on
FIRST MONTH RENT FREE WITH A 13 MONTH LEASE. *** Offer Expires 4/30/26 Townhome in The Verandas -Freeport, FL This Horizon floor plan end unit offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,512 sq.ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. This end unit was enhanced by the builder to include additional square footage--creating a more spacious primary bedroom, larger closets, and a beautifully upgraded
FIRST MONTH RENT FREE WITH A 13 MONTH LEASE. *** Offer Expires 4/30/26 Townhome in The Verandas - Freeport, FL This Vista floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,336 sq.ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. The open floor plan with kitchen island includes luxury finishes such as quartz countertops throughout, stainless steel appliances, soft-closing cabinets, and luxury vinyl plank
FIRST MONTH RENT FREE WITH A 13 MONTH LEASE. *** Offer Expires 4/30/26 Townhome in The Verandas - Freeport, FL This Vista floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,336 sq.ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. The open floor plan with kitchen island includes luxury finishes such as quartz countertops throughout, stainless steel appliances, soft-closing cabinets, and luxury vinyl plank
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 106 Hibernate Way, located in the highly sought-after gated Bear Creek community. This beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a dedicated office offers a truly unique floor plan, centered around an open-concept kitchen and living space. This home is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.Inside, you'll find thoughtful custom wood accents throughout, including
WELCOME HOME to Owl's Head East! Right of Hwy 331 and just 20 minutes to the beach. 1 year old, 1680 SF spacious-3BR/2BA open floor plan with large bedrooms, living and formal dining area or den for second family living space with an epoxied 2 car garage and outdoor covered patio space for grilling and relaxing awaits you! Upgrades include LVP flooring, walk in shower, double sinks in primary
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