'Pretzel City' approaches another economic reinvention
Freeport is a Northwest Illinois city of around 23,000 residents with a proud past and an uncertain future. “Like so many communities this size that had a lot of manufacturing, we’ve lost a lot of industries and businesses,” says Pete Norman, a lifelong Freeport resident and retired Highland Community College athletic director. “It impacts the schools, the tax base, the people that live here. But there’s still a lot of great things, too.”
It is not the first time this city has reckoned with economic reinvention. Bolstered by a significant German immigrant population, Freeport’s pretzel-making prowess propelled the economy in the late 19th century and earned it the nickname “Pretzel City.” Prohibition banned the beer that paired so well with the pretzels and cratered that industry locally, but the nickname still lives on more than a century later.
Freeport’s pretzel-making prowess propelled the economy in the late 19th century.
Freeport City Hall takes care of it's 23,000 residents located in the downtown area.
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Reminders of former manufacturing might remain
Freeport isn’t actually a port city. Though on the banks of the Pecatonica River, the name is attributed to a wisecrack made by the wife of city founder Tutty Baker since he didn’t charge money to ferry travelers across the river.
The Helm Group, a construction contractor, and The Morse Group, an electrical contractor, are two of Freeport’s biggest employers today. FHN Hospital and Freeport School District No. 145 are also major employers. Of the four Honeywell plants that once operated here, only one remains fully up and running.
U.S. Route 20 runs 25 miles east to Rockford, and Illinois Route 26 leads 20 miles north to the Wisconsin state line. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 100 miles from downtown Freeport.
Honoring Lincoln, Douglas and Wrigley Field
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas held the second debate of their 1858 U.S. Senate campaign in Freeport, and historians cite it as a key factor in Lincoln’s eventual victory in the 1860 presidential election. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square, later visited by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, commemorates the spot of their verbal jousting.
Little Cubs Field, a Little League replica of Wrigley Field complete with bricks and ivy on the outfield wall and built with the Chicago Cubs blessing, is located at Read Park. Krape Park, highlighted by a vintage carousel and a 44-foot-tall waterfall, is the city’s most picturesque greenspace. The city has two public golf courses: Park Hills and The Freeport Club.
Read Park features a miniature replica of Wrigley Field baseball field.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square in Freeport is where the namesake debate took place in 1858.
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Estate homes sell for less than national median price
Freeport’s median home price of around $120,000 is significantly under the national median price of around $400,000. Move-in ready bungalows and Craftsman homes can start around $50,000. Houses within the city limits rarely exceed $350,000, including a 5,600-square-foot Mediterranean-inspired 1920s estate bordering Krape Park that sold in 2024.
Home prices are the lowest in neighborhoods on Freeport’s west side, where the Pecatonica River has flooded more than a half-dozen times since 2017, causing more than $1 million in damages.
A resident walks past a split-level home in Freeport.
Bungalows in Freeport are a common sight in the neighborhood.
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Pretzels provide Freeport pride
Freeport School District No. 145 receives a B-minus rating on Niche. Freeport High School’s nickname is the Pretzels. The football stadium is affectionately known as The Pretzel Bowl, and the team’s slogan is “You can eat us, but you can’t beat us.” Community support for the Pretzels is strong across all sports.
Highland Community College is a popular two-year option for many students in the region.
Freeport High School is a public secondary school located in Freeport, Illinois.
Highland Community College is a popular two-year option for many students in Freeport, IL.
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Historic Lindo Theatre remains a downtown gem
The Lindo Theater, named in honor of the Lincoln-Douglas debate when it opened in 1922, is downtown Freeport’s crown jewel and most recognizable landmark. With plenty of other historic buildings in the vicinity, the hope is that Freeport has the infrastructure to key a full-blown shopping and dining revival. Norman says the Greater Freeport Partnership is making progress. “They’re trying to make downtown a calling card, and they’re doing great work,” he says. “People are trying their hearts out to get things going.”
The Lindo Theater is downtown Freeport’s crown jewel and most recognizable landmark.
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport is a historic building that soars above the skyline.
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Pretzel City Brewfest and other events energize downtown
Events are another key element of Freeport's downtown revival. The winter Arctic Ale and Art Walk, springtime Pretzel Fest, summertime Music on Chicago concerts and early autumn Pretzel City Brewfest are among the events adding to the atmosphere.
Burglary rate exceeds national rate
The rate for most property and violent crimes in Freeport is below the national rates. An exception is burglary, which was about 1.5 times higher than the national rate in 2023.
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On average, homes in Freeport, IL sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Freeport, IL over the last 12 months is $90,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Solid and well-maintained 2-story home offering 4 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms with a detached garage. This home has been cared for over the years and features a convenient main-floor bedroom, providing flexibility for guests, office space, or main-level living. The layout offers spacious living areas and comfortable bedroom sizes throughout the upper level. Major infrastructure improvement
Behold, a dazzling duplex delight! Unit 1 boasts 3 bedrooms, a full bath, a living room, and a dining room, plus a snazzy back deck. Freshly painted and remodeled, it's practically begging for a housewarming party! Unit 2 charms with 2 bedrooms, a cozy living room, a dining room, and its own back deck, currently occupied by an awesome tenant. Full basement that is separted to have both units
2-Unit Multifamily Property – Tenants Responsible for Utilities! An Excellent Investment Opportunity! This duplex presents a reliable source of rental income with significant potential for growth. Both units are equipped with central air conditioning, and tenants are responsible for all utility payments, ensuring a hassle-free investment experience. Unit 1: A spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit
Spacious and well cared for, this one-owner two-story home offers over 2,600 sq. ft. of living space plus a partially finished basement. Inside you'll find plenty of room to spread out, while outside you'll enjoy a great fenced-in backyard-perfect for pets, play, or entertaining. The property also includes a 14' x 24' attached garage for convenience. Important updates have already been taken care
Spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac and set on a generous yard, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to an inviting kitchen with a center island that opens to the dining and living area-ideal for everyday living and easy entertaining. The primary suite provides a private retreat with its own bath, while the additional bedrooms
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offering three levels of finished living space and located on a quiet private cul-de-sac in Willow Lake, just at the edge of Freeport in Stephenson County. This home features a functional and inviting layout with spacious living areas, a well-appointed kitchen, and updated bathrooms. The cozy family room is highlighted by a gas
Welcome home to this 3 bedroom, 1 full bath, 2 half bath ranch on Willow Lake! The main floor has an open kitchen and dining area with barstool seating, large living room, 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath and 1 half bath. There also is an enclosed 3-season porch off of the dining room with views of Willow Lake. The lower level has a large family room with a wet bar and wood burner, a room being used as an
Upstairs office space with shared bathroom. 6 month lease required. One month deposit and first month's rent due at signing. Landlord pays all utilities!
Welcome to this SHARP 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home ideally situated on a desirable corner lot in a premier area of town. Offering both comfort and functionality, this property features two inviting fireplaces-perfect for cozy evenings and year-round enjoyment. The main level provides a practical and flowing layout, while the full basement expands your living space with a large family room, an
2 Story home with updates and upgrades. 3 bedrooms,1 bathroom on the upper level. Main level has living room, dining room and kitchen. Basement has a half bath, rec room, laundry area. There is a enclosed front porch and a deck on the rear.
Motivated sellers! Bring an offer! Welcome home to this 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2-story on 1.46 acres in Orangeville school district! Updated kitchen that includes eat-in table space, island with barstool seating, granite counter tops, soft close cabinets and a pantry. Large family room with a gas fireplace with thermostat and skylights. The main floor also has a living room off of the kitchen that
Larger than it looks! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,100 sq ft on the main level plus a finished second level-providing flexible living space that truly sets this property apart. Recent updates shine throughout, including fresh paint, updated fixtures, and modern faucets, creating a clean, move-in-ready feel. The finished upper level features a private bedroom suite, walk-in
Commercial space with one restroom on site. First month's rent and one month deposit due at signing. 6 month lease minimum. Tennant pays all utilities.
Approximately 4744 square feet of office space available downtown, right across the street from Union Savings Bank. Four suites available (one currently finished). Four bathrooms. Perfect office space for your business!! 6 month lease minimum. Tenant pays all utilities. Entire building - 4744 SF - $2200/mo. Suite 1 - 900 SF (finished) 1st floor - $700/mo Suite 2 (unfinished) 1st floor 950 SF -
Main floor with one bathroom. Previously used as a photography studio. First month's rent and one month deposit due at signing. 6 month lease minimum. Landlord pays all utilities!
Great location for a restaurant, coffee shop, or ice cream parlor! 2 restrooms on site. First month's rent and one month deposit due at signing. 6 month lease minimum. Tennant pays all utilities.
Main floor with common entrance and one bathroom. First month's rent and one month deposit due at signing. 6 month lease minimum. Landlord pays all utilities!
Office/Retail space with one restroom on site. First month's rent and one month deposit due at signing. 6 month lease minimum. Tennant pays all utilities.
This exquisite upstairs apartment is ideal for those seeking proximity to the hospital or a central location in town. Boasting over 1,300 sqft, this spacious 2 -bedroom unit features a generous living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry, full bath, ample storage, and an entry porch. With high ceilings and abundant natural light, the apartment offers a serene ambiance. Laundry in the unit. Rent
Cute and cozy two bedroom bungalow home boasting hardwood floors, large bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, living room, washer/dryer hook-ups in the basement, covered front porch, an outside shed for storage, along with off-street parking. Located on a quiet street. No pets, $25 application fee, 2 year lease. Tenant pays all utilities
This exquisite upstairs apartment is ideal for those seeking proximity to the hospital or a central location in town. Boasting over 1,300 sqft, this spacious 2 -bedroom unit features a generous living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry, full bath, ample storage, and an entry porch. With high ceilings and abundant natural light, the apartment offers a serene ambiance. Laundry in the unit. Rent
Unit 104 - Looking for a salon space of your own look no further. This space offers product shelving right at the entry, reception desk, 5 cutting / styling areas with mirrors, and area for 2 wash stations. Along with open work area there is a storage area with washer hookup. Private full bathroom with additional public restrooms in the hallway. Additionally down the hallway is a private work
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