'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 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Freeport, IL over the last 12 months is $92,500, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this nice ranch offering comfort, efficiency, and thoughtful recent updates throughout! Featuring natural gas forced air heat paired with central air (2018), this home delivers year-round comfort. Updated replacement windows (2017) enhance energy efficiency while allowing for abundant natural light, and beautiful hardwood floors add warmth and character. The main level offers a
This well-designed two-bedroom, three full bathroom condo offers a comfortable and flexible layout with an open floor plan ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The main level features spacious living and dining areas that flow seamlessly, creating an inviting and functional space. The full basement significantly expands the living area and includes a beautiful family room with a
This wonderful home is located near downtown Freeport, offering a perfect blend of history and character. The property features original hardwood flooring, new updates, and a grand staircase that showcases the home's unique charm. The functional layout includes a Sun porch and a mudroom. This well-maintained home is situated close to shopping and is adjacent to the hospital.
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 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 of, with
Welcome home to this nice ranch offering comfort, efficiency, and thoughtful recent updates throughout! Featuring natural gas forced air heat paired with central air (2018), this home delivers year-round comfort. Updated replacement windows (2017) enhance energy efficiency while allowing for abundant natural light, and beautiful hardwood floors add warmth and character. The main level offers a
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!
Lots 1 & 2 in Rose Meadows Subdivision offer a great opportunity for new construction. City utilities are available, and the property is located within an Enterprise Zone, providing potential development incentives. Builder models are available to choose from, allowing you to customize your new home to fit your needs. A prime location ready for your vision.
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
Welcome to this exquisite high-end home, originally built in 1997 and thoughtfully renovated in 2019 including New Roof to showcase a stunning layout change that embraces a completely open concept design. With over 2,400 sq. ft. of luxurious living space on each level, this residence epitomizes elegance and sophistication. Nestled on a sprawling 2-acre lot in a prestigious area of Freeport, this
This well-designed two-bedroom, three full bathroom condo offers a comfortable and flexible layout with an open floor plan ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The main level features spacious living and dining areas that flow seamlessly, creating an inviting and functional space. The full basement significantly expands the living area and includes a beautiful family room with a
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.
Brand NEW Kitchen with lovely brass/gold hardware, high end quartz countertops, beautiful large stainless steel sink with accessories, new arched black kitchen faucet with sprayer, undercounter trash and recyclable rollout bins, brand new slim line microwave, and stove. Updated bathroom Including painted Bead board, new white oak vanity with quartz top and mirror, new hardware, professionally
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.
Under New Ownership & Management. Apartments are being updated and renovated with two tone paint - calming grey walls, white base, trim and doors as well as brand-new stainless-steel appliance package. Come and take a look and you will not be disappointed, units available at this location as well as other locations within our growing Freeport & Rockford Portfolio's.
Stop Renting. Start Owning! Unique homeownership opportunity designed for renters ready to make the move to owning. Two-story duplex featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom in each unit. The main floor unit offers a spacious living room and separate dining room with hardwood flooring, plus a kitchen with new vinyl plank flooring and main floor laundry hookups. The upper unit features a light-filled
Property Id: 2494552Welcome to your dream home at 435 N Apple in Freeport, IL! This charming single-family property features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and modern amenities such as a microwave, oven, and refrigerator. Brand new windows and the kitchen has brand new cabinets and quartz countertops. With a spacious lawn and washer/dryer hookups, this pet-friendly home is perfect for you and
Stop Renting. Start Owning! Unique homeownership opportunity designed for renters ready to make the move to owning. Updated 2-story home with 3-bedroom and 2-bathrooms with main floor laundry! Features include new vinyl plank flooring, updated bathroom, vinyl windows on main floor, and 100-amp electrical service. This property qualifies for a unique homeownership program designed to help renters
Remodeled two bedroom on a quiet street across from a grade school. No pets or smoking. Renter pays utilities. Washer and dryer hookups in the basement. Must pass background check and good employment history.
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
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