'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 43 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 $122,400, up 38% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath condominium in a quiet, secure Freeport community. This move-in-ready second-floor unit features a completely updated kitchen and bath with quartz countertops, white oak cabinetry, new flooring, lighting, and modern fixtures throughout. Enjoy assigned off-street parking, on-site laundry, generous storage, and well-maintained common areas. Monthly HOA fee of
Zoned A-1 Prime AG - Situated in Orangeville School District, this exceptional property offers space, versatility, and the perfect blend of comfort and functionality-all on over an acre of land. Step inside and enjoy an abundance of natural light that fills the home, highlighting the inviting layout and beautifully updated kitchen featuring granite countertops-perfect for everyday living and
This remarkable 10 acre property is a nature lover's dream come true. Nestled within the serene embrace of towering trees and lush greenery, this land offers endless possibilities. The highlight is the charming 24 x 32 building (erected in 2006) which awaits your vision and creativity. Whether you envision it as a cozy cabin retreat, an artist's studio, gaming area, shooting range or a workshop,
1/2 mile of river and wetlands frontage with aprox 8 acres woodlands and 23 acres tillable. Excellent hunting grounds with deer, turkey, squirrel and beaver. All the water frontage is wooded. Flood zone AE. Croplands produce two out of three years with flooding in year three on average. About 3 acres on the Pecatonica River never floods but can only be accessed by boat during high waters.
Spacious and comfortable one-floor living awaits in this 2-bedroom home offering a functional layout with additional bonus rooms perfect for a home office, hobby space, guest area, or extra storage. Enjoy the convenience of no basement living while still having plenty of indoor space to spread out. Recent updates including windows, flooring, and fresh paint add a refreshed feel throughout the
Check out this one of a kind property and escape the city and become your own boss with this unparalleled 22-acre income-generating property, perfectly suited for use as a B&B, cafe, retreat, or premier destination wedding venue. This unique offering combines a historic brick home, a modern ADA-compliant commercial building, and an established outdoor event center. The Commercial Building is a
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!
COMBINED RECENTLY - 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.
1/2 mile of river and wetlands frontage with aprox 8 acres woodlands and 23 acres tillable. Excellent hunting grounds with deer, turkey, squirrel and beaver. All the water frontage is wooded. Flood zone AE. Croplands produce two out of three years with flooding in year three on average. About 3 acres on the Pecatonica River never floods but can only be accessed by boat during high waters.
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.
Property Id: 2755161 This three bedroom duplex is located in a wonderful cozy neighborhood behind the old clinic by the hospital. It has a partially fenced yard. This is Empire school district. You will need your own refrigerator. No smoking.
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!
3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom single family home, Just two blocks south west from the Hosptial. Property was fully renovated in Nov 2022. Living rooms and all bedrooms have real hardwood floors. Dining room, kitchen and bathroom have high quality wood look vinyl floors. New countertops, new paint, new tile and all new bathrooms. Central heat and air conditioning. Garage with
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 -
Three bedroom duplex with garage. Freshly painted and hardwood flooring throughout. This sis ious duplex is very clean a d offers a one stall garage / carport and fenced yard.
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.
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!
JUST REMODELED ---- > PAINTED AND NEW FLOORING! SPACIOUS HOME WITH GOOD SIZE ROOMS!FENCED IN BACKYARD WITH 2 CAR GARAGE.BEAUTIFUL HOME ! AND QUITE NEIGHBORHOOD.SECTION 8 FRIENDLY ! NO EVICTIONS OR CRIMINAL RECORD-CASH PAYING TENANTS WELCOME WITH MULTIPLE DEPOSITS UP FRONT CONTACT US WITH ANY OTHER
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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