'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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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Freeport, IL sell after 41 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 $132,700, up 47% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Freeport's desirable Cherokee Hills neighborhood! Offering over 2,000 square feet of living space, this home features two separate living areas, generously sized bedrooms, and a full unfinished basement with a bathroom rough-in ready for your future plans. Enjoy the large recently cleared backyard complete with a newer brick paver patio and
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.
Welcome home to this completely updated 2-bedroom, 2 bath, condo with a golf course view! Gorgeous kitchen that has been partially opened up to have barstool seating, updated appliances and under cabinet lighting. Open dining room, living room with an electric fireplace and nook. The large primary bedroom has a full bath with dual sinks, walk-in shower and closet area. The second bedroom has an
Welcome home to this 3 bedroom, 2 full bath bi-level with 2-stall garage. The main level has the living room, kitchen with dining table space, 3 bedrooms and a full bath. The walkout lower level has a full bath with walk-in shower and is currently being used as a 4th bedroom. Outdoor spaces include a fenced-in backyard, deck space off of the kitchen/dining area, concrete and brick paver patio off
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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.
Easy Living Starts Here! Welcome home to this exceptionally clean and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offering comfortable, low-maintenance living in a desirable setting. Step inside to find a bright and inviting floor plan with spacious living areas designed for both everyday comfort and entertaining. The beautiful four-seasons room provides the perfect space to relax year-round,
Welcome home to peaceful country living! This inviting ranch-style home is situated on 1.4 acres in a private cul-de-sac at the north end of Stephenson County, just outside Freeport. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this home features a comfortable, functional floor plan with the convenience of main-floor laundry. The spacious living room is highlighted by a cozy fireplace, while a formal
Welcome home to this beautiful traditional two-story, ideally situated in a desirable area and offering the perfect combination of timeless character, space, and comfort. Inside, you'll find 3 generously sized bedrooms, beautiful hardwood floors, spacious rooms, and an abundance of natural light throughout. The main level offers inviting living spaces with plenty of room to gather and entertain,
Cute & Cozy Little Home with Solid Mechanicals - Gas Forced Air Furnace & Roof. This Home has a Great Layout, Large Yard along a Beautiful New Street. There is nice enclosed porch currently used as office, eat in Kitchen, Big Living Room and Laundry in the Basement. Multiple Lots - Large Yard.
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
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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.
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.
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4-bed, 2-bath charming 2-story home with 2,560 sqft of character-filled living space. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout and forced air heating. Located on a tree-linedstreet in Freeport with classic Midwestern charm.Great Deal-Great ValueThis Two-bedroom, One-bathroom apartment offers simplicity and practicality at its best — all at a great deal. An open living area, efficient
Charming & spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with 1 car garage! Timeless character meets modern updates in this beautifully maintained two-story home. Enjoy the inviting 28x9 covered front porch, original open staircase, hardwood floors, crown molding, and classic wide baseboards. The spacious main level features a large living room, formal dining room, and beautifully remodeled kitchen with
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Unit 301 has a small entry that opens to the doors to two separate units. Unit A- features main reception area or open waiting area 11’7 x 13’6. Off the main area you will find 2 office areas 14’1 x 11’6 and 8’11 x 13’9. Rent $600 includes utilities. Unit B - B- Consists of 3 rooms that are all interconnected via doors. 18’5 x 7’2, 12’10 x 10’10, 10’4 x 11’6. Rent $675 includes utilities. Owner
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Very spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with 2 car garage! This charming home offers plenty of room to spread out, featuring spacious living areas, beautiful refinished hardwood floors, and new carpet upstairs. The kitchen features updated countertops and sink, while the fantastic screened-in porch provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Additional highlights include a
Charming large 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom upper apartment with onsite, main level washer and dryer. Hardwood floors, ceiling chandeliers and large windows furnished with curtains. Spacious kitchen with newer appliances. No pets. Please check out our rental requirements at Stunning office space available for rent. 4 offices, kitchenette, public bathroom and reception area. The building is
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Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in a well-maintained multi-family property in Freeport. This inviting unit features a functional floor plan with generous living space, large windows that provide abundant natural light, and comfortable bedrooms. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, healthcare facilities, parks, and major transportation routes, this home offers
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