'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 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Freeport, IL over the last 12 months is $123,748, up 39% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Filled with character, warmth, and natural light, this charming circa-1900 brick home blends historic details with thoughtful modern updates. Arched openings, tall windows, exposed dining room beams, and spacious rooms give the home a welcoming feel throughout. Numerous updates have been completed within the last four years, including a high-efficiency gas furnace, new light fixtures, freshened
ONLINE REAL ESTATE AUCTION - 23 Elizabeth Circle, Freeport, IL 61032. IN-PERSON PREVIEWS (OPEN HOUSES): Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM and Saturday, June 20, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. AUCTION END DATE: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (the auction starts to close at 7:37 PM). AERIAL DRONE FOOTAGE: See Beloit Auction website/app. 3D VIRTUAL TOUR: See Beloit Auction website/app. REAL ESTATE
If you've been searching for a home that's truly move-in ready, look no further. This beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home in a sought-after Freeport neighborhood has been thoughtfully refreshed from top to bottom, and it shows. A new roof and gutters (2025), new water heater (2025), new appliances, new garage door, updated windows, new doors, fresh flooring, new carpeting, and a full
Original owner, custom built 4 bedroom, 2 bath walkout ranch with a 3-stall garage. Primary bedroom is split from the other main floor bedrooms with a walk-in shower and walk-in closet. Open living room, dining room and kitchen with barstool seating along with a patio door that leads to the deck. There are 3 more bedrooms and full bath on the main level and the 3rd bedroom is currently being used
Move right into this updated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 2-Story with an oversized 2-stall garage with alley access. The main level has a formal living room and dining room, updated half bath with laundry area and updated kitchen with new appliances, faucet, sink and backsplash. The upper level has 3 bedrooms and updated full bath. The covered front porch has a swing and off of the kitchen in the
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
Charming Home with 3 Levels of Space! The Home offers a Modern Kitchen, Hardwood Flooring, Main Floor 4 Seasons Room, Vinyl Replacement Windows, Gas Forced Air Furnace + Central Air, All Appliances. The Basement has a Family Room, Half Bathroom & a 4th Bedroom/Office which has an Egress Window and Closet. Patio and Fenced Yard. Seller will work with FHA/USDA/VA Buyer. Many Updates in 2026. EASY
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,
Spacious two-story home offering over three levels of living space, perfectly situated on over a half-acre lot in a desirable subdivision on the outskirts of Freeport in Stephenson County. This well-appointed home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including convenient main floor laundry and beautiful hardwood floors. The functional layout provides generous living space throughout, ideal for both
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with great updates and versatile living spaces! The updated kitchen offers a fresh, modern feel and flows nicely into the main living areas-perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy extra space with an enclosed front porch and a bright 4-season room, ideal for relaxing year-round. Step out onto the deck for easy outdoor enjoyment, plus take advantage of
Move right in and enjoy this beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Situated on a spacious corner lot, this property features attractive landscaping, a welcoming front porch, and a large yard with plenty of room to relax, entertain, or play. Inside, you'll find a modern, move-in-ready interior with a thoughtful layout that includes a full
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 entertaining alike. Both
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!
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 -
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!
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
OWN THIS HOME — Don't Just Rent It! 3-bed, 1-bath charming 2-story home with 1434 sqft of character-filled living space. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout, central air conditioning, forced air heating, and a 1-car garage. Located on a tree-linedstreet in Freeport with classic Midwestern charm. OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: This property qualifies for the Pied Piper Group Homeownership
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
Walk in the front door to the living room with decorative fireplace. There is also stairs to walk up attic that has a closed flat door and is used for storage only. Off the back of the living room you will find the first bedroom and a small hallway. The hallway has a hall closet and access to the second bedroom and full bath. There is a small dining room right of the kitchen. There is a door to
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
OWN THIS HOME — Don't Just Rent It! 3-bed, 2-bath charming 2-story home with 1,310 sqft of character-filled living space. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout, central air conditioning, forced air heating, and a 1-car garage. Located on a tree-linedstreet in Freeport with classic Midwestern charm. OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: This property qualifies for the Pied Piper Group
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