Freeport

Rows of painted vintage homes, kids running through downtown to the ice cream shop and breezes off the Allegheny River – such is a day spent in Freeport, a neighborhood found 25 minutes northeast of central Pittsburgh. "It reminds me of walking through a Normal Rockwell painting. It's so Americana," says Michelle Blume, a Realtor with Realty One Group with over 10 years of experience in the Pittsburgh area. "We owned a granite business in Freeport, and when it burned down, everyone in the community reached out to me. That's what made me fall in love with Freeport – the people."

Immediately noticeable is the presence of antique architecture that stands proudly on the gridded downtown streets. "There are so many turn-of-the-century homes," Blume says. "The historical society puts a lot into maintaining that history. I own the old jail and turned it into an art gallery, but it has the original holding cells, signage and everything." Freeport is all about respecting the past – it's why most homes you'll find are original stone Craftsman-styles with restored chimneys, alongside authentic Colonials and whimsical Victorian homes. Prices range from as low as $35,000 for properties that need some restoration, while fully restored homes average around $170,000. The neighborhood has a healthy mix of renters and owners, as many of the larger buildings have been converted into condominiums and duplexes.

Public institutions are served by the Freeport Area School District, and it's got some stellar feedback. "It's one of the best education systems in the Pittsburgh area. People flock here to get their kids into those schools," Blume says. To begin their educational journey, students start at South Buffalo Elementary, which receives an overall B-plus grade from Niche and the number one spot for best elementary schools in Armstrong County. Children move on to Freeport Area Middle, which ranks an overall B-plus from Niche and is cited by U.S. News & Reports to be in the top percentile of Pennsylvania. To finish primary education, students head to Freeport Area Senior High, keeping the momentum with another B-plus and a stunning 10 out of 10 for college readiness on GreatSchools. Boasting a 99% graduation rate, Freeport Area Senior High has a vast and diverse roster of extracurriculars – their music and theater programs have raked in several awards just in the past few years alone – and its affiliated Lenape Technical School offers both vocational and technical curriculum.

Freeport connects to Interstate 28, which acts as a main artery for the area – you can be in Pittsburgh within 25 minutes. "Downtown is super walkable, and it's got that nostalgic feel. You can still see original hitching posts that they used for horses. There's cute shops, cafés, old streetlamps that they decorate for the holidays." Blume notes. You'll find locals sipping lattes at the 1883 Coffee and Tea Company or hanging out with craft brews and hot slices of pizza in Essential Fermentation.

"We get a lot of weekenders and outdoorsy people coming to rent bikes, kayak in the river, all that. The Butler-Freeport Trail is so well-maintained, and you go for miles – and it's such a beautiful trail, too," Blume says. "Who would have ever thought, but we have a big scuba diving shop in town, and people come from all over to get certified here. The owners over at Scott's Scuba do a great job with the training. Everyone dives over at Crusty's Quarry." Freeport also has several maintained parks alongside its gorgeous trails and riverside opportunities – the Freeport Community Park is on the outskirts of downtown, and it's a go-to for locals. Equipped with athletic fields, a playground for the kids and a beach volleyball court, there's plenty you can get up to.

"When I tell you something is happening downtown every weekend, I mean it. Festivals, art shows, farmers markets, all of that. Everyone comes out to see each other and have some fun," Blume says. They've got a bit of everything, from their annual Halloween carnival to Freeport Days, an all-summer weekend party where the focus is to enjoy each other's company, enjoy food and drinks from local vendors and listen to live music. When asked what she wants those considering a move to Freeport to know, Blume states, "It's that last reminiscent feel of small-town living. You'll never be without community here."

Written By

Kaitie Lamb

Photography Contributed By

Patrick Graham

Video By

Anthony Pesa