Firstly why Freeport, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Freeport
• State: Illinois
• Population: 24,000 people
• Freeport’s quick summary would be recognized for its historic sites and beautiful parks this city offers a peaceful environment with a touch of small-town charm.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 500 annually
• While this many move-out: 178 annually
• Net Migration: 322 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 720
• Number of Homeless people: 53

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordable living and a small-town feel appealing to retirees

Perk #1: Freeport Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 27%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $45,792
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Freeport is $54,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $8208 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Freeport’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,100
• Property Tax %: 2.43%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Freeport
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Freeport, Stephenson County, Dakota, and probably could include Shannon
• Avg. Age of Homes in Freeport: 45 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Freeport’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Freeport are  Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Retail
• Freeport Job Scene: limited job market primarily in manufacturing and agriculture
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community with mention in local agriculture tech , ,
• Freeport Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Freeport: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Freeport

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $92 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 20 provides essential access to Freeport
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening traffic near downtown
• Transportation Score: 28 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Freeport: 20,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 1 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Freeport: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 42 of 100
• Local Airport: Chicago Rockford International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Freeport’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornado
• General Weather in Freeport is best described as experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters hot humid summers and pleasant transitional seasons showcasing changing colors
• Winter Weather in Freeport i’d describe as cold with snowy weather
• Spring Weather in Freeport can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Freeport are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Freeport is usually cool with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 12 days in summer
• Days in a row in Freeport below Freezing: 32
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality due to low population density
• Freeport Winter Air generally good air quality with few pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Freeport Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Freeport 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Freeports’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Freeport Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Freeport Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Freeport only Doctors is about 35
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Freeport only Police Officers is about 35
• Crime Rate Index: 90/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Freeport’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
• Freeport’s Monthly Gym Membership: $28
• Freeport’s Water Quality Score: 58

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Freeport

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 1 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: quaint city with a small-town feel and community emphasis
• You might enjoy live music events at the Freeport Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Freeport  has a small-town charm with local restaurants bars and community events appealing to all residents

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Freeport

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes small local eateries and cafes
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Freeport
• The Popular Sports Team is Freeport Pretzels
• Top Level Political Climate in Freeport can be described as conservative region with industrial and agricultural influences
• Freeport’s Longer standing religious establishment is Freeport First Lutheran Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Freeport Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Freeport has 1 Parks?
• Freeport Park is Freeport’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Freeport Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Freeport Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Freeport can be described as small-town pace with a focus on agriculture and family activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Freeport hiking local trails sports events picnics in parks
• The Cities people commute to from Freeport are Rockford 29 miles away Belvidere 26 miles away Monroe 53 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Freeport or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening traffic near downtown. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Freeport’s Tornado risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Freeport is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Freeport are Rockford 29 miles away Belvidere 26 miles away Monroe 53 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 90 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Freeport has 32 days in a row below freezing and 12 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Freeport people have an average (positive or negative) $8208 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   53 homeless people living in Freeport. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative region with industrial and agricultural influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Freeport.

Retiree & Senior Life in Freeport

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax relief targeting budgetary constraints
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Liberty Village of Freeport
• Freeport Senior Center offers recreational activities meal programs and community engagement for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Freeport, Illinois?

If Freeport, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Freeport, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!