We Want You to Come Home
Moving back to Freeport and Stephenson County, IL is like hanging out with an old friend. You’ll find comfort in the familiar. Yet, deep down, you know there are more stories to be written. That’s why Stephenson County is the perfect place to start your next adventure. Build a high-powered career through numerous local and remote opportunities. Chase after your dream of being your own boss and start a small business. Or put down roots that your family will enjoy for years to come. You can do it all right here! Come home to build the life you want to live. You’ll find there is no limit on how far you can go or how much you can do.
Tell me more, you say?
✔️ Job Opportunities
✔️ Beautiful Housing Stock
✔️ Arts, Events & Amenities
✔️ Short Commute
Our Come Home Stories
Don’t just take our word for it, listen to the people who have chosen to move back to Freeport and Stephenson County. Career fulfillment, time freedom, family connection, and the yearning to give back to a community. Freeport and Stephenson County offer possibilities and opportunities beyond what you may remember.
View the Playlist
More life for less.
In addition to numerous opportunities, Freeport and Stephenson County’s low cost of living helps your dollars go farther. That means owning a home is easily within reach for many. Choose from tree-line boulevards and historic homes to farmettes and downtown lofts. We have all styles and price ranges at a fraction of what you’d find in metro areas. Don’t believe us? Check out our home prices compared to the cost of living in Chicago and Milwaukee!
Find all your passions in one place.
Yes, our communities are rooted in small-town charm. But that doesn’t mean we are stuck in the past! Our downtown areas are growing and thriving with local businesses that offer unique and creative niches. Dining and social hot spots resonate with tastes and flavors from around the world. Plus, short commutes give you more time to do what you love. We have a rich arts and culture scene that speaks to all ages! And you’ll never run out of things to do outdoors. We have over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails and 30 miles of water trails – all with breathtaking views!
Give your family access to the best.
Quality education and healthcare are also guaranteed in Freeport and Stephenson County. Public or private, mid-sized or small, our schools rank among the best. This includes a Grammy award-winning music program and a lifelong learning program at Highland Community College! Our healthcare system is also top-notch. Two award-winning health systems provide care to our community including FHN and SSM Health. Both provide broad medical and surgical services and convenient locations and hours for all ages.
PreK - 12 Schools
Advanced Education
Healthcare
Enjoy quick trips to numerous metro areas.
Want a night out in the city? The Greater Freeport area is conveniently located to major metro areas in every direction! Dubuque, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, and the Quad Cities are all within 100 miles! We’re also only 45 minutes from Galena and 25 minutes from Rockford. This gives you a great mix of things to do all within a short drive.
Discover more ways to make a difference.
You’ll find it’s much easier to see the impact you’re making when you live outside metro areas. Shopping local could directly benefit you or one of your friends. Volunteering to help around town could mean working side-by-side with your neighbors or at a local school. With non-profits in education, senior services, environmental advocacy, and more, Stephenson County offers numerous opportunities to give back, expand your horizons, and make real change happen. Plus, you’ll likely meet new friends while you’re at it!
Josh Elliott describes his passion for giving back to the community that helped to create great memories in his childhood and now for his own family. An entrepreneur and artist, he encourages others to invest in their home.
Want to live the Freeport life?
Key Industries
