Overview & Orientation
Freeport is a small borough in the southwestern corner of Armstrong County, on the Allegheny River about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. It sits where Buffalo Creek meets the Allegheny, with the Kiskiminetas River joining just upstream. Market Street is the main business street, the Donald R. Lobaugh Bridge crosses the river to Allegheny Township, and Riverside Park sits on the waterfront. Freeport is part of the Freeport Area School District, and the Butler-Freeport Community Trail runs north from the area along Buffalo Creek.
Where Freeport Is
- County: Armstrong County, near the Butler and Westmoreland County lines
- Type: Borough, incorporated in 1833. It covers about 1.3 square miles. See Wikipedia’s Freeport entry.
- ZIP code: 16229
- Neighbors: South Buffalo Township, Buffalo Township in Butler County, and Allegheny Township in Westmoreland County across the river
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “Freeport, PA 16229” mailing address also covers parts of neighboring townships, which have their own services and taxes, and one of them is in a different county:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| Freeport Borough (Armstrong County) | Freeport Area |
| South Buffalo Township (Armstrong County) | Freeport Area |
| Buffalo Township, part (Butler County) | Freeport Area |
To confirm a property’s municipality and county, check the deed or the tax bill.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 28 closer to Pittsburgh.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Leechburg | 10–15 minutes |
| Natrona Heights / Tarentum | 15 minutes |
| Kittanning | 25 minutes |
| Butler | 25–30 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 40–45 minutes |
A Brief History
The first settlement here dates to the 1760s, and the town was laid out in the 1790s. It was first called Todd’s Town, after the founding Todd family. David Todd later declared the riverfront a “free port,” with no wharfage fees for river craft, and the name Freeport stuck. The town was originally part of Westmoreland County, then Allegheny County, before becoming part of Armstrong County, and it was incorporated as a borough in 1833.
Freeport was a port on the Pennsylvania Canal, near where the canal followed the Kiskiminetas River to the Allegheny. Its riverfront later held industries such as an oil refinery and a brick company, and some remains of those sites along the river are sometimes mistaken for canal ruins. Rail lines still run through town today.
Notable Landmarks
- Donald R. Lobaugh Bridge: Crosses the Allegheny River between Freeport and Allegheny Township
- Riverside Park: The borough’s park on the Allegheny riverfront
- Market Street: Freeport’s main business street and home to the borough building
- Butler-Freeport Community Trail: One of the region’s earliest rail-trails, following Buffalo Creek
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Freeport’s homes sit on a compact street grid between the river, Buffalo Creek, and the hillside. Much of the housing dates from the 1800s through the mid-1900s, with frame and brick single-family homes on modest lots, some larger older homes, and duplexes and apartments, including units above Market Street storefronts. Newer homes on larger lots are more common in the surrounding townships.
Because Freeport sits at the meeting point of the Allegheny River and Buffalo Creek, every property should be checked on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Freeport requires an occupancy inspection before any change in occupancy, including a sale. Building permits and inspections are handled by Bureau Veritas, (724) 548-1414. Borough sewer bills include a surcharge that funds a required treatment plant upgrade until the construction bond is paid off. See the borough’s FAQ page and code enforcement page for current details.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and multi-unit homes
- Apartments, including some above downtown storefronts
Freeport is small, so only a handful of homes are usually on the market at once. See current homes for sale in Freeport.
Schools
Freeport Area School District
Freeport is served by the Freeport Area School District, which also covers South Buffalo Township in Armstrong County and Buffalo Township in Butler County. The district office is at 621 South Pike Road in Sarver.
- Elementary (K–5): Buffalo Elementary School (Sarver) or South Buffalo Elementary School (South Buffalo Township)
- Middle (6–8): Freeport Area Middle School (Sarver), opened in 2015
- High (9–12): Freeport Area High School (Sarver)
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell)
- Butler County Community College (Butler)
- Chatham University Eden Hall Campus (Richland Township)
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Route 356: Runs north toward Sarver and Butler, connecting to Route 28 a few minutes west of town
- PA Route 28: South to Pittsburgh and north toward Kittanning
- Donald R. Lobaugh Bridge: Crosses the Allegheny toward Allegheny Township, Leechburg, and Route 66
Public Transit
Town & Country Transit provides bus and shared-ride service in Armstrong County. A park-and-ride lot is on Second Street. Check current routes and schedules before you rely on them.
Walkability & Bikeability
Freeport’s compact, mostly flat grid makes it easy to walk to Market Street, Riverside Park, and the river. The nearby rail-trail offers a long car-free route. Most trips outside town are easier by car. Downtown parking meters are enforced weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. See Walk Score for Freeport, PA.
Things to Do
Riverside Park & the River
Riverside Park sits on the Allegheny and hosts community events, including seasonal outdoor activities listed on the borough calendar. A public boat ramp with parking is at 219 First Street, with access to both the Allegheny and the Kiskiminetas. See How’s Your River for the access site. The borough also worked to add a courtesy dock near the park so boaters can tie up and come ashore, as reported by TribLive.
Butler-Freeport Community Trail
The 21-mile Butler-Freeport Community Trail follows Buffalo Creek north from the Freeport area toward Butler. Its first section opened in 1992, making it one of the first major rail-trails in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Buffalo Township owns the trail, and an all-volunteer council maintains it, according to TribLive. The southern end of the long-distance Baker Trail is across the river.
Other Parks
Freeport Community Park and Market Street Park offer more green space in and around the borough.
Shopping & Dining
Market Street has local shops, restaurants, and services. More shopping is along Route 356 in Buffalo Township, in Natrona Heights, and at Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer.
Local Services & Resources
Freeport Borough Office
414 Market Street, Freeport, PA 16229
Phone: (724) 295-2251
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a daily lunch closure
Website: freeportpa.com
Borough Council: Meets monthly at 6 p.m. Check the borough calendar for dates and location.
Trash & Recycling
The borough handles trash collection. Laneville and Franklin, Washington, and Buffalo Streets are collected on Tuesdays, and the rest of the borough on Fridays. Holiday weeks shift pickup one day later. For recycling, the Armstrong County Recycling Trailer is at the Freeport Park and Ride on Second Street and is emptied Tuesday mornings.
Utilities
- Water: Buffalo Township Municipal Authority
- Sewer and trash billing: Freeport Borough, (724) 295-2251
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department, formed in 2022 when Freeport and Gilpin Township merged their departments, as reported by CBS Pittsburgh
- Fire: Freeport Volunteer Fire Department, 400 Market Street
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights)
- Butler Memorial Hospital (Butler)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Building permits go through Bureau Veritas at (724) 548-1414. Zoning questions go to the borough office at (724) 295-2251.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Freeport in?
Armstrong County. Some homes with a Freeport mailing address are in Buffalo Township, which is in Butler County.
How did Freeport get its name?
Founder David Todd declared the riverfront a “free port,” with no wharfage fees for river craft. The town was first called Todd’s Town.
What school district serves Freeport?
The Freeport Area School District, which also serves South Buffalo and Buffalo Townships. The middle and high schools are in Sarver.
When is trash collected in Freeport?
Tuesdays for Laneville and Franklin, Washington, and Buffalo Streets, and Fridays for the rest of the borough.
Do I need an inspection to sell a home in Freeport?
Yes. The borough requires an occupancy inspection before any change in occupancy. Contact the borough office for the current fee and forms.
Who provides water in Freeport?
The Buffalo Township Municipal Authority. The borough bills for sewer and trash.
Is there a bike trail near Freeport?
Yes. The 21-mile Butler-Freeport Community Trail follows Buffalo Creek north from the Freeport area.
How long is the drive from Freeport to Pittsburgh?
About 40 to 45 minutes by Route 28, depending on traffic.
Thinking About a Move to Freeport?
Whether you are buying in Freeport or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific 16229 home is in the borough, South Buffalo Township, or Buffalo Township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Freeport listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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