Best known for its Nautical Mile, Freeport is a vibrant, ethnically diverse village where widescale improvement efforts have been a community priority for several years.

The Nautical Mile is popular for its restaurants with outdoor seating; shops; live music, and charter fishing boats. Visitors stroll the promenade-style sidewalk lined with antique-style lightposts, potted plants and benches.

Several ambitious development projects throughout the village have been completed, with more under way. About 90 percent of the area's flooding problems have been alleviated by elevating streets and installing new drains. Some local businesses received new facades, while village parks have been upgraded.

Buyers can find single-family homes, condos and co-ops, while renters have an ample selection as well. "There is something for everyone," says broker Carol Sparaco, a longtime resident and owner of Sparaco-Leiberman Realty. Quiet tree-lined neighborhoods feature a range of home styles.

Homes located north of Sunrise Highway usually sit on larger parcels, while some homes on the southern edge are located on canals.

The village also has its own water utility, police department, sanitation and highway services and one of the largest volunteer fire departments in the state.

The village recreation center has three pools, an ice skating rink and gym. It's open to the public for a fee. The state-of-the-art Freeport Memorial Library is among other community assets.

-Lisa Doll Bruno(1/21/2005)

Nautical Mile