📍 Location & Geography
York Harbor is a charming coastal village located in the town of York, in York County, Maine. The village is nestled on the southern coast of Maine and is known for its picturesque landscapes that include rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush greenery. York Harbor is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the York River to the north, and the town of York to the west and south.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for York Harbor are approximately 43.1345° N latitude and 70.6483° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
York Harbor is part of the New England region of the United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of Maine, close to the border with New Hampshire. The village is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area. The area of York Harbor is characterized by residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and natural landscapes.
👥 Population & Demographics
As York Harbor is a village within the town of York, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of York, which includes York Harbor, has a population of approximately 12,529 residents as per the 2010 Census. The demographics of York are predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
York Harbor’s history is intertwined with the history of the town of York, which is one of the oldest towns in Maine. York was first settled in 1624 by English settlers and was incorporated in 1652. York Harbor, with its natural deep-water harbor, became an important shipping and fishing port in the 18th and 19th centuries. The village also became a popular summer resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many grand hotels and summer homes built during this period.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
York Harbor is known for its stunning natural beauty. The village is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the York Harbor Beach Park, which offers sandy beaches and picnic areas. The Fisherman’s Walk, a scenic coastal trail, provides breathtaking views of the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The village is also close to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife species.
🏫 Education
Education in York Harbor is provided by the York School Department, which serves the entire town of York. The school district operates several schools, including Village Elementary School, Coastal Ridge Elementary School, York Middle School, and York High School. The schools offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
🚧 Transportation
York Harbor is served by U.S. Route 1, which provides access to other parts of Maine and to neighboring states. The village is also close to Interstate 95, a major north-south highway. Public transportation in the area is provided by the York County Community Action Corporation, which operates a bus service. The nearest major airport is the Portland International Jetport, located about 50 miles north of York Harbor.
📜 Trivia & Events
York Harbor is known for its annual events, including the York Days Festival, a summer celebration that features a craft fair, concerts, fireworks, and a road race. The village is also home to several historic landmarks, including the York Harbor Reading Room, an exclusive social club established in 1897, and the York Cliffs Historic District, which includes several grand summer homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.