The Big List of Cities

Category: A

  • Alfred, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Alfred, Maine is a charming town located in the southern part of the state, in York County. It is situated 35 miles southwest of Portland, and about 90 miles north of Boston. The town covers a total area of 27.72 square miles, of which 27.04 square miles is land and 0.68 square miles is water. Alfred is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several bodies of water including Estes Lake and Shaker Pond.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Alfred, Maine are approximately 43.47 degrees north latitude and 70.71 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Alfred is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. It is bordered by the towns of Sanford to the southwest, Lyman to the northeast, Waterboro to the east, and Shapleigh and Acton to the north. The town’s area is primarily residential and rural, with a small but vibrant downtown area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Alfred had a population of 3,019. The population density was 111.6 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 97.7% White, 0.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.9% from two or more races. The median age was 43.8 years, and the gender makeup was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

    🏛️ History

    Alfred was first settled in 1764 and was originally part of a larger tract of land known as Massabesic Plantation. It was incorporated as a town in 1794 and named in honor of King Alfred the Great. Alfred served as the county seat of York County from 1805 to 1935. The town’s historical landmarks include the York County Courthouse and the Alfred Shaker Historic District.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Alfred is home to several parks and conservation areas, offering opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities. The Massabesic Experimental Forest, a research area managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is located in Alfred. The town’s water bodies, such as Estes Lake and Shaker Pond, provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Alfred is managed by the Regional School Unit 57. The town is home to Alfred Elementary School, which serves grades K-5. Middle and high school students typically attend Massabesic Middle School and Massabesic High School, both located in the neighboring town of Waterboro.

    🚧 Transportation

    Alfred is served by U.S. Route 202 and State Routes 4 and 111, providing easy access to nearby cities and towns. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 35 miles northeast of Alfred.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Alfred hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Alfred Festival and Parade in the summer. The town is also known for the York County Jail, which was the site of the infamous “Ballad of the York County Jail” incident in 1920. In addition, Alfred is home to the oldest courthouse in Maine that is still in use, the York County Courthouse, built in 1806.

  • Acton, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Acton is a charming town located in York County, in the state of Maine, United States. The town is situated in the southern part of the state, near the New Hampshire border. Acton covers a total area of 41.81 square miles, of which 37.90 square miles is land and 3.91 square miles is water. The town is characterized by rolling hills and numerous bodies of water including Great East Lake, Mousam Lake, Wilson Lake, and Balch Pond.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Acton, Maine are approximately 43°32′12″ N latitude and 70°54′58″ W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Acton is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the southernmost county of Maine, York County. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Shapleigh to the east, Sanford to the south, and Newfield to the north. To the west, it borders Wakefield, New Hampshire.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Acton had a population of 2,447 residents. The population density was 64.6 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in the town was 44.2 years.

    🏛️ History

    Acton was first settled in 1776 and incorporated as a town in 1830. It was named after Acton, a small town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The town’s early economy was largely based on agriculture, with some residents also engaged in manufacturing and trade.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Acton is known for its beautiful natural environment, characterized by its numerous lakes, ponds, and forests. The town is home to part of the Wilson Lake Wildlife Management Area, a protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The town’s natural beauty and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, make it a popular destination for nature lovers.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Acton is managed by the Acton School Department. The town has one elementary school, the Acton Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. For high school, students typically attend schools in neighboring towns.

    🚧 Transportation

    Maine State Route 109 is the primary road passing through Acton, connecting it to Sanford and other nearby towns. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 50 miles to the southeast.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Acton hosts a variety of community events, including the Acton Fair, a traditional agricultural fair that features livestock shows, exhibits, and entertainment. The town is also known for its historical sites, such as the Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society Museum, which showcases local history and artifacts.

  • Atkinson, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Atkinson is a small, picturesque town located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, bordered by Hampstead to the south, Plaistow to the east, and Salem to the west. The town covers a total area of 11.3 square miles, of which 11.2 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Atkinson are 42°50′22″N latitude and 71°8′45″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Atkinson is part of the New England region, specifically within the Merrimack Valley area of New Hampshire. The town is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is approximately 27 miles southeast of Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, and about 40 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, Atkinson had a population of 6,751 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, making up approximately 97.3% of the population. The remaining population is composed of Asian, African American, Native American, and other races. The median age in Atkinson is 45.3 years.

    🏛️ History

    Atkinson was first settled in 1664 by people from Haverhill, Massachusetts. The town was incorporated on September 3, 1767, by Governor John Wentworth, and was named in honor of Colonel Theodore Atkinson, a local landowner. Atkinson has a rich history with several historic buildings, including the Atkinson Academy, the second-oldest co-educational school in the country.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Atkinson is known for its beautiful natural environment, which includes several parks, trails, and bodies of water. Big Island Pond, a large lake shared with the neighboring towns of Derry and Hampstead, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The town is also home to the Atkinson State Forest, a large conservation area perfect for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Atkinson is managed by the Timberlane Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Atkinson Academy, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle and high school students attend Timberlane Regional Middle School and Timberlane Regional High School, both located in neighboring Plaistow.

    🚧 Transportation

    Atkinson is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents commuting by car. The town is served by New Hampshire Route 121, which provides access to other parts of the state. The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the northwest.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Atkinson is home to the annual Atkinson Fair, a community event that features local food, crafts, and entertainment. The town is also known for its historic Town Hall, which was built in 1827 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Atkinson was the childhood home of poet Robert Frost, who lived in the town from 1885 to 1895.

  • Alton Bay, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Alton Bay is a charming community located in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in Belknap County and is recognized by the ZIP code 03810. Alton Bay is nestled on the southeastern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, offering picturesque views and a variety of outdoor activities.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Alton Bay are approximately 43.4769° N latitude and 71.2211° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Alton Bay is part of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a popular tourist destination known for its lakes, mountains, and recreational activities. The community is a part of the town of Alton and spans a relatively small area, offering a cozy, small-town feel.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Alton Bay is a part of the town of Alton, it shares its population and demographic data. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2019, Alton had a population of approximately 5,327 residents. The demographics are predominantly White, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Alton Bay was originally part of New Durham Gore, which was incorporated as Alton in 1796. The community has a rich history tied to the lake, with the Alton Bay Campmeeting Association established in 1863 as a religious summer camp. The area has been a popular summer resort destination since the late 19th century, with the historic Alton Bay Pavilion built in 1879 serving as a significant landmark.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Alton Bay is known for its stunning natural beauty. It is located on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding area is rich with forests and mountains, including Mount Major, a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of the lake and beyond. The community is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Alton Bay is provided by the Alton School District, which serves the entire town of Alton. The district includes Alton Central School, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, and Prospect Mountain High School for students in grades nine through twelve.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Alton Bay is primarily by car, with New Hampshire Route 11 running through the community. The Alton Bay Seaplane Base and the nearby Laconia Municipal Airport provide air travel options. Boat transportation is also popular due to the community’s location on Lake Winnipesaukee.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every winter, if the conditions allow, Alton Bay features an “Ice Runway,” one of the few FAA-approved ice runways in the United States, attracting pilots from around the region. The community also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Alton Bay Boat Show and summer concerts at the Alton Bay Bandstand.

  • Alton, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Alton is a picturesque town located in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. It is nestled in the southeastern part of the state, in the Lakes Region near the eastern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee. The town is characterized by its hilly terrain, with the highest point being Mount Major, at 1,785 feet above sea level. Alton includes the village of Alton Bay, a popular resort area that sits on the southeastern corner of Lake Winnipesaukee.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Alton, New Hampshire, are approximately 43° 27′ 14″ N latitude, and 71° 13′ 3″ W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Alton is part of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a popular tourist destination known for its lakes, mountains, and recreational activities. The town itself covers a total area of 82.2 square miles, of which 8.1 square miles is water, including Alton Bay, a long, narrow bay of Lake Winnipesaukee.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Alton had a population of 5,250 people. The town’s demographic profile is predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 44 years, indicating a relatively mature population.

    🏛️ History

    Alton was incorporated in 1796 and was named after Alton, a small market town in Hampshire, England. The town was initially a farming community but gradually developed into a resort area in the 19th century, thanks to its scenic beauty and the arrival of the railroad. Alton Bay became a notable summer resort, attracting visitors from far and wide.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Alton is known for its beautiful natural environment, with Lake Winnipesaukee being a major attraction. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including Mount Major State Forest, a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Alton Bay offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. The town is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Alton is managed by the Alton School District. The town has an elementary school, Alton Central School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students attend Prospect Mountain High School, a joint venture with the neighboring town of Barnstead.

    🚧 Transportation

    Alton is served by New Hampshire Route 11 and Route 28, providing easy access to other parts of the state. The town is approximately 40 miles from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, the closest major airport. Alton also has a marina at Alton Bay, offering boat services on Lake Winnipesaukee.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Alton hosts the Alton Bay Summer Concert Series at the Alton Bay Bandstand, attracting visitors with a variety of musical performances. The town is also home to the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center, which hosts religious events and retreats. In winter, when conditions allow, an ice runway is plowed on the frozen surface of Alton Bay, making it the only FAA-approved ice runway in the contiguous United States.