The Big List of Cities

Category: A

  • Avon, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Avon is a small town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 20 miles south of Boston. The town covers a total area of 4.6 square miles, of which 4.4 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. Avon is bordered by the towns of Stoughton to the west, Randolph to the north, and Holbrook to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Avon, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1307° N latitude and 71.0412° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Avon is part of the Greater Boston region, which is the metropolitan area surrounding Boston. The town is primarily residential, with a small commercial area concentrated around Route 28.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Avon had a population of 4,356. The racial makeup of the town was 92.8% White, 3.3% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.7% Asian, and 1.1% from other races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 2.2% of the population. The median age in the town was 44.4 years.

    🏛️ History

    Avon was originally part of Stoughton, which was settled in 1713. The area that is now Avon was known as Stoughtonham and was primarily a farming community. In 1888, it was incorporated as the town of Avon, named after the river Avon in England. The town’s early economy was based on shoe and leather production, but it has since transitioned to a primarily residential community.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Avon is home to D.W. Field Park, a large recreational area with walking trails, ponds, and picnic areas. The park is a popular spot for bird watching, fishing, and outdoor activities. The town is also part of the Taunton River Watershed, which provides important habitat for wildlife and helps to maintain water quality in the region.

    🏫 Education

    Avon is served by the Avon Public Schools district, which includes the Ralph D. Butler Elementary School and the Avon Middle High School. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Stonehill College, Massasoit Community College, and Bridgewater State University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Avon is accessible via several major highways, including Route 24 and Route 28. Public transportation is provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which operates bus service in the area. The closest MBTA commuter rail station is located in the neighboring town of Holbrook.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Avon is known for its annual town-wide yard sale, which takes place in September and attracts visitors from around the region. The town also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including a summer concert series and a holiday tree lighting ceremony.

  • Allston, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Allston is a neighborhood located in the city of Boston, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is part of Suffolk County and is situated on the western part of the city. The neighborhood is bounded by the Charles River on the north and the Massachusetts Turnpike on the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Allston are approximately 42.3539° N latitude and 71.1337° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Allston is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in the northeastern part of the United States. It covers an area of approximately 1.7 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Allston had a population of about 21,789 residents. It is a diverse neighborhood, with a significant number of residents being of Asian, Hispanic, and European descent. The neighborhood is known for its large student population due to the presence of several universities and colleges in and around the area.

    🏛️ History

    Allston was originally part of the neighboring town of Brighton. The area was primarily used for farming until the mid-19th century when a railroad line was built, leading to industrial development. Allston was named after the American painter and poet Washington Allston. It became a part of Boston in 1874 when the city of Boston annexed the town of Brighton.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Allston is known for its urban environment, but it also has several green spaces. The Charles River, which forms the northern boundary of Allston, offers opportunities for boating and has a number of parks and green spaces along its banks. There are also several community gardens in the neighborhood.

    🏫 Education

    Allston is home to several educational institutions. The most notable is the part of Harvard University’s campus, including the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Stadium. Boston University is also located close to Allston. The neighborhood has several public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten to high school.

    🚧 Transportation

    Allston is well-served by public transportation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates bus and rail services in the neighborhood. The Green Line “B” Branch runs through Allston, providing easy access to downtown Boston and other parts of the city. The neighborhood is also easily accessible by car, with the Massachusetts Turnpike running through the southern part of Allston.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Allston is known for its vibrant music scene and is home to several live music venues. The neighborhood hosts the annual Allston Village Street Fair, which features local artists, musicians, and vendors. The neighborhood is also known for its “Allston Christmas,” a period at the beginning of September when many students move in and out, and discarded furniture and other items can be found on the streets.

  • Accord, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Accord, Massachusetts is a small village located in the town of Hingham in Plymouth County. It is situated on the South Shore of the state, about 15 miles southeast of Boston. The village is primarily residential and is nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Accord, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2078° N latitude and 70.8898° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Accord is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located within the larger town of Hingham, which spans an area of 26.35 square miles. The specific area of Accord is not separately measured as it is a village within Hingham.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    Accord does not have its own separate population count as it is part of the town of Hingham. As of the 2020 census, Hingham has a population of approximately 23,120 people. The town is predominantly white, with a small percentage of Asian, African American, and Hispanic residents.

    🏛️ History

    Accord village shares its history with the town of Hingham, which was first settled by English colonists in 1633. The town was incorporated in 1635 and named after Hingham, a village in the English county of Norfolk. The village of Accord has been a part of Hingham since its early beginnings and has grown alongside the town.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Accord is known for its picturesque New England scenery. The village is surrounded by a variety of natural features, including forests, meadows, and small bodies of water. The South Shore area is also known for its beautiful coastline, offering residents and visitors alike stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Accord is managed by the Hingham Public Schools district. The district operates four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Additionally, there are several private schools in the area. For higher education, residents have access to a number of colleges and universities in the greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Accord is served by Massachusetts Route 228, which provides easy access to other parts of the state. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) also operates a commuter rail station in Hingham, offering convenient public transportation to Boston and other nearby cities.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    While Accord itself does not host large-scale events, the town of Hingham holds several annual community events, including a Fourth of July parade and a Christmas in the Square celebration. The village is also a short drive away from the historical sites and cultural attractions of Boston.

  • Amesbury, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Amesbury is a city located in the northeastern part of Massachusetts, in Essex County. The city is situated on the left bank of the Merrimack River near its mouth, upstream from Salisbury and across the river from Newburyport and West Newbury. The city covers a total area of 13.7 square miles, of which 12.3 square miles is land and 1.5 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Amesbury, Massachusetts are approximately 42.8584° N latitude and 70.9300° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Amesbury is part of the Greater Boston region, which is the metropolitan area of New England that is most populous. It is also part of the Merrimack Valley, a bi-state region along the Merrimack River in northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the city of Amesbury had a population of approximately 17,430 people. The city’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, or from other racial or ethnic backgrounds. The median age in Amesbury is around 43 years.

    🏛️ History

    Amesbury was first settled by Europeans in 1655 as a part of Salisbury, but was officially separated from Salisbury in 1666 and incorporated as the town of Amesbury in 1668. It was named after Amesbury in Wiltshire, England. The town was known for its mills and shipbuilding industry in the 19th century. In 1997, the town was officially granted city status by the Massachusetts legislature and renamed the City of Amesbury.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Amesbury is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Amesbury Town Park and Lake Gardner. The city is also located near the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a popular spot for bird watching, hiking, and wildlife photography. The Merrimack River that flows through the city provides opportunities for boating and fishing.

    🏫 Education

    Amesbury is served by the Amesbury Public Schools district, which includes Amesbury Elementary School, Amesbury Middle School, and Amesbury High School. There are also several private schools in the area. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as Northern Essex Community College and Merrimack College.

    🚧 Transportation

    The major routes through Amesbury are Interstate 495, which provides access to Boston and other major cities, and Route 150, which serves as the main local thoroughfare. The city is also served by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, providing public bus transportation. The nearest airport is Boston Logan International Airport, located about 40 miles south of Amesbury.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Amesbury is known for its annual Amesbury Days festival, a week-long celebration featuring music, food, and fireworks. The city is also home to the Amesbury Carriage Museum, which celebrates the city’s rich history in carriage manufacturing. Amesbury was once the home of the famous American poet John Greenleaf Whittier, and his birthplace is now a historic site open for tours.

  • Andover, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Andover is a town located in Essex County, in the northeastern part of the state of Massachusetts. It is situated approximately 22 miles north of Boston and is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town covers a total area of 32.1 square miles, of which 31.0 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Andover are 42.6584° N latitude and 71.1370° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Andover is part of the Merrimack Valley region in northeastern Massachusetts. The town is bordered by Lawrence to the north, North Andover to the northeast, North Reading and Wilmington to the south, and Tewksbury and Dracut to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Andover was approximately 36,500. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a significant minority of Asian residents. Other racial groups include African American, Native American, and people of other races. The median age in Andover is around 43 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of females than males.

    🏛️ History

    Andover was first settled in 1636 and was officially incorporated in 1646. The town played a significant role in the Salem Witch Trials, with several residents being accused of witchcraft. In the 19th century, Andover became a center of the textile industry, with several mills operating in the town. Today, Andover is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and high-quality schools.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Andover is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Harold Parker State Forest, which offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The town is also part of the larger Bay Circuit Trail and Greenway, a 200-mile trail network that passes through 37 towns in eastern Massachusetts. The Shawsheen River runs through the town, providing a beautiful natural landscape.

    🏫 Education

    Andover is known for its strong educational institutions. The town’s public school system includes five elementary schools, three middle schools, and Andover High School. Andover is also home to Phillips Academy, one of the oldest and most prestigious private secondary schools in the United States. For higher education, Merrimack College and a campus of the Massachusetts School of Law are located nearby.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Andover is facilitated by several major highways, including Interstate 93, Interstate 495, and Route 28. The town is also served by the Andover station on the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Haverhill Line, providing direct access to Boston. Lawrence Municipal Airport is the nearest airport, located just north of the town.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Andover hosts several annual events, including the Andover Day street fair, the Gold Rush Days at Harold Parker, and the Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race. The town was also the setting for the 1999 film “The Cider House Rules”. Notable residents have included actress Jayne Atkinson, astronaut Sunita Williams, and former U.S. Secretary of State, Dean Acheson.