The Big List of Cities

Category: H

  • Hyannis, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Hyannis is located in the state of Massachusetts, within Barnstable County. It is the largest of the seven villages in the town of Barnstable, situated in the mid-Cape area of Cape Cod. The village covers a total area of 18.3 square miles, of which 16.3 square miles is land and 2.0 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Hyannis are approximately 41.6528° N latitude and 70.2836° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Hyannis is part of the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, a popular summer vacation destination known for its quaint villages, seafood shacks, lighthouses, and beaches. It is the commercial and transportation hub of Cape Cod and was designated an urban area as of the 1990 census.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Hyannis was approximately 14,089. The population density was 867.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the village was predominantly White, with a significant percentage of the population being of Portuguese descent. Other racial groups include African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Hyannis was settled by Europeans in the 1600s and was incorporated as a village in 1856. It was named after Iyannough, a sachem of the Cummaquid tribe. The village became a bustling maritime, fishing, and shipbuilding center in the 18th century. In the 19th century, it evolved into a prominent tourist destination, with the establishment of the railroad and steamship lines. Hyannis is famously known as the home of the Kennedy family, with the Kennedy Compound located in the village.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Hyannis is surrounded by water, with Nantucket Sound to the south and Barnstable Harbor to the north. It boasts several public beaches, including Kalmus Beach, Veterans Beach, and Keyes Beach. The village is also home to numerous parks and conservation areas, offering opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Hyannis is served by the Barnstable Public School District, which includes several elementary schools, intermediate schools, and Barnstable High School. Higher education opportunities are available at Cape Cod Community College, located in nearby West Barnstable.

    🚧 Transportation

    Hyannis is a major transportation hub for Cape Cod. It is served by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service throughout the Cape. The village is also home to the Hyannis Transportation Center, which offers bus and train services, and the Barnstable Municipal Airport, providing commercial and private air travel. Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard depart from Hyannis Harbor.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Hyannis is known for its vibrant arts scene, with the Hyannis Harbor Arts Center at the Guyer Barn offering a variety of cultural events. The village also hosts the annual Hyannis Summer Arts and Craft Festival. Hyannis is also home to the Cape Cod Potato Chips factory, where visitors can take a tour and see how the famous snack is made. The village is also known for the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, which focuses on the time JFK spent in the area.

  • Holbrook, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Holbrook is a small town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, about 20 miles south of Boston. The town covers a total area of approximately 7.4 square miles, of which 7.3 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. It is bordered by Braintree and Weymouth to the north, Abington and Rockland to the east, Brockton and Avon to the south, and Randolph to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Holbrook, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1551 degrees north latitude and 71.0096 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Holbrook is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the largest metropolitan area in New England. It is part of Norfolk County, which is one of the most populous counties in Massachusetts. The town is divided into several neighborhoods, including Brookville, Holbrook Center, and New England Village.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Holbrook was approximately 11,000. The town has a diverse population with a mix of different ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population is White, followed by African American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Holbrook is around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Holbrook was first settled by Europeans in 1710 as part of Old Braintree. It was officially incorporated as a separate town on February 29, 1872. The town was named after Elisha N. Holbrook, a prominent local businessman and the first postmaster of the town. Holbrook’s history is marked by its development as a shoe manufacturing center during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Holbrook is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Holbrook Town Forest, a large wooded area perfect for hiking and bird watching. The town also features several bodies of water, such as Lake Holbrook and the Cochato River. The local government is committed to preserving the town’s natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Holbrook is overseen by the Holbrook Public Schools district. The district operates several schools, including the Holbrook Junior-Senior High School and the John F. Kennedy Elementary School. The town is also home to the South Shore Charter Public School, a charter school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Holbrook is primarily car-dependent, with most residents commuting by car. The town is served by several major highways, including Massachusetts Route 37 and Massachusetts Route 139. Public transportation is provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which operates bus service in the town. The nearest MBTA commuter rail station is located in Braintree.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Holbrook hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Holbrook Day, a celebration of the town’s history and community spirit. The town is also known for its unique “Leap Year Status,” as it was incorporated on February 29, 1872, a leap day. As a result, the town officially celebrates its birthday every four years.

  • Hanson, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Hanson is a charming town located in Plymouth County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is approximately 23 miles south of Boston and 12 miles north of Plymouth. The town covers an area of 15.7 square miles, of which 15.0 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles, or 4.58%, is water. Hanson is surrounded by the towns of Whitman, Pembroke, Halifax, and Hanover.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Hanson, Massachusetts are approximately 42.0751° N latitude and 70.8800° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Hanson is part of the South Shore region of Massachusetts, a region that stretches south and east from Boston toward Cape Cod along the shores of Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay. It is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town’s total area is 15.7 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Hanson has a population of approximately 10,500 residents. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Hanson is around 42 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of females to males.

    🏛️ History

    Hanson was first settled in 1632 as the western parish of Pembroke. The town was officially incorporated in 1820 and was named after Alexander Contee Hanson, an American newspaper publisher and U.S. Senator from Maryland. The town’s early industry revolved around farming, as well as iron production and shoe making. The historical buildings and sites in Hanson reflect its rich history and charm.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Hanson is home to several ponds, brooks, and parks, offering a variety of recreational activities. The largest pond in town is Oldham Pond to the north. The Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area is a significant environmental and recreational asset in the town. Hanson is also home to Camp Kiwanee, a recreation and outdoor area with a beautiful lake and cabins.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Hanson is managed by the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Indian Head School, and one middle school, Hanson Middle School. High school students attend Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, located in the neighboring town of Whitman. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Hanson is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which provides commuter rail service from Hanson station on the Kingston/Plymouth line to Boston’s South Station. Major roads in Hanson include Massachusetts Route 14, 27, 58, and 139. The nearest airport is Plymouth Municipal Airport, while larger Logan International Airport in Boston is about 30 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Hanson is known for its annual Cranberry Harvest Festival, which celebrates the town’s historic cranberry farming industry. The town is also home to the historic Plymouth County Hospital, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hanson was once the home of Ocean Spray’s headquarters before it moved to Lakeville.

  • Hanover, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Hanover is a charming town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the South Shore region of the state, approximately 25 miles south of Boston. The town spans a total area of 15.7 square miles, of which 15.6 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. Hanover is bordered by Norwell to the north, Pembroke to the east, Hanson to the south, and Rockland to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Hanover, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1142° N latitude and 70.8116° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Hanover is part of the New England region and is located in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. The town covers a total area of 15.7 square miles. The region is characterized by a mix of suburban and rural landscapes, with a number of streams and ponds dotting the area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Hanover has a population of approximately 14,500 people. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly white, accounting for about 96% of the population, with the remaining being a mix of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Hanover was first settled by English settlers in 1649 and was officially incorporated in 1727. The town was named after the House of Hanover in honor of King George I of Great Britain. Hanover was primarily an agricultural community during its early years, but with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, it became a prominent manufacturing town, known for its shoe factories.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Hanover is home to several parks and conservation areas, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Forge Pond Park is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The town also boasts the Luddam’s Ford Park, which is a historic site featuring a dam and fish ladder on the North River. The town is committed to environmental conservation, with ongoing efforts to preserve its natural resources and wildlife habitats.

    🏫 Education

    The town of Hanover is served by the Hanover Public Schools district, which includes four schools: Cedar Elementary School, Sylvester Elementary School, Hanover Middle School, and Hanover High School. The town also has a private school, the South Shore Vocational Technical High School. For higher education, Massasoit Community College has a campus nearby in Brockton.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Hanover is primarily by road, with Massachusetts Route 3 passing through the town, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The town is also served by the GATRA public transportation system, which provides bus service throughout Plymouth County. The nearest airport is Boston Logan International Airport, which is about 25 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Hanover hosts a series of community events, including the Hanover Day Festival, which features a parade, live music, food vendors, and fireworks. The town is also known for its historic Stetson House, a 19th-century farmhouse that is now a museum showcasing the town’s history and culture. Hanover is the birthplace of the famous lollipop, with the Bradley’s Candy Company first producing the sweet treat in the town in 1908.

  • Halifax, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Halifax is a charming town located in Plymouth County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 12 miles west of Plymouth and 35 miles south of Boston. The town covers an area of 17.3 square miles, of which 16.1 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water. Halifax is characterized by its numerous bodies of water including Silver Lake, East Monponsett Pond, and West Monponsett Pond.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Halifax, Massachusetts are approximately 41.9912° N latitude and 70.8615° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Halifax is part of the New England region, specifically in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. The town is surrounded by other towns such as Hanson to the north, Pembroke to the northeast, Plympton to the southeast, Middleborough to the southwest, and Bridgewater to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Halifax has a population of approximately 7,500 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller communities of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Halifax is around 44 years, and there is a near-equal distribution of males and females.

    🏛️ History

    Halifax was first settled by Europeans in 1669, around the time when the region was part of the Plymouth Colony. It was officially incorporated as a town in 1734. The town was named after Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. Throughout its history, Halifax has been primarily a farming and cranberry harvesting community. It has also seen some industrial development, particularly in the 19th century with the rise of mills and factories.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Halifax is known for its scenic beauty, characterized by numerous ponds, streams, and forests. The town is home to Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area, a large conservation area perfect for bird watching, fishing, and hiking. The presence of Silver Lake and the Monponsett Ponds also provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and maintaining its rural character.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Halifax is managed by the Halifax Elementary School District and the Silver Lake Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Halifax Elementary School, for students from kindergarten to sixth grade. Students in grades 7 to 12 attend Silver Lake Regional Middle School and Silver Lake Regional High School, which are located in the neighboring town of Kingston.

    🚧 Transportation

    Halifax is served by a number of major roads, including Massachusetts Route 36, Route 58, and Route 106. The town is also accessible by rail, with the Halifax MBTA station providing commuter rail service to Boston. The nearest airport is Plymouth Municipal Airport, located about 13 miles away, while the larger Logan International Airport in Boston is approximately 40 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Halifax is known for its annual Halifax Day, a community celebration that includes a parade, food, music, and fireworks. The town also hosts an annual Harvest Fair and Art Festival. A fun fact about Halifax is that it was the filming location for the 1981 movie “The House by the Lake”.