The Big List of Cities

Category: J

  • Johnston, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Johnston is a town located in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The town is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 9 miles west of the state capital, Providence. Johnston covers a total area of 24.4 square miles, of which 23.7 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water. The town’s terrain is primarily hilly and wooded, featuring a number of rivers and streams.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Johnston, Rhode Island are approximately 41.82° N latitude and 71.52° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Johnston is part of the Providence metropolitan area, which is the largest metropolitan area in Rhode Island and includes the entirety of the state as well as parts of Massachusetts. Johnston is divided into several neighborhoods, including Thornton, Graniteville, Hughesdale, Morgan Mills, Manton, Simmonsville, Pocasset, West End, Belknap, and Frog City.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Johnston was approximately 29,343. The town is predominantly Caucasian, with a significant percentage of the population also identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age in Johnston is about 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    Johnston was first settled by Europeans in 1636 and was incorporated as a town on March 6, 1759. The town was named after Augustus Johnston, the attorney general of Rhode Island from 1758-1759. Johnston played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution, with several mills operating in the town during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Johnston is home to several parks and green spaces, including Johnston Memorial Park and Snake Den State Park. The latter is particularly known for its beautiful fall foliage and hiking trails. The town is also home to the Woonasquatucket River, which flows through several of Johnston’s neighborhoods.

    🏫 Education

    Public education in Johnston is managed by the Johnston Public School District, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Johnston Senior High School. The town is also home to the Johnston campus of the Community College of Rhode Island.

    🚧 Transportation

    Johnston is served by several major roads, including Interstate 295, U.S. Route 6, and Rhode Island Routes 5, 6A, and 128. Public transportation is provided by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, with several bus routes running through the town. The nearest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, approximately 15 miles south of Johnston.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Johnston is known for its annual Apple Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage and features apple picking, food vendors, live music, and a parade. The town is also home to the Johnston Historical Society, which operates a museum and hosts events focused on the town’s history. Notably, Johnston is also known for being the site of the Clemence Irons House, a historic house museum dating back to 1691.

  • Jamestown, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Jamestown is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. It is situated on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. The island is the second largest in the bay and is connected to the mainland by the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge to the west and the Newport Pell Bridge to the east. The town’s geography is characterized by coastal features, rolling hills, and lush greenery.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Jamestown, Rhode Island are approximately 41.5 degrees north latitude and 71.4 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Jamestown is part of the New England region of the United States. The town covers a total area of 35.3 square miles, of which 9.7 square miles is land and 25.6 square miles is water. The island is approximately 9 miles long and 1 mile wide.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Jamestown has a population of approximately 5,400 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, or other races. The median age in the town is around 46 years.

    🏛️ History

    Jamestown was incorporated in 1678 and was named after James, Duke of York, who later became King James II of England. The town was primarily an agricultural community until the late 19th century when it began to develop as a summer resort destination. It has a rich maritime history and was once a major hub for ferry service in Narragansett Bay.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Jamestown is known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions. The town is home to several parks and nature preserves, including Beavertail State Park, which offers stunning ocean views, hiking trails, and a historic lighthouse. The island’s coastline is dotted with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and marshlands, providing diverse habitats for a variety of wildlife.

    🏫 Education

    Jamestown is served by the Jamestown School District, which operates two schools: Melrose School for students in kindergarten through 4th grade, and Lawn School for students in 5th through 8th grade. High school students typically attend school in the nearby town of North Kingstown. The town also has a public library, the Jamestown Philomenian Library.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Jamestown is facilitated by a network of state highways, including Route 138 which runs across the island. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides bus service to the town. The closest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, about 20 miles away. The town also has several marinas for boating and sailing.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Jamestown is home to several annual events, including the Jamestown Rhode Race, a popular marathon that attracts runners from all over the country. The town also hosts the Fools’ Rules Regatta, a fun event where participants race homemade boats. A notable piece of trivia is that Jamestown was used as a filming location for the 1974 film adaptation of “The Great Gatsby”.

  • Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Jamaica Plain is a neighborhood located in the city of Boston, in the state of Massachusetts. It is part of Suffolk County and is identified by the ZIP code 02130. The neighborhood is situated to the southwest of downtown Boston and is bordered by Roslindale to the south, Roxbury to the north, Brookline and Mission Hill to the west, and the Boston neighborhoods of West Roxbury and Roslindale to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts are approximately 42.3097° N latitude and 71.1208° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Jamaica Plain is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in the northeastern United States. It covers a land area of approximately 4.4 square miles. The neighborhood is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban features, with a variety of residential, commercial, and green spaces.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Jamaica Plain was approximately 37,468. The neighborhood is known for its diverse community, with a mix of different races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It has a significant Hispanic and Latino population, along with a mix of Caucasians, African Americans, and Asians.

    🏛️ History

    Jamaica Plain was originally a part of the city of Roxbury, but was annexed to Boston in 1874. The neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, with its name believed to have been derived from “Jamaica rum,” a type of rum distilled in the West Indies and stored in the area. Jamaica Plain grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the introduction of streetcars, which made it a desirable residential suburb for Boston’s growing middle class. Today, it is known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Jamaica Plain is home to several parks and green spaces, the most notable of which is the Arnold Arboretum, a 281-acre park managed by Harvard University and known for its diverse collection of plants. The neighborhood is also home to Jamaica Pond, the largest body of freshwater in Boston, and the Franklin Park, which is considered the “crown jewel” of the Emerald Necklace, a series of connected parks in Boston.

    🏫 Education

    Jamaica Plain is served by the Boston Public Schools district. It is home to several public, private, and charter schools, including the Boston Latin School, one of the oldest and most prestigious public schools in the country. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Northeastern University, Boston University, and Harvard Medical School.

    🚧 Transportation

    Jamaica Plain is well-connected by public transportation, with several bus routes and three stations (Green Street, Stony Brook, and Forest Hills) on the Orange Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway system serving the neighborhood. It is also easily accessible by car, with major roads like the Jamaicaway and the Arborway running through the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Jamaica Plain is known for its annual events like the Wake Up the Earth Festival and the Jamaica Plain Music Festival, which celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity and vibrant arts scene. An interesting trivia about Jamaica Plain is that it was the birthplace of notable figures like former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s maternal grandparents, and Sylvia Plath, a renowned poet and novelist.

  • Jefferson, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Jefferson is a village located in the town of Holden in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the central part of the state, approximately 52 miles west of Boston. The village is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and open spaces, with a number of small ponds and streams dotting the landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Jefferson, Massachusetts are approximately 42.37 degrees North latitude and 71.87 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Jefferson is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located within the town of Holden, which covers a total area of approximately 36.2 square miles. Jefferson is the largest village in Holden and is considered part of the Worcester metropolitan area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Holden, Jefferson shares its population statistics with the larger town. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town of Holden had a population of approximately 19,000 residents as of 2020. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Holden is around 41 years.

    🏛️ History

    The history of Jefferson is intertwined with that of the town of Holden, which was first settled in 1723 and incorporated in 1741. The village of Jefferson was named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Over the years, the area has maintained its small-town charm while experiencing modest growth and development.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Jefferson is home to a variety of natural features, including several small ponds and streams. The village is also in close proximity to the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, which offers hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities. The region experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers, cold winters, and a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Jefferson is provided by the Wachusett Regional School District, which serves the town of Holden and several neighboring communities. The district operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Wachusett Regional High School. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby Worcester, which is home to a number of colleges and universities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Jefferson is primarily by car, with Massachusetts Route 122A serving as the main thoroughfare through the village. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area, and the nearest train service is available in Worcester. The closest major airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 15 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Jefferson hosts several community events throughout the year, often in conjunction with the larger town of Holden. These include the annual Holden Days festival, which features live music, food, and local vendors. The village is also near the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, which hosts a variety of winter sports events each year.

  • Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Juana Diaz is a charming city located in the southern part of Puerto Rico. It is nestled between the cities of Ponce and Villalba, and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south. The city is divided into 12 wards, with the downtown area, known as “Juana Diaz Pueblo,” serving as the administrative center of the city. The terrain of Juana Diaz is predominantly hilly, with the northern part of the city being more mountainous due to its proximity to the Cordillera Central mountain range.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Juana Diaz are approximately 18.05 degrees North latitude and 66.5 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Juana Diaz is part of the Ponce Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is one of the key economic areas in Puerto Rico. The city spans an area of about 109.93 square miles (284.72 square kilometers), making it one of the larger municipalities in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Juana Diaz has a population of approximately 45,000 residents. The city is predominantly Hispanic, with a mix of cultures that include Taino, Spanish, African, and other influences. Spanish is the primary language spoken in Juana Diaz, although English is also widely understood and spoken.

    🏛️ History

    Juana Diaz was founded in 1798, and it is named after Juana Diaz, a local woman who was known for her generosity and hospitality. The city has a rich history that includes sugar cane farming and the production of rum. It is also known for its traditional Puerto Rican music and dance, particularly the “Danza,” a popular dance style that originated in the city.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Juana Diaz is home to a variety of natural attractions. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, particularly Playa de los Ponceños, which offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The city also has several parks and green spaces, including the Juana Diaz Forest Reserve, which is home to a variety of local flora and fauna.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Juana Diaz is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten through high school. There are also several colleges and universities in the nearby city of Ponce, including the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce.

    🚧 Transportation

    Juana Diaz is well-connected by road, with the Puerto Rico Highway 1 and Highway 52 passing through the city. Public transportation in Juana Diaz is provided by the Puerto Rico Transportation Authority, which operates bus routes throughout the city. The nearest major airport is the Mercedita Airport in Ponce, which is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Juana Diaz.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Juana Diaz is famous for its annual Three Kings Day celebration, which is one of the oldest and most celebrated traditions in Puerto Rico. The event, which takes place every January, attracts visitors from all over the island and beyond. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with several galleries and art festivals taking place throughout the year.