The Big List of Cities

Category: O

  • Oxford, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Oxford is a charming town located in the state of Maine, United States. It is situated in Oxford County and is known for its picturesque landscapes. The town covers an area of 67.38 square miles, of which 64.33 square miles is land and 3.05 square miles is water. The town is home to Hogan Pond, Whitney Pond, and Thompson Lake.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Oxford, Maine are approximately 44.1315° N latitude and 70.4932° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Oxford is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in the western part of Maine, approximately 45 miles north-west of Portland and 35 miles north of Lewiston. The town’s ZIP code is 04270.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Oxford was estimated to be around 4,100 people. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.5 years. The gender ratio is approximately equal, with a slight majority of females.

    🏛️ History

    Oxford was first settled in 1794 and incorporated as a town on February 27, 1829. It was named after Oxford, Massachusetts, the native home of the town’s first settlers. The town was primarily an agricultural community, but it also had a strong industry in the 19th century, including mills that produced lumber, textiles, and leather.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Oxford is known for its natural beauty, with numerous lakes, rivers, and forests. The town is home to Thompson Lake, one of the largest lakes in the state, which is popular for boating and fishing. The area also has several parks and nature trails, providing ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Oxford is managed by the Oxford Hills School District. The town has one elementary school, Oxford Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend Oxford Hills Middle School and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, both located in nearby Paris, Maine.

    🚧 Transportation

    Oxford is accessible by road, with Route 26 being the main highway passing through the town. The town is also served by the Oxford County Regional Airport, located in nearby Norway, Maine. Public transportation is provided by the Western Maine Transportation Services, which operates bus routes in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Oxford is home to the Oxford Plains Speedway, a 3/8 mile oval racetrack that hosts a variety of motor racing events, including the prestigious Oxford 250, a Super Late Model race that attracts drivers from across the country. The town also hosts an annual summer fair, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment.

  • Orrs Island, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Orrs Island is a small island located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is part of the town of Harpswell, which is a collection of peninsulas and islands on Casco Bay. Orrs Island is connected to the mainland by the Orrs Island Bridge, and to Bailey Island (to its south) by the world’s only cribstone bridge.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Orrs Island are approximately 43.7419° N latitude and 69.9864° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Orrs Island is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The island spans an area of approximately 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²), and is characterized by a rocky coastline and a heavily forested interior.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the latest available data, the population of Orrs Island is estimated to be around 500 people. The island is predominantly White, with a median age of around 60 years. The island’s population tends to increase during the summer months due to its appeal as a vacation destination.

    🏛️ History

    Orrs Island was originally inhabited by Native Americans before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The island was named after Joseph Orr, an early settler. Over the years, the island has been home to a vibrant fishing community. Today, it is primarily a residential and vacation area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    The island is known for its beautiful natural environment, including its rocky coastline, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. The island is home to several species of birds, deer, and other wildlife. The surrounding waters of Casco Bay are home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, clams, and numerous species of fish.

    🏫 Education

    As part of the Harpswell community, Orrs Island falls under the jurisdiction of the School Administrative District 75. The island itself does not have any schools, but children from the island typically attend schools in the nearby towns of Harpswell, Brunswick, or Topsham.

    🚧 Transportation

    Orrs Island is accessible by car via the Orrs Island Bridge from the mainland. The island is also connected to Bailey Island by the Bailey Island Bridge, which is the only cribstone bridge in the world. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 30 miles away in Portland, Maine.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Orrs Island is known for its annual summer events, including the Orrs Island Library Fair and the Harpswell Festival. The island was also the setting for the 1924 novel “Island Born” by Ruth Moore, a well-known Maine author. The cribstone bridge connecting Orrs Island to Bailey Island is a unique engineering marvel and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Old Orchard Beach, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Old Orchard Beach is a small town located in York County, in the southern part of the state of Maine, United States. The town is situated on the southern coastline of the state, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The town’s geography is characterized by its sandy beaches, coastal plains, and a few scattered hills.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Old Orchard Beach are approximately 43.5171° N latitude and 70.3773° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    The town of Old Orchard Beach is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in Maine. The total area of the town is 9.55 square miles, of which 7.56 square miles is land and 1.99 square miles is water, mainly the Atlantic Ocean.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Old Orchard Beach was approximately 9,000. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant proportion of the population being retirees. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Old Orchard Beach has a rich history dating back to 1653 when it was first settled by Thomas Rogers who cultivated the land for orchards, hence the town’s name. It was incorporated as a town in 1883. The town has been a popular summer resort since the late 19th century, attracting tourists from all over the country and the world.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Old Orchard Beach is best known for its 7-mile long sandy beach, which is one of the best beaches in Maine. The town is also home to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. The town’s environment is also characterized by its clean air, clear waters, and beautiful landscapes.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Old Orchard Beach is managed by the Regional School Unit 23. The town has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. There are also a few private schools in the area. For higher education, residents usually commute to nearby cities like Portland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Old Orchard Beach is served by the Amtrak Downeaster, which provides passenger rail service from Boston to Brunswick, with a station in the town. The town is also accessible by road via Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. The Portland International Jetport, located about 15 miles north of the town, provides air travel services.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Old Orchard Beach is famous for its Pier, which was first built in 1898 and offers a variety of eateries, shops, and nightlife. The town hosts several events throughout the year, including the Old Orchard Beach Car Show, the Lobster Dip, and the annual Beach Olympics. The town is also home to Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park, which is one of the last of its kind in New England.

  • Ocean Park, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Ocean Park is a charming small town located in York County, Maine, United States. It is nestled along the Atlantic coastline, offering picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere. The town’s geography is marked by its sandy beaches, salt marshes, and a mix of residential and commercial properties.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Ocean Park, Maine are approximately 43.4969° N latitude and 70.3772° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Ocean Park is part of the Northeastern region of the United States, specifically in the New England area. It is situated in the southern part of Maine, within York County. The town falls under the ZIP code 04063.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a small community, Ocean Park has a relatively low population. While specific demographic data for Ocean Park is not readily available due to its small size and integration with Old Orchard Beach, it is part of a larger community that is predominantly white, with a mix of other ethnicities including African American, Asian, and Hispanic residents.

    🏛️ History

    Ocean Park was established in the late 19th century as a Free Will Baptist summer camp meeting ground. Over time, it evolved into a charming seaside community, retaining its historic charm with many of its original Victorian-era cottages still standing. The area is rich in history and tradition, with a strong sense of community that is evident in its annual events and gatherings.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ocean Park is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The town is home to a sandy beach that stretches for seven miles, offering residents and visitors a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The area also boasts marshlands that serve as a habitat for a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for bird watching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Ocean Park is served by the Old Orchard Beach School Department, which includes an elementary school, middle school, and high school. There are also several private and charter schools in the surrounding areas.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Ocean Park is primarily by car, with U.S. Route 9 serving as the main thoroughfare. The town is also accessible by train, with the nearby Old Orchard Beach station providing access to Amtrak’s Downeaster service. The Portland International Jetport, located about 16 miles away, is the closest major airport.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every summer, Ocean Park hosts a variety of events and activities that draw visitors from all over. These include the popular Sand Sculpture Competition, Art in the Park, and the Ocean Park 5K Race. The town is also known for its historic Temple, a grand wooden structure that hosts concerts, lectures, and community gatherings.

  • Ogunquit, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Ogunquit is a charming town located in York County, Maine, United States. The town is situated on the southern coast of Maine, along the Atlantic Ocean. The name Ogunquit, which means “beautiful place by the sea” in the indigenous Abenaki language, is a fitting description of the town’s scenic coastal landscape. The town is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and a quaint New England village center.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Ogunquit are approximately 43.25 degrees north latitude and 70.60 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Ogunquit is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in southern Maine. The town covers a total area of 15.25 square miles, of which 14.19 square miles is land and 1.06 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Ogunquit was approximately 892. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of other races. The median age of residents is around 59 years, which is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the town’s popularity as a retirement destination.

    🏛️ History

    Ogunquit was originally a part of Wells, which was settled by the English in 1641. The area was primarily used for fishing and farming. In the late 19th century, Ogunquit began to develop as a popular summer resort and artist colony. The town was officially incorporated on July 1, 1980, making it one of the newest towns in Maine.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ogunquit is known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is home to the Ogunquit Beach, a 3-mile long stretch of sandy beach that is considered one of the finest in New England. The Marginal Way, a scenic cliff walk with panoramic ocean views, is another major attraction. The town also has several parks and nature preserves, including the Ogunquit River Estuary and the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Ogunquit is managed by the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District. The town does not have its own schools, but students attend Wells Elementary School, Wells Junior High School, and Wells High School, all located in the nearby town of Wells.

    🚧 Transportation

    Ogunquit is served by U.S. Route 1, which is the main road through the town. The town is also accessible via Interstate 95, which is located a few miles to the west. The nearest airport is the Portland International Jetport, about 35 miles to the north. In the summer, the town operates a seasonal trolley service for local transportation.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Ogunquit is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. The town is home to the Ogunquit Playhouse, a historic theater that produces Broadway-quality productions. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which features works by prominent American artists, is another cultural highlight. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Ogunquit Patriot’s Day Celebration, the Ogunquit Lobster Dash, and the Ogunquit Christmas by the Sea Festival.