The Big List of Cities

Category: S

  • San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    San Lorenzo, often referred to as “El Pueblo de los Samaritanos” or “La Ciudad de las Palmas,” is a municipality located in the eastern central region of Puerto Rico. It is nestled in the foothills of the Cordillera Central range, with the Río Grande de Loíza river flowing through its northern region. The city is surrounded by Caguas and Gurabo to the north, Juncos and Las Piedras to the east, Patillas and Yabucoa to the south, and Cayey to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of San Lorenzo are approximately 18.19 degrees latitude and -65.97 degrees longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    San Lorenzo is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. It spans a total area of about 53.47 square miles (138.5 km²), of which 53.44 square miles (138.4 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 U.S. Census, San Lorenzo has a population of approximately 35,732 residents. The city is predominantly Hispanic, with a majority of the population being of Puerto Rican descent. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females. The median age of residents is around 38 years.

    🏛️ History

    San Lorenzo was founded in 1811 by Valeriano Muñoz de Oneca. The town was initially named San Miguel de Hato Grande, but was later renamed San Lorenzo in honor of Saint Lawrence. The city has a rich history of agriculture, with tobacco and sugar cane being the primary crops in the past. Today, it is known for its production of plantains and bananas.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    San Lorenzo is known for its lush, green landscapes and natural beauty. The city is home to the Carite Forest Reserve, a 6,000-acre nature reserve that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views. The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Puerto Rican tody, a small bird endemic to the island. The Río Grande de Loíza river, the longest river in Puerto Rico, also flows through the city, providing opportunities for water-based activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in San Lorenzo is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. There are also vocational schools and a technology institute in the city. For higher education, residents often go to nearby cities like Caguas or San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    San Lorenzo is served by several major highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 183, Puerto Rico Highway 181, and Puerto Rico Highway 203. The city is approximately 45 minutes away from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, the main airport in Puerto Rico. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    San Lorenzo is known for its vibrant local culture and community events. The city hosts an annual festival in honor of Saint Lawrence, its patron saint, which includes parades, music, dancing, and traditional Puerto Rican food. San Lorenzo is also known for its local basketball team, the San Lorenzo Samaritans, who have a strong following in the city.

  • Salinas, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Salinas is a picturesque city located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is bordered by the municipalities of Santa Isabel in the west, and Guayama in the north and east. The city is renowned for its beautiful coastline that stretches along the Caribbean Sea. Salinas is characterized by a mix of flatlands and modest hills, with the Cerro Las Tetas and Sierra de Cayey mountains visible in the distance.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Salinas are approximately 18.0 degrees north latitude and 66.3 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Salinas is part of the Salinas Municipality in Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of 70.05 square miles (181.43 square kilometers), of which 43.31 square miles (112.17 square kilometers) is land and 26.74 square miles (69.26 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the last U.S. Census Bureau data, the population of Salinas is approximately 31,000 residents. The city is known for its diverse mix of cultures, with a predominantly Hispanic population. Spanish is the most widely spoken language, followed by English.

    🏛️ History

    Salinas was founded on July 22, 1841, by Don Agustín Colón Pacheco as Mayor, Don Jose Maria Cadavedo as Secretary and Don Juan Colon de Torres and Don Antonio Semidey as Vocals. The city was named after the Salinas Pueblo in New Mexico. Over the years, Salinas has developed into a vibrant city known for its agricultural and fishing industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Salinas is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. The city is home to several natural reserves including the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Aguirre State Forest. These reserves offer a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The city’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, and the nearby mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Salinas is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten to high school. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities which host universities and colleges.

    🚧 Transportation

    Salinas is well-connected by a network of roads and highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 1, Highway 52, and Highway 180. The city doesn’t have a commercial airport; the nearest one is the Mercedita Airport in Ponce. For local transportation, residents rely on private vehicles, taxis, and a limited public bus service.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Salinas is known as “La Cuna del Mojito Isleño”, which translates to “The Cradle of the Island Mojito”. This is due to the city’s reputation for producing excellent seafood dishes, particularly the Mojito Isleño, a local delicacy. Salinas hosts several annual events, including the Festival del Pescao and the Festival de la Raza Taína, which celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage and history.

  • San Antonio, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    San Antonio is a city located in the state of Puerto Rico, specifically in the county of Aguadilla. The city is nestled in the northwestern part of the island, along the Atlantic coast. San Antonio is characterized by its coastal plains, with some low-lying hills and small mountain ranges nearby. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical climate.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for San Antonio, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.4271° N latitude and 67.1541° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    San Antonio is part of the Aguadilla-Isabela-San Sebastián Metropolitan Statistical Area, a significant economic region in Puerto Rico. The city itself covers an area of approximately 5.9 square miles, predominantly land with a small portion of water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the latest census data, San Antonio has a population of approximately 8,202 residents. The city is noted for its diverse population, with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities, reflecting the rich history of the island. The majority of the population speaks Spanish as their primary language, with a significant number of English speakers as well.

    🏛️ History

    San Antonio was founded in the early 18th century as a small coastal settlement. Over the years, it grew and developed, largely thanks to its strategic location along the coast. The city played a significant role in Puerto Rico’s history, particularly during the Spanish colonial period. Today, San Antonio is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    San Antonio is blessed with a tropical climate and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The city is surrounded by lush greenery, with several parks and natural reserves nearby. The coastal location also provides ample opportunities for water-based activities like swimming, fishing, and surfing. The city is committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at preserving its natural beauty.

    🏫 Education

    San Antonio is home to several public and private schools, providing quality education from kindergarten through high school. The city is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including the University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla. Education is highly valued in the community, with a focus on academic achievement and lifelong learning.

    🚧 Transportation

    San Antonio is well-connected by a network of roads and highways, making it easily accessible from other parts of Puerto Rico. The city is served by the Rafael Hernández Airport, one of the busiest airports on the island. Public transportation options include buses and taxis, and there are also several car rental services available for those who prefer to drive.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    San Antonio is known for its vibrant local culture and hosts several annual events and festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. These include the San Antonio Festival, a popular event that features music, dance, and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. The city is also home to several notable landmarks, including the historic San Antonio Church and the Punta Borinquen Lighthouse.

  • Sabana Hoyos, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sabana Hoyos is a barrio located in the municipality of Arecibo, in the northern part of the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. The barrio is situated in the coastal lowlands of the island, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical landscapes. It is bordered by the barrios of Islote to the north, Carreras to the east, Arecibo Pueblo and Hato Abajo to the south, and Factor to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Sabana Hoyos are approximately 18.4722° N latitude and 66.6750° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sabana Hoyos is part of the Arecibo municipality, which is situated in the northern coastal plain region of Puerto Rico. The barrio covers a total area of 10.11 square miles, making it one of the larger barrios in the municipality.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Sabana Hoyos had a population of approximately 4,508 residents. The population density was about 446 people per square mile. The demographics of Sabana Hoyos reflect the diverse cultural heritage of Puerto Rico, with a mix of people of various ethnic backgrounds.

    🏛️ History

    Sabana Hoyos, like many other regions in Puerto Rico, has a history that dates back to the time of the indigenous Taíno people. The area was later colonized by the Spanish, and eventually became part of the United States following the Spanish-American War in 1898. Over the years, Sabana Hoyos has evolved from a primarily agricultural area to a more residential and commercial region, while still maintaining its rich cultural heritage.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sabana Hoyos is characterized by its tropical climate and lush, green landscapes. The area is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers. The region experiences a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, contributing to its verdant surroundings.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Sabana Hoyos is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The area is home to several public and private schools that cater to students from kindergarten through high school. The nearby city of Arecibo also offers additional educational resources, including the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Sabana Hoyos is primarily by road, with the PR-2 highway providing access to other parts of Arecibo and the island. The area is also served by public buses and taxis. The nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, which is approximately 50 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Sabana Hoyos is known for its vibrant community events, including local festivals and cultural celebrations. The barrio is also home to the Arecibo Observatory, one of the world’s largest single-dish radio telescopes, which has been featured in several films and television shows.

  • San Sebastian, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    San Sebastián is a city located in the northwestern region of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. The city is nestled in the Northern Karst region of the island, characterized by rolling hills, caves, and sinkholes. The city is bordered by the municipalities of Moca and Aguadilla to the north, Lares to the south, Las Marías to the west, and Isabela and Quebradillas to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, are approximately 18.34 degrees north latitude and 66.99 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    San Sebastián is part of the San Sebastián Metropolitan Statistical Area. It covers a total area of 70.4 square miles (182.3 square kilometers), with 70.1 square miles (181.5 square kilometers) being land and 0.3 square miles (0.8 square kilometers) being water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of San Sebastián was estimated to be around 38,799. The population is predominantly Hispanic, with Spanish being the primary language spoken in households. The city has a diverse age distribution, with a significant proportion of the population being under 18 and over 65.

    🏛️ History

    San Sebastián was founded in 1752 by Captain Cristóbal González de la Cruz, who among other residents had a Royal Decree to create the town. The town was originally named San Sebastián de las Vegas del Pepino but was later shortened to San Sebastián. The town has a rich history in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of coffee, tobacco, and fruits.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    San Sebastián is known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery and a variety of flora and fauna. The city is home to the Guajataca Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating. The Guajataca Forest Reserve, located nearby, is a tropical and subtropical moist forest that offers hiking trails and bird watching opportunities. The city also has several rivers, including the Culebrinas, Guajataca, and Guacio rivers.

    🏫 Education

    Education in San Sebastián is under the jurisdiction of the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten to high school. For higher education, residents often go to nearby cities, with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez being a popular choice.

    🚧 Transportation

    San Sebastián is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 111 from the north and Puerto Rico Highway 125 from the south. The city does not have a public transportation system, so residents primarily rely on cars for transportation. The nearest airport is the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, located approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) to the north.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    San Sebastián is known for its annual Patron Saint Festival, which is held in January in honor of Saint Sebastian. The festival features parades, music, dancing, and local food. The city is also home to the Museum of the Pepino, which showcases the city’s history and culture.