Category: S

  • Springvale, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Springvale is a village located in the town of Sanford, in the southern part of the state of Maine. It is situated in York County, one of the 16 counties in Maine. The village is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, along with several parks and recreational areas.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Springvale, Maine are approximately 43.4648° N latitude and 70.8080° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Springvale is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the southeastern part of Maine, close to the New Hampshire border. The village covers a total area of approximately 6.7 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Springvale is a village within the town of Sanford, its population is included in the total population of Sanford, which was estimated to be around 21,000 people according to the 2020 census. The demographics of Springvale are similar to that of Sanford, which is predominantly White with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other racial or ethnic groups. The median age in the area is approximately 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Springvale was first settled in the late 18th century. It was incorporated as a village in 1895. The village was originally a mill town, with several mills operating along the Mousam River which runs through Springvale. Over the years, the village has transitioned from a manufacturing center to a more diverse economy, with a mix of businesses and services.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Springvale is known for its scenic beauty, with the Mousam River and several parks and recreational areas adding to its charm. The village is home to Holdsworth Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking. Springvale also has a number of trails for walking and biking, including the Rail Trail which follows the route of the old railroad line.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Springvale is managed by the Sanford School Department. The village is served by several schools, including Springvale Elementary School and Sanford Junior High School. For higher education, residents typically attend institutions in nearby cities, such as the University of Southern Maine or York County Community College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Springvale is served by a number of major roads, including Route 109 which runs through the village. The village is also close to Interstate 95, providing easy access to other parts of Maine and New England. Public transportation in Springvale is provided by the Sanford Transit, which operates bus routes throughout Sanford and its villages.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Springvale is home to the Nasson Community Center, a historic building that hosts a variety of community events and activities, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibits. The village also holds an annual Springvale Library Craft Fair, which features local artisans and crafters. In addition, Springvale is known for its historic district, which includes several buildings dating back to the 19th century.

  • South Windham, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    South Windham is a village located in the town of Windham in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The village is situated in the southeastern part of the town, along the Presumpscot River. The area is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, with a significant portion of the land covered by forests.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for South Windham are approximately 43°44′17″N latitude and 70°24′30″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    South Windham is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village covers a total area of approximately 2.3 square miles, with the Presumpscot River flowing through it.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Windham, South Windham does not have a separate population count. However, the town of Windham had a population of approximately 17,000 according to the 2010 census. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    South Windham, originally part of the town of Falmouth, was incorporated as a separate town in 1792. The village of South Windham developed around the mills that were built on the Presumpscot River in the 18th and 19th centuries. The village has retained several historic buildings from this era, including the South Windham Community Church and the Windham Manufacturing Company.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    South Windham is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Presumpscot River providing a scenic backdrop to the village. The river is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The village is also close to several parks and nature reserves, including the Windham Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lowell Preserve.

    🏫 Education

    Education in South Windham is provided by the Windham Raymond School District, which serves the towns of Windham and Raymond. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education options are available in nearby Portland.

    🚧 Transportation

    South Windham is served by U.S. Route 202 and State Route 4, which provide connections to the rest of Maine and beyond. The village is also close to the Portland International Jetport, which offers domestic and limited international flights. Public transportation in the area is provided by the Greater Portland Transit District.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    South Windham is home to the Windham Summerfest, an annual community event that features a parade, live music, food vendors, and fireworks. The village also hosts the Windham Farmers Market, which offers locally grown produce and handmade goods. The South Windham Community Church, built in 1833, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • South Freeport, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    South Freeport is a charming village located in the town of Freeport, in the state of Maine, United States. It is part of Cumberland County, which is situated in the southern part of the state. The village is nestled on the shores of the Harraseeket River, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of South Freeport, Maine are approximately 43.8331° N latitude and 70.1036° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    South Freeport is located in the New England region of the United States, known for its rich history and distinctive seasons. The village is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area, which is the largest metropolitan area in Maine. The village itself is relatively small and retains a quaint, rural charm.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As South Freeport is a village within the town of Freeport, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Freeport as a whole has a population of approximately 8,000 people. The demographics of the area are predominantly Caucasian, with a small percentage of other ethnicities.

    🏛️ History

    South Freeport has a rich maritime history, being a significant shipbuilding center during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Harraseeket River provided an ideal location for shipbuilding, and many vessels were constructed here. The village has retained much of its historical charm, with several buildings and structures dating back to this period still standing today.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    South Freeport is known for its stunning natural beauty. The village is located on the Harraseeket River, which flows into Casco Bay. The river and bay provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The area is also home to Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the outdoors.

    🏫 Education

    Educational services in South Freeport are provided by the Freeport School District, which includes Freeport High School, Freeport Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success.

    🚧 Transportation

    South Freeport is easily accessible by car via U.S. Route 1, which runs through the town of Freeport. The village is also served by the METRO BREEZ express bus service, which connects Freeport with Portland and Brunswick. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located approximately 20 miles south of South Freeport.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    South Freeport is home to the Harraseeket Yacht Club, which hosts sailing races and other events throughout the summer. The village is also known for its annual Clam Festival, a popular event that celebrates the area’s maritime heritage and features a variety of food, entertainment, and activities.

  • South Casco, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    South Casco is a charming village located in the town of Casco, within Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is nestled in the southern part of the state, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush forests. The area is characterized by its rural setting and the natural beauty it offers.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for South Casco are approximately 43.9° N latitude and 70.6° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    South Casco is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area, in the southern region of Maine. It is situated in the eastern part of the United States. The village spans a relatively small area within the larger town of Casco, contributing to its intimate, community-oriented feel.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    South Casco, being a village within the town of Casco, shares its population with the larger town. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town of Casco had a population of approximately 3,742 people as of the 2010 census. The demographics of the area reflect a predominantly white population, with a mix of other races. The age distribution is fairly balanced, with a slight lean towards middle-aged residents.

    🏛️ History

    The town of Casco, including South Casco, was incorporated in 1841. The area has a rich history tied to the lumber industry, with several mills operating in the region during the 19th century. Over the years, the village has maintained its rural charm while adapting to modern development.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    South Casco is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. It’s surrounded by several bodies of water, including Sebago Lake, one of Maine’s largest lakes. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The region experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

    🏫 Education

    Education in South Casco is managed by the School Administrative District 61, which serves the towns of Casco, Naples, Bridgton, and Sebago. The district offers a range of educational opportunities, from elementary to high school. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities such as Portland.

    🚧 Transportation

    South Casco, being a rural village, relies primarily on road transportation. The village is served by Route 302, which provides connections to nearby towns and cities. The closest major airport is the Portland International Jetport, located approximately 30 miles away in Portland.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    South Casco is home to Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The camp offers a range of programs and activities, providing a supportive and caring environment for those in need. The village also hosts a variety of local events, including community gatherings, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals, highlighting the strong sense of community that characterizes this charming Maine village.

  • Shapleigh, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Shapleigh is a town situated in York County, in the southern part of the state of Maine, United States. It is bordered by the towns of Acton, Newfield, Waterboro, and Alfred, and to the east by Mousam Lake. Shapleigh is characterized by a mix of hills, forests, and lakes, offering a picturesque rural landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Shapleigh, Maine are approximately 43.5 degrees North latitude and 70.8 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Shapleigh is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It spans a total area of approximately 41.02 square miles (106.24 square kilometers), of which 38.42 square miles (99.51 square kilometers) is land and 2.6 square miles (6.73 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 United States Census, Shapleigh had a population of 2,668 people. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, or belonging to other racial or ethnic groups. The median age in Shapleigh is around 43 years, slightly higher than the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Shapleigh was originally part of a larger tract of land known as the Massabesic Purchase, bought by Major William Phillips of Saco from local Native American tribes in 1661. The town was first settled in 1772 and was incorporated in 1785, named in honor of Nicholas Shapleigh, a prominent early settler and landowner. The town’s economy was historically based on agriculture, lumbering, and manufacturing.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Shapleigh is home to several lakes, including Mousam Lake and Square Pond, which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The town is also characterized by its forests, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Shapleigh is part of the Atlantic temperate broadleaf forest ecoregion, characterized by a mix of deciduous and coniferous tree species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Shapleigh is managed by the Maine School Administrative District 57. The town itself hosts the Shapleigh Memorial School, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the neighboring town of Waterboro.

    🚧 Transportation

    Shapleigh is served by a network of state and local roads, including Maine State Route 11, which provides access to nearby towns and cities. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Shapleigh.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Shapleigh hosts a community day event that features a parade, food, games, and other family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its annual ice fishing derby on Mousam Lake, which attracts anglers from across the region. A fun fact about Shapleigh is that it was originally named Hubbardstown, but was renamed to Shapleigh in 1785.