The Big List of Cities

Category: S

  • Sanford, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sanford is a city located in York County, in the state of Maine, United States. It is situated in the southwestern part of the state, and is bordered by the towns of Alfred, Acton, Wells, Kennebunk, and Shapleigh. Sanford covers a total area of 48.75 square miles, of which 47.83 square miles is land and 0.92 square miles is water. The city’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills and a variety of landscapes, including forests, fields, and water bodies.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Sanford, Maine are approximately 43.44 degrees north latitude and 70.77 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sanford is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the seventh largest municipality in the state of Maine, and the largest in York County in terms of land area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the city of Sanford had a population of approximately 21,000 people. The population density was around 440 people per square mile. The city has a diverse age range, with a median age of around 40 years. The racial composition of the city is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Sanford was first settled in 1739 and was incorporated as a town in 1768. The town was named after Peleg Sanford, a former governor of Rhode Island. It was known for its mills and factories, particularly those producing textiles and shoes. In 2013, Sanford was officially designated as a city, making it Maine’s newest city.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sanford is home to several parks and recreational areas, including the Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail, Gowen Park, and Holdsworth Park. The city also has several bodies of water, including Bauneg Beg Pond and Number One Pond. The area is known for its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Sanford is managed by the Sanford School Department. The city has several public schools, including Sanford High School, Sanford Junior High School, and several elementary schools. There are also private education options available. For higher education, residents have access to nearby colleges and universities in the greater Portland area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Sanford is primarily by road, with Maine State Route 4, Route 109, and Route 224 passing through the city. The city is also served by the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport, which provides general aviation services. Public transportation is provided by the ShuttleBus-Zoom, which offers bus services to several towns in the region.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Sanford hosts several annual events, including the Sanford International Film Festival and the Great Pumpkin Festival. The city is also home to the Sanford Mainers, a collegiate summer baseball team that plays in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. One interesting trivia about Sanford is that it was the setting for the fictional town of Chester’s Mill in Stephen King’s novel “Under the Dome”.

  • Saco, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Saco is a city located in York County, in the state of Maine, United States. It is nestled by the Saco River on the eastern side and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. The city covers a total area of 52.77 square miles, of which 38.46 square miles is land and 14.31 square miles is water. The city’s terrain is characterized by a mix of flat plains and hilly areas, with a significant portion of the city’s land used for agricultural purposes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Saco, Maine are approximately 43.5009° N latitude and 70.4435° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Saco is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in southern Maine. It is bordered by the towns of Scarborough to the south, Buxton and Hollis to the west, and Biddeford to the north. The city is also adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Saco was 18,482. The city has a diverse age range, with a median age of 40.5 years. The gender distribution is nearly equal, with females making up approximately 51.3% of the population. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being African American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    The area now known as Saco was first inhabited by the Sokokis tribe, a Native American people. The city’s name, Saco, is derived from the Native American word ‘Sawacotuck’, which means “mouth of the tidal stream”. European settlers arrived in the early 17th century, and the city was incorporated in 1762. Saco has a rich history in the industrial sector, particularly in textile manufacturing, which played a significant role in the city’s growth and development.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Saco is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Saco River, which is a popular spot for canoeing and fishing. The city is also home to Ferry Beach State Park, a 100-acre park with a sandy beach, nature trails, and a picnic area. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that provides habitat for migratory birds, is also located near Saco.

    🏫 Education

    Saco is served by the Saco School Department, which operates several public schools in the city. These include Fairfield School, Young School, Saco Middle School, and Thornton Academy, a private high school that also serves as the public high school for Saco and neighboring towns. The city is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including the University of New England and the University of Southern Maine.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Saco is facilitated by a network of state and local roads, including U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 95. The city is also served by the Saco Transportation Center, which provides Amtrak Downeaster service to cities such as Boston, Portland, and Brunswick. Additionally, the Portland International Jetport, which offers flights to several major U.S. cities, is located approximately 15 miles north of Saco.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Saco is home to Funtown Splashtown USA, the largest water and amusement park in Northern New England. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Saco Spirit Festival, a community celebration featuring a parade, fireworks, and live entertainment. The Saco Farmers Market, held from May to October, is a popular event where local farmers and artisans sell their products.

  • Scarborough, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Scarborough is a charming coastal town located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 7 miles south of Maine’s most populous city, Portland. The town encompasses a total area of 87.21 square miles, of which 47.63 square miles is land and 39.58 square miles is water. Scarborough is known for its diverse geography, featuring everything from sandy beaches and salt marshes to rolling hills and dense forests.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Scarborough, Maine, are approximately 43.5789° N latitude and 70.3223° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Scarborough is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in the state of Maine. It is the largest town by area in Cumberland County, and the 12th largest in Maine. The town is divided into eight distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Scarborough was approximately 20,991, making it one of the larger towns in Maine. The town has a predominantly white population, with smaller communities of Asian, African American, and Hispanic residents. The median age in Scarborough is 44.8 years, slightly higher than the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Scarborough was first settled in 1630 and incorporated as a town in 1658. The town was named after Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, by its early English settlers. Throughout its history, Scarborough has been a bustling seaport and commercial center, with industries ranging from shipbuilding and fishing to agriculture and manufacturing.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Scarborough is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring miles of sandy beaches, lush forests, and the largest saltwater marsh in Maine. The town is home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center and the Eastern Trail. These areas provide ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Scarborough is overseen by the Scarborough School Department, which operates three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The town is also home to several private schools and is in close proximity to several colleges and universities in the Portland area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Scarborough is well-connected by road and rail. It is served by Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1, providing easy access to Portland and other major cities in the region. The Amtrak Downeaster train service also stops in Scarborough, offering passenger rail service to Boston and other destinations in New England.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Scarborough is home to the annual Scarborough Summerfest, a popular community event featuring live music, food vendors, and fireworks. The town is also known for its historic lighthouses, including the iconic Portland Head Light, which is located just a short drive away in neighboring Cape Elizabeth.

  • Sebago, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sebago is a charming town located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains and is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town is named after Sebago Lake, the third largest lake in the state of Maine, which covers a significant portion of the town’s area.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Sebago, Maine are approximately 43.8831° N latitude and 70.6389° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sebago covers a total area of 86.59 square miles, of which 61.33 square miles is land and 25.26 square miles is water, primarily from Sebago Lake. The town is bordered by the towns of Naples to the north, Baldwin to the south, Standish to the east, and Hiram to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Sebago had a population of 1,719 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 45.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races.

    🏛️ History

    Sebago was originally part of the territory of the Pequawket (Western Abenaki) Native American tribe. The town was officially incorporated on February 10, 1826. It was named after Sebago Lake, which in the native Abenaki language means “great stretch of water”. The town’s early economy was primarily based on agriculture, but with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, Sebago became a popular destination for tourists and summer residents.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sebago is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine water bodies. The town is home to Sebago Lake State Park, one of Maine’s five original state parks. The park offers a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Wildlife is abundant in Sebago, with common sightings of deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Sebago is managed by the Maine School Administrative District 61. The town has one elementary school, Sebago Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. For middle and high school, students attend Lake Region Middle School and Lake Region High School, located in the neighboring town of Naples.

    🚧 Transportation

    Sebago is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents driving their own cars. The town is served by state routes 11, 107, and 114, providing convenient access to nearby towns and cities. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Sebago.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Sebago hosts the Sebago Days Festival in July, a community event featuring a parade, fireworks, live music, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its annual Ice Fishing Derby, which attracts anglers from all over the region. Sebago is also home to the historical Spaulding Memorial Library, which was built in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • South Berwick, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    South Berwick is a charming town located in York County, Maine, United States. It is situated on the southern border of Maine, adjacent to the state of New Hampshire. The town is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, open farmlands, and dense forests. The Salmon Falls River, which forms the boundary between Maine and New Hampshire, flows through the town, providing a picturesque backdrop and a variety of recreational opportunities.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for South Berwick are approximately 43.2362° N latitude and 70.8092° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    South Berwick is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area in southern Maine. It spans a total area of about 32.64 square miles (84.5 square kilometers), of which 32.01 square miles (82.9 square kilometers) is land and 0.63 square miles (1.6 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2019, the town of South Berwick has a population of approximately 7,220 people. The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with minorities including African American, Asian, Hispanic, and others. The town has a balanced age distribution with a median age of around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    The area that is now South Berwick was originally inhabited by the Abenaki tribe. European settlers arrived in the 1630s, and the town was incorporated as South Berwick in 1814. The town has a rich historical legacy, with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Sarah Orne Jewett House, a historic 18th-century house and museum.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    South Berwick offers a wealth of natural beauty, with several parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas. The Vaughan Woods State Park is a popular destination, offering hiking trails through old-growth forest and along the scenic Salmon Falls River. The town is also part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.

    🏫 Education

    Education in South Berwick is administered by School Administrative District 35, which also serves the nearby town of Eliot. The district operates several schools, including Marshwood High School, Marshwood Middle School, and Central School. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities, including the University of Southern Maine and the University of New Hampshire.

    🚧 Transportation

    South Berwick is served by several major roads, including Route 4 and Route 236. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 50 miles to the north. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but residents can access regional bus service through the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST).

    📜 Trivia & Events

    South Berwick is known for its annual Strawberry Festival, a beloved community event that celebrates the local strawberry harvest with food, crafts, entertainment, and a parade. The town is also the birthplace of Sarah Orne Jewett, a prominent 19th-century author known for her works about New England life.