The Big List of Cities

Category: W

  • Westport, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Westport is a town located in the southeastern part of the state of Massachusetts, in the United States. It is part of Bristol County and is situated along the western shore of Buzzards Bay. The town is bordered by Dartmouth to the north, New Bedford to the northeast, Buzzards Bay to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and Little Compton, Rhode Island to the west. The town covers a total area of 64.4 square miles, of which 50.1 square miles is land and 14.3 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Westport, Massachusetts are approximately 41.5798° N latitude and 71.0960° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Westport is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is located in the southern part of Bristol County in Massachusetts. The town is divided into several villages and locales, including Westport Point, Central Village, North Westport, and Acoaxet, among others.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Westport is approximately 16,500. The town has a predominantly white population, with minorities including African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. The median age in Westport is around 48 years, and the town has a slightly higher female population compared to males.

    🏛️ History

    Westport was first settled in 1670 as a part of the town of Dartmouth by members of the Plymouth Colony. It was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1787. The town was primarily agricultural in its early years, with fishing and manufacturing also playing significant roles in its economy. Westport’s location along the coast made it a popular summer resort area in the 19th and 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Westport is known for its scenic beauty, with a mix of coastal and rural landscapes. The town is home to several beaches, including Horseneck Beach State Reservation, which is a popular destination for swimming, camping, and bird watching. The Westport River, which flows through the town, is another significant natural feature, providing opportunities for boating and fishing.

    🏫 Education

    The Westport Community Schools system serves the educational needs of the town. It includes the Alice A. Macomber Primary School, Westport Elementary School, and Westport Junior/Senior High School. For higher education, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is located nearby.

    🚧 Transportation

    Westport is served by several major roads, including Interstate 195, which provides access to Providence, Rhode Island to the west and New Bedford to the east. The town does not have its own public transit system, but it is served by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service to surrounding communities. The nearest airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, located about 10 miles northeast of Westport.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Westport is known for its annual Westport Fair, which features agricultural exhibits, live music, and a variety of food vendors. The town is also home to the Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, which is one of the largest vineyards in New England. In addition, Westport has a rich history of shipbuilding, with the Westport Point Historic District showcasing many buildings dating back to this era.

  • West Yarmouth, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Yarmouth is a charming seaside community located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. This coastal town is situated on the south side of Cape Cod, bordered by Nantucket Sound to the south, Yarmouth Port to the north, South Yarmouth to the east, and Hyannis to the west. The city is characterized by its sandy beaches, marshes, and ponds, which contribute to its picturesque landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of West Yarmouth are approximately 41.6501° N latitude and 70.2411° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Yarmouth is part of the Barnstable Town Metropolitan Statistical Area. It covers a total area of 17.8 square miles, of which 17.1 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and character.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, West Yarmouth had a population of approximately 6,460 residents. The city is predominantly Caucasian, with a mix of other races. The median age of residents is around 49 years, which is slightly higher than the state average. The city also has a higher percentage of families compared to non-families.

    🏛️ History

    West Yarmouth was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century, and it was incorporated as part of the town of Yarmouth in 1639. The town was primarily a fishing and agricultural community during its early years. In the 19th century, it became a popular summer resort destination, a status it still holds today.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Yarmouth is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring a mix of sandy beaches, marshes, and ponds. The city is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the popular Seagull Beach and the Lewis Bay. The area’s natural beauty and coastal location make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as boating, fishing, and bird-watching being popular pastimes.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Yarmouth is managed by the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten through high school. The Mattacheese Middle School and the Station Avenue Elementary School are among the educational institutions in the city.

    🚧 Transportation

    West Yarmouth is served by a network of local and regional roads, including U.S. Route 6 and Route 28. The city is also accessible by air through the nearby Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis. Public transportation is provided by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus services throughout the Cape Cod area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    West Yarmouth hosts several community events throughout the year, including the popular summer concert series at Parker’s River Beach. The city is also home to the historic Baxter Grist Mill, one of the oldest functioning grist mills in the country. Additionally, West Yarmouth is known for its numerous antique shops, making it a popular destination for collectors and history enthusiasts.

  • West Hyannisport, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Hyannisport is a charming village located within the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the southern side of Cape Cod, bordered by Nantucket Sound to the south, Hyannis Port to the east, and Centerville to the west. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of year-round and summer homes. The terrain is generally flat with sandy soil, characteristic of Cape Cod, and is dotted with numerous small ponds.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of West Hyannisport, Massachusetts are approximately 41.6412° N latitude and 70.3002° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Hyannisport is part of the Barnstable County in the state of Massachusetts. It is a part of the Cape Cod region, a popular summer destination known for its beaches, lighthouses, and historic sites. The village itself covers a relatively small area, with its ZIP code 02672.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As West Hyannisport is a village within the town of Barnstable, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Barnstable, which includes several other villages, has a population of approximately 45,000 residents. The demographics of the area are predominantly White, with a mix of other races and ethnicities. The population is fairly evenly distributed across all age groups, with a slightly higher percentage of residents aged 65 and older, reflective of the town’s popularity as a retirement destination.

    🏛️ History

    West Hyannisport, like much of Cape Cod, has a rich history dating back to the Native American tribes that originally inhabited the region. The area was later settled by Europeans in the 17th century. The village has always been a quiet residential community, but gained some fame as the summer home of the Kennedy family, one of America’s most prominent political families.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    The natural environment of West Hyannisport is one of its most appealing features. The village is surrounded by the beauty of Cape Cod, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and numerous small ponds scattered throughout. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. The village is also in close proximity to several protected natural areas, including the Cape Cod National Seashore.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Hyannisport is provided by the Barnstable Public School District, which serves the entire town of Barnstable. The district offers a range of educational opportunities, from elementary through high school. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities within a short drive, including Cape Cod Community College and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in West Hyannisport is primarily by car, with Route 28 being the main thoroughfare through the village. The Barnstable Municipal Airport, located nearby in Hyannis, provides regional air service. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation options, including bus service throughout Barnstable County.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    West Hyannisport is perhaps best known as the location of the Kennedy Compound, the summer home of the Kennedy family, including President John F. Kennedy. The compound is a nationally recognized historic site, although it is not generally open to the public. The village, like much of Cape Cod, is also known for its summer events, including Fourth of July celebrations and other community gatherings.

  • West Harwich, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Harwich is a village in the town of Harwich, Massachusetts, United States. It is located in the southeastern part of the state, on Cape Cod, an arm-shaped peninsula that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. The village is nestled between the towns of Dennis and Harwich, with the Herring River running through it.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for West Harwich are approximately 41.67 degrees North latitude and 70.11 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Harwich is part of Barnstable County, which is one of the 14 counties in Massachusetts. The village is situated on Cape Cod, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, lighthouses, and historic sites. The total area of West Harwich is relatively small, reflecting its status as a village within the larger town of Harwich.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Harwich, West Harwich does not have its own separate population count. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town of Harwich had a population of approximately 12,243 as of 2010. The population is predominantly Caucasian, with a significant percentage of the population being of Irish and English descent.

    🏛️ History

    West Harwich was settled by Europeans in the 17th century, along with the rest of Cape Cod. It was originally part of the town of Yarmouth, but was incorporated as a separate town along with the rest of Harwich in 1694. The town was primarily agricultural in its early years, but in the 19th century, it became a center for the cranberry industry. The village of West Harwich has maintained much of its historic charm, with several buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Harwich is known for its scenic beauty, with the Herring River providing a picturesque backdrop for the village. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species. The village is also close to several beaches on the Nantucket Sound, including Grey Neck Beach and Pleasant Road Beach.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Harwich is provided by the Monomoy Regional School District, which serves the towns of Harwich and Chatham. The district operates several schools, including Harwich Elementary School, Monomoy Regional Middle School, and Monomoy Regional High School.

    🚧 Transportation

    West Harwich is served by Route 28, which runs east-west through the village. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation services in the area, including a bus route that stops in West Harwich. The nearest airport is Barnstable Municipal Airport, located about 20 miles to the west in Hyannis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    West Harwich is home to the historic Captain Baker House, a Greek Revival style home built in 1865. The village also hosts an annual Cranberry Festival, which celebrates the area’s historic ties to the cranberry industry. The festival includes a cranberry harvest demonstration, a parade, and a variety of food and craft vendors.

  • West Dennis, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Dennis is a charming village located in the town of Dennis, in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It is situated on Cape Cod, a peninsula and popular tourist destination in the eastern part of the state. The village is bordered by the Nantucket Sound to the south, the Bass River to the west, and the Swan River to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for West Dennis are approximately 41.6676° N latitude and 70.1685° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Dennis is part of the Cape Cod region, known for its beautiful beaches, quaint villages, and rich history. The village covers a total area of approximately 2.8 square miles, with about 2.2 square miles of land and 0.6 square miles of water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Dennis, West Dennis shares its population with the larger town. As of the 2020 census, the town of Dennis had a population of around 14,207. The population is predominantly white, with a significant percentage of the population being of Irish and English descent. The median age in the town is approximately 58.9 years, reflecting a significant number of retirees.

    🏛️ History

    West Dennis, like much of Cape Cod, was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag Native American tribe. English settlers arrived in the area in the 17th century. The village was part of the town of Yarmouth until 1793 when it was incorporated as part of the new town of Dennis. The village and the larger town were named after Josiah Dennis, a local minister. In the 19th century, West Dennis was a bustling seaport and was known for its shipbuilding industry.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Dennis is known for its beautiful natural environment, with numerous beaches, rivers, and marshes. West Dennis Beach is a popular destination, with its mile-long stretch of sandy beach. The Bass and Swan Rivers offer opportunities for boating and fishing. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Dennis is provided by the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District, which serves the entire town of Dennis and neighboring Yarmouth. The district operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. The Cape Cod Community College, located in nearby West Barnstable, offers higher education opportunities.

    🚧 Transportation

    West Dennis is served by Route 28, which runs east-west through the village. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest airport is Barnstable Municipal Airport, located about 10 miles away in Hyannis. The CapeFlyer, a seasonal passenger train, also provides service from Boston to Hyannis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    West Dennis is home to the West Dennis Yacht Club, which hosts sailing races and other events throughout the summer. The village is also known for the historic West Dennis Light, a lighthouse built in 1855 that is now a private residence. Every year, the town of Dennis hosts the Festival of the Arts, a popular event that includes art exhibits, concerts, and other cultural activities.