The Big List of Cities

Category: W

  • West Newfield, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Newfield is a small, charming town located in York County, in the U.S. state of Maine. It is situated in the southwestern part of the state, not far from the New Hampshire border. The town is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and clear, tranquil bodies of water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for West Newfield are approximately 43.6336° N latitude and 70.7939° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Newfield is part of the New England region of the United States. It is nestled within York County, which is the southwesternmost county in Maine. The town covers a total area of approximately 21 square miles, with a small portion of this area being covered by water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the latest census data, West Newfield has a population of just over 1,500 residents. The town has a predominantly white demographic, with a small percentage of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The age distribution is fairly even, with a slightly higher number of residents aged 45-64.

    🏛️ History

    West Newfield was originally part of Newfield, a town incorporated in 1794. It was later separated and established as its own town. The town has a rich history tied to the lumbering and milling industries, which were once the primary economic activities in the area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Newfield is known for its beautiful natural environment. The town is home to several bodies of water, including Rock Haven Lake and Balch Pond. The area is also surrounded by a variety of wildlife habitats, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and maintaining the quality of its environment.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Newfield is served by the Maine School Administrative District 57. The district provides education from pre-kindergarten through high school. The closest higher education institutions are located in the nearby cities of Portland and Biddeford.

    🚧 Transportation

    West Newfield is primarily a car-dependent town, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for transportation. The town is served by a network of state and county roads, including Route 11 which provides access to surrounding areas. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about an hour’s drive from the town.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    West Newfield hosts several community events throughout the year, including a popular Fourth of July parade and a winter holiday celebration. The town is also known for its annual ice fishing derby on Rock Haven Lake. Despite its small size, West Newfield boasts a strong sense of community and a rich local culture.

  • West Kennebunk, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Kennebunk is a village located in the town of Kennebunk in York County, Maine. It is nestled in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 25 miles south of Portland, Maine’s largest city. The village is bordered by the Kennebunk River to the east, and it is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and rural landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for West Kennebunk are 43.3845° N latitude and 70.5412° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Kennebunk is situated in the New England region of the United States, in the southern part of Maine. The village is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area, which is the largest metro area in Maine. The village covers a relatively small area within the town of Kennebunk.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Kennebunk, West Kennebunk does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Kennebunk, which includes West Kennebunk, has a population of approximately 11,000 people. The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Kennebunk is around 50 years, indicating a relatively older population.

    🏛️ History

    West Kennebunk’s history is tied to the town of Kennebunk, which was first settled in the 1620s and incorporated in 1820. The area was initially inhabited by the Abenaki people, who called the area “Kennebunk,” meaning “the long cut bank,” likely referring to the town’s long river bank. The village of West Kennebunk developed with the growth of the town and has been a part of Kennebunk’s history since its early days.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Kennebunk is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Kennebunk River, forests, and wildlife habitats nearby. The village is not far from Maine’s rocky coastline and sandy beaches, which are popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. The area experiences a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Kennebunk is provided by the Kennebunk School District, which serves the entire town of Kennebunk. The district operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Kennebunk High School. There are also private school options in the broader Kennebunk area.

    🚧 Transportation

    West Kennebunk is served by U.S. Route 1, which runs north-south through the village. The Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95), a major highway in the region, is also easily accessible from West Kennebunk. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, approximately 25 miles north of the village.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, the Animal Welfare Society, located in West Kennebunk, hosts the “Strut Your Mutt” event, a walk to raise funds for animals in need. The village is also home to the Dorothy Stevens Community Center, which hosts various community events and activities throughout the year.

  • Westbrook, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Westbrook is a city in Cumberland County, located in the southeastern part of the state of Maine. It is situated on the Presumpscot River, which provides a picturesque setting for the city. The city covers a total area of 17.33 square miles, of which 17.12 square miles is land and 0.21 square miles is water. It is known for its lush green landscapes and a mix of urban and suburban living.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Westbrook, Maine are approximately 43.6770° N latitude and 70.3712° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Westbrook is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in Cumberland County. It is surrounded by the towns of Falmouth, Windham, Gorham, and Portland. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including Prides Corner, Cumberland Mills, and Downtown Westbrook.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Westbrook was approximately 19,000 residents. The city has a diverse age range, with a median age of 38.6 years. The population is approximately 48% male and 52% female. The city is predominantly white, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other racial and ethnic groups.

    🏛️ History

    Westbrook was first settled in the late 17th century and was incorporated as a town in 1814. It was named after Colonel Thomas Westbrook, a commander during King George’s War. The city grew rapidly during the 19th century due to its location on the Presumpscot River, which provided power for mills. In 1891, it was incorporated as a city. Over the years, Westbrook has transitioned from a mill town to a vibrant, diverse community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Westbrook is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Westbrook River Walk, a scenic trail along the Presumpscot River. The city also has the Mill Brook Preserve, a 32-acre nature preserve with trails for hiking and bird watching. Westbrook’s climate is characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters, typical of the northeastern United States.

    🏫 Education

    Westbrook is served by the Westbrook School Department, which includes Westbrook High School, Westbrook Middle School, and several elementary schools. There are also several private schools in the area. For higher education, residents have access to a number of colleges and universities in the nearby Portland area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Westbrook is served by several major roads, including Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 302. The city is also served by the Greater Portland METRO bus system, providing public transportation to Portland and other nearby towns. The Portland International Jetport, located just a few miles away, offers domestic and limited international flights.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Westbrook is known for the “Westbrook Ice Disk,” a large circular ice formation that occurred on the Presumpscot River in 2019 and gained international attention. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Westbrook Together Days, a two-day festival featuring music, food, and fireworks.

  • West Baldwin, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Baldwin is a small town located in the state of Maine, specifically in Cumberland County. It is situated in the southeastern part of the county and is surrounded by a variety of landscapes, including forests, hills, and bodies of water. The town is approximately 30 miles west of Portland, the largest city in Maine.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for West Baldwin, Maine are approximately 43.7958° N latitude and 70.7736° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Baldwin is part of the Northeastern region of the United States, more specifically, the New England area. The town covers a total area of approximately 25 square miles, making it a relatively small community compared to other towns in the state.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the most recent census, the population of West Baldwin is estimated to be around 1,500 people. The town has a diverse age range, with a mix of young families, working professionals, and retirees. The majority of residents are of Caucasian descent, with a small percentage of other ethnicities represented.

    🏛️ History

    West Baldwin was originally a part of Baldwin, which was incorporated in 1802. The town was named after Loammi Baldwin, a civil engineer and a politician. Over the years, West Baldwin has maintained its small-town charm and rural character, despite being just a short drive from the bustling city of Portland.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Baldwin is known for its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and clear lakes and streams. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The town is also committed to preserving its natural environment and has several conservation areas in place.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Baldwin is managed by the MSAD 55 school district, which serves several towns in the area. The town is home to the Baldwin Consolidated School, which offers education from kindergarten through fifth grade. For middle and high school, students typically attend schools in the neighboring towns.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in West Baldwin primarily relies on personal vehicles, as public transportation options are limited due to the town’s rural nature. The town is served by several state routes that provide access to nearby cities and towns. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located approximately 30 miles east of West Baldwin.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Each year, West Baldwin hosts a variety of community events that bring residents together. These include the annual West Baldwin Fireman’s Field Day, a popular event that features a parade, games, and a barbecue. Despite its small size, West Baldwin is also home to a historical society, which works to preserve the town’s rich history and organizes various cultural events throughout the year.

  • Wells, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Wells is a town located in York County, in the southern part of the state of Maine, United States. The town is situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast and is bordered by the towns of Kennebunk to the northeast, Sanford to the northwest, North Berwick to the west, South Berwick to the southwest, and Ogunquit to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Wells, Maine are approximately 43.3229° N latitude, and 70.5805° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Wells is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town covers a total area of 57.63 square miles (149.27 km²), of which 57.20 square miles (148.15 km²) is land and 0.43 square miles (1.11 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Wells was 9,589. The town’s population swells during the summer months due to an influx of tourists. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with minorities including African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Wells is around 50 years, which is significantly higher than the U.S. average.

    🏛️ History

    Wells was established in 1643 and is the third-oldest town in Maine. The town was named after the city of Wells in Somerset, England. It was originally a farming and fishing community, but with its beautiful beaches and proximity to major cities, it has become a popular summer destination.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wells is known for its pristine beaches, including Wells Beach, Drakes Island Beach, and Crescent Beach. The town is also home to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,400-acre expanse of marshes and woodlands that provide a habitat for various wildlife. The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Wells is administered by the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District. The town has a high school, a junior high school, and an elementary school. For higher education, residents have access to nearby universities and colleges in the greater Portland area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Wells is primarily by car, with U.S. Route 1 and the Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95) serving as the town’s main thoroughfares. The town is also served by the Amtrak Downeaster, which provides passenger rail service between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts. The nearest commercial airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 35 miles to the north.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Wells is known as “The Friendliest Town in Maine”. Every year, the town hosts the Wells Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series, featuring a variety of musical performances. The town is also home to the annual Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, a popular event showcasing the work of over 100 artisans from across the country.