📍 Location & Geography
North Berwick is a charming town located in the southern part of the state of Maine, in the United States. It is situated within York County and is surrounded by the towns of Berwick, Wells, Sanford, and South Berwick. The town spans a total area of 38.20 square miles, with 37.88 square miles of it being land and 0.32 square miles being water. The Great Works River runs through the town, providing a scenic landscape.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for North Berwick are approximately 43°18′N latitude and 70°44′W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
North Berwick is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the southernmost county of Maine, York County, which is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is largely rural with a small town center.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the population of North Berwick was approximately 4,576. The town’s population is predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in North Berwick is around 40 years, indicating a fairly balanced age distribution.
🏛️ History
North Berwick was first settled by Europeans in 1631 as part of Kittery known as Kittery Commons or Kittery North Parish. It was incorporated as its own town on March 22, 1831. The town was named after Berwick-upon-Tweed, England. North Berwick’s history is deeply rooted in manufacturing and farming, with the Great Works River providing power for several mills in the town’s early years.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
North Berwick is known for its beautiful rural landscapes, with lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic waterways. The town is home to several parks and nature preserves. The Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area is a popular spot for hiking, offering stunning panoramic views at the summit. The Great Works River, which runs through the town, is a key feature of the local landscape and provides opportunities for fishing and bird watching.
🏫 Education
Education in North Berwick is managed by the Maine School Administrative District #60 (MSAD 60), which also serves the towns of Berwick and Lebanon. The town has one elementary school, North Berwick Elementary School, and the Noble High School serves the high school population of North Berwick, Berwick, and Lebanon. For higher education, the nearest institutions are the University of New Hampshire and York County Community College.
🚧 Transportation
North Berwick is served by U.S. Route 4 and State Route 9, which provide connections to nearby cities and towns. The town is about 90 minutes north of Boston and 40 minutes south of Portland, Maine. The nearest airport is the Portland International Jetport, which is approximately 35 miles away. North Berwick is also served by Amtrak’s Downeaster train service, providing convenient rail access to Boston and other locations in the Northeast.
📜 Trivia & Events
North Berwick is home to the annual “Mill Field Festival”, a popular local event that features live music, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also known for the Morrills Mill Pond, a man-made pond that was created in the 1700s to provide water power for mills. Today, it’s a popular spot for fishing and boating.