📍 Location & Geography
Old Orchard Beach is a small town located in York County, in the southern part of the state of Maine, United States. The town is situated on the southern coastline of the state, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The town’s geography is characterized by its sandy beaches, coastal plains, and a few scattered hills.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Old Orchard Beach are approximately 43.5171° N latitude and 70.3773° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
The town of Old Orchard Beach is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in Maine. The total area of the town is 9.55 square miles, of which 7.56 square miles is land and 1.99 square miles is water, mainly the Atlantic Ocean.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Old Orchard Beach was approximately 9,000. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant proportion of the population being retirees. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Old Orchard Beach has a rich history dating back to 1653 when it was first settled by Thomas Rogers who cultivated the land for orchards, hence the town’s name. It was incorporated as a town in 1883. The town has been a popular summer resort since the late 19th century, attracting tourists from all over the country and the world.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Old Orchard Beach is best known for its 7-mile long sandy beach, which is one of the best beaches in Maine. The town is also home to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. The town’s environment is also characterized by its clean air, clear waters, and beautiful landscapes.
🏫 Education
Education in Old Orchard Beach is managed by the Regional School Unit 23. The town has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. There are also a few private schools in the area. For higher education, residents usually commute to nearby cities like Portland.
🚧 Transportation
Old Orchard Beach is served by the Amtrak Downeaster, which provides passenger rail service from Boston to Brunswick, with a station in the town. The town is also accessible by road via Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. The Portland International Jetport, located about 15 miles north of the town, provides air travel services.
📜 Trivia & Events
Old Orchard Beach is famous for its Pier, which was first built in 1898 and offers a variety of eateries, shops, and nightlife. The town hosts several events throughout the year, including the Old Orchard Beach Car Show, the Lobster Dip, and the annual Beach Olympics. The town is also home to Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park, which is one of the last of its kind in New England.