The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Hooksett, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Hooksett is a town located in Merrimack County, in the southern part of the state of New Hampshire, United States. The town is situated along the Merrimack River, which runs north-south through the town and serves as a significant geographical feature. The town covers a total area of 37.5 square miles, of which 36.4 square miles is land and 1.0 square mile is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Hooksett are approximately 43.0962 degrees north latitude and 71.4656 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Hooksett is part of the Merrimack County in New Hampshire. It is situated in the southern part of the state and is part of the Manchester-Nashua metropolitan area, the most populous area in northern New England. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Manchester to the south, Pembroke and Allenstown to the north, and Candia and Auburn to the east.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2019, the estimated population of Hooksett was 14,428. The town has a diverse age range, with about 23% of the population under the age of 18, and about 16% aged 65 years and over. The gender makeup of the town is approximately 49% male and 51% female.

    🏛️ History

    Hooksett was originally part of Chester and was known as “Chester Woods”, “Chester West”, and later “Island”. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1822, named after the Hooksett falls on the Merrimack River, where there was a large settlement of Penacook Indians. The town was home to the largest textile rope factory in the world, the Suncook Mills, in the late 19th and early 20th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Hooksett is known for its natural beauty, with the Merrimack River being a significant feature. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail and the Heads Pond Trail. The town also has several bodies of water, including Tower Hill Pond and Heads Pond.

    🏫 Education

    Hooksett is served by the Hooksett School District, which includes three schools: Fred C. Underhill School, Hooksett Memorial School, and David R. Cawley Middle School. High school students attend either Pinkerton Academy in Derry or one of three Manchester high schools. Higher education opportunities are available nearby, with Southern New Hampshire University located just south of the town.

    🚧 Transportation

    Hooksett is conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstate 93, which runs north-south through the town, and New Hampshire Route 3. The town is also served by the Manchester Transit Authority bus service, which provides transportation to Manchester and surrounding areas.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Hooksett is home to Robie’s Country Store, a historic general store and Hooksett landmark that has been visited by many politicians during the New Hampshire primary. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Hooksett Old Home Day, a community celebration featuring food, music, and fireworks.

  • Manchester, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire and is located in Hillsborough County. The city is situated in the southern part of the state along the banks of the Merrimack River, which divides the city into eastern and western sections. Manchester covers a total area of 35.0 square miles, of which 33.1 square miles is land and 1.9 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Manchester, New Hampshire are approximately 42.9956° N latitude and 71.4548° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Manchester is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. The city is the most populous in northern New England, which includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is also the largest city in Hillsborough County and is the tenth largest city in New England.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Manchester had a population of approximately 115,000 residents, making it the largest city in the state of New Hampshire. The city has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age in the city is about 37 years.

    🏛️ History

    Manchester was first settled by European immigrants in 1722 and was originally known as Derryfield. The city was renamed Manchester in 1810 after the English city of Manchester, in recognition of its rapid industrial growth that mirrored that of the English city during the Industrial Revolution. The city was incorporated in 1846. Manchester grew rapidly in the 19th century due to its large textile industry and became a hub for immigrants from around the world.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Manchester is known for its beautiful natural scenery. The city is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Derryfield Park, Livingston Park, and the Piscataquog River Park. The Merrimack River that flows through the city also provides opportunities for water-based recreational activities. The city has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

    🏫 Education

    Manchester is served by the Manchester School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to several higher education institutions, including the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University, and the New Hampshire Institute of Art.

    🚧 Transportation

    Manchester is served by a variety of transportation options. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport provides air services to the city. The city has an extensive road network and is served by Interstate 93, Interstate 293, and New Hampshire Route 101. Public transportation is provided by the Manchester Transit Authority, which operates several bus routes throughout the city.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Manchester is known for hosting the New Hampshire Highland Games, one of the largest Scottish cultural festivals in North America. The city is also home to the historic Palace Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. Manchester is also the birthplace of comedian Adam Sandler.

  • Windham, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Windham is a charming town located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is situated in the southeastern part of the state and is bordered by Salem to the south, Derry to the north, Pelham to the west, and Hudson to the southwest. Windham covers an area of 27.9 square miles, of which 26.8 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Windham, New Hampshire are approximately 42.8001° N latitude and 71.3042° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Windham is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region in the northeastern United States. The town is primarily residential, with a small number of commercial and industrial businesses.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Windham was approximately 14,439 as of 2019. The town has a diverse age group, with a median age of 42.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with minorities including Asian, African American, Native American, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Windham was incorporated in 1742 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. The town was named after Windham, a town in the English county of Norfolk. The first census, taken in 1790, reported 880 residents. Over the years, Windham has maintained its small-town charm while experiencing steady growth.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Windham offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is home to several parks and open spaces, including Griffin Park, Windham Town Beach, and the Windham Rail Trail. The town also boasts several bodies of water, including Canobie Lake, Cobbetts Pond, and Moeckel Pond, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Windham is managed by the Windham School District, which operates three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Windham High School is well-regarded and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. There are also several private schools and preschools in the area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Windham is easily accessible by road, with Interstate 93 passing through the western part of the town. The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located approximately 20 miles north of Windham. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but it is served by regional bus services.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Windham is known for its annual Strawberry Festival and Summerfest, which draw visitors from around the region. The town also hosts a popular Farmers Market from June through September. A fun piece of trivia: Windham was the filming location for the 2013 movie “In Your Eyes”.

  • Wilton, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Wilton is a picturesque town located in the southern region of New Hampshire, in the United States. It is situated within Hillsborough County, with the ZIP code of 03086. The town is nestled in the Monadnock Region, known for its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The Souhegan River, a tributary to the Merrimack River, flows through the town, adding to its scenic beauty.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Wilton are approximately 42.84° N latitude and 71.74° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Wilton covers a total area of approximately 26.0 square miles, of which nearly 25.7 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The town is part of the Nashua, New Hampshire Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a part of the larger Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Wilton had a population of 3,677 residents. The demographic makeup of the town was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age of residents was around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Wilton was first settled by colonists around 1738 and was incorporated as a town in 1762. It was originally known as “Number Two”, being the second in a line of frontier settlements along the New Hampshire border. The town was later renamed Wilton after Wilton in Wiltshire, England. The town’s history is closely tied to the textile industry, with the Wilton Woolen Company being a major employer in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wilton boasts a variety of natural attractions. The town is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Frye’s Measure Mill, a historic mill that is now a museum and picnic area. The Sheldrick Forest Preserve is another popular spot, offering hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Souhegan River provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing.

    🏫 Education

    Wilton is served by the Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative School District. It has one elementary school, Florence Rideout Elementary School, and one middle/high school, Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle/High School. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities within driving distance, including the University of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Wilton is accessible by road, with New Hampshire Route 101 and New Hampshire Route 31 serving the town. The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 25 miles to the northeast. The town also has a Park and Ride lot for commuters.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Wilton is known for its annual Summer Festival, which features a parade, fireworks, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the historic Wilton Town Hall Theatre, which is one of the few remaining vaudeville-era theatres in the country. It still shows films on its original 1922 projector.

  • Temple, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Temple is a charming town located in Hillsborough County, in the southern region of the state of New Hampshire, United States. The town is nestled in the Monadnock Region, known for its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. Temple covers a total area of 15.8 square miles, of which 15.7 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Wilton, Lyndeborough, and Peterborough.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Temple, New Hampshire, are approximately 42.82° N latitude and 71.85° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Temple is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It lies within the Monadnock Region, a rural area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is part of Hillsborough County, the most populous county in New Hampshire.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Temple was 1,366. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Temple is higher than the national average, reflecting a significant number of retirees in the town. The town has a balanced gender ratio, with slightly more females than males.

    🏛️ History

    Temple was first settled in 1750 as Peterborough Slip, named after the town of Peterborough to its north. The town was incorporated as Temple on December 13, 1768, named in honor of John Temple, Lieutenant Governor of New Hampshire under John Wentworth. The town’s historical landmarks include the Temple Town Hall, a classic example of a 19th-century public building, and the Temple Glassworks site, where a glass factory operated from 1780 to 1781.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Temple is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The town is home to several hills, including Temple Mountain, which is popular for hiking and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The town also features several bodies of water, including the Souhegan River and numerous small ponds. The town’s natural environment supports a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and various bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Temple is managed by the Contoocook Valley School District. The town itself is home to Temple Elementary School, which serves students in kindergarten through fourth grade. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the nearby towns of Peterborough and Wilton.

    🚧 Transportation

    Temple is served by state routes 45 and 101, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The town is approximately 20 miles from Nashua, the second-largest city in New Hampshire, and about 70 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. The nearest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the northeast.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Temple hosts a variety of community events, including the Temple Harvest Festival and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. One interesting piece of trivia is that Temple was once home to the Temple Mountain Ski Area, the first ski area in New Hampshire with a chairlift. Though the ski area closed in 2001, it remains a significant part of the town’s history.