The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Francestown, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Francestown is a small town located in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. It is nestled in the southern part of the state, approximately 25 miles west of Manchester. The town’s geography is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several small bodies of water, including Scoby Pond and Pleasant Pond.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Francestown are approximately 42.99° N latitude and 71.83° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Francestown is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town spans an area of about 29.8 square miles, of which 29.6 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the 2010 census, Francestown had a population of 1,562 people. The town’s population is predominantly white, with small percentages of Asian, African American, and other races. The median age is around 45 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Francestown was incorporated in 1772, named after Frances Deering Wentworth, the wife of then-governor John Wentworth. The town was originally settled by Scotch-Irish immigrants and was primarily an agricultural community. In the 19th century, Francestown became known for its soapstone and granite quarries, and it was home to the second oldest ski area in New Hampshire, the Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Francestown is known for its natural beauty, with several conservation areas, parks, and trails. The town is home to Crotched Mountain, part of the Wapack Range, which offers hiking and skiing opportunities. The Francestown Land Trust has also preserved several parcels of land for public enjoyment and environmental protection.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Francestown is managed by the Contoocook Valley Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Francestown Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through 4th grade. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the nearby towns of Weare and Peterborough.

    🚧 Transportation

    Francestown is primarily a car-dependent town, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for transportation. The town is served by state routes 136 and 47. The nearest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 30 miles east of Francestown.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Francestown celebrates Labor Day with a community fair that features a parade, road race, art show, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its historical buildings, including the Francestown Improvement and Historical Society, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Epping, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Epping is a small town located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 20 miles east of the state capital, Concord. The town covers an area of 26.9 square miles, of which 0.2 square miles is water. Epping is drained by the Lamprey River, a 50-mile-long river that flows through the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Epping, New Hampshire are approximately 43°02′12″N latitude and 71°04′11″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Epping is part of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, which is known for its rich history, beautiful coastline, and vibrant cultural scene. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Nottingham to the north, Lee to the northeast, Brentwood to the east, Fremont to the south, and Raymond to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Epping had a population of approximately 6,411 people. The town’s population is predominantly white, with minorities making up a small percentage of the population. The median age in Epping is around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Epping was originally part of Exeter, one of the four original New Hampshire townships. It was first settled in 1623 and was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1741. The town was named after Epping in Essex, England. Epping has a rich history with several historic buildings, including the Watson Academy, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Epping is home to several parks and outdoor recreational areas. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with the Lamprey River offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The town also has several trails for hiking and biking. Epping’s commitment to preserving its natural resources is evident in its conservation efforts, which include protecting its wetlands and wildlife habitats.

    🏫 Education

    Epping is served by the Epping School District, which includes Epping Elementary School, Epping Middle School, and Epping High School. The town is also home to Seacoast Learning Collaborative, a specialized school serving students with unique educational needs.

    🚧 Transportation

    Epping is conveniently located near several major highways, including Route 101 and Route 125, providing easy access to other parts of the state and beyond. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but it is served by the Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation (CART), which provides bus services to surrounding communities.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Epping is known for its annual Old Home Day, a community event that celebrates the town’s history and community spirit with a parade, fireworks, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the New England Dragway, the only 1/4 mile drag strip in New England, which hosts several racing events throughout the year.

  • East Derry, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    East Derry is a small unincorporated community located in the town of Derry in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the southeastern region of the state, nestled between Beaver Lake and Big Island Pond. The terrain is characterized by a mix of forested areas, residential neighborhoods, and bodies of water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for East Derry are approximately 42.8906° N latitude and 71.2737° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    East Derry is part of the larger Derry town, which has a total area of 36.5 square miles (94.6 km²), of which 35.6 square miles (92.2 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.4 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau. East Derry is situated in the southeastern part of New Hampshire, within the New England region of the United States.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As East Derry is an unincorporated community within the town of Derry, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Derry as a whole has a population of approximately 33,109 people as of the 2010 Census. The town is predominantly white, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    East Derry, like the rest of Derry, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The town of Derry was first settled by Scottish-Irish families in 1719, and was originally a part of Londonderry. East Derry is home to the Taylor Mill Historic Site, a restored, water-powered sawmill.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    East Derry is surrounded by natural beauty, with several lakes, ponds, and forests in and around the community. Beaver Lake and Big Island Pond are popular spots for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The community is also home to a variety of local wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals.

    🏫 Education

    Education in East Derry is provided by the Derry Cooperative School District, which serves the entire town of Derry. The district operates multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and a high school. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities, such as Manchester and Nashua.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in East Derry is primarily by car, with several major roads and highways passing through or near the community. The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located approximately 15 miles to the west. Public transportation services are provided by the Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation (CART), which operates bus routes in the Derry area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    East Derry is home to the Robert Frost Farm, where the famous poet lived from 1900 to 1911. The farm is now a state historic site and museum. The community also hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Derryfest, a community festival featuring local food, music, and crafts.

  • East Candia, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    East Candia is a small, unincorporated community located within the town of Candia in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is part of Rockingham County and is situated in the southeastern part of the state. The geographical landscape of East Candia is characterized by a mix of residential areas, forests, and small bodies of water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for East Candia are approximately 43.0584° N latitude and 71.2922° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    East Candia is located in the New England region of the United States, specifically in the southeastern part of New Hampshire. It is a part of the larger town of Candia, which covers an area of about 30.6 square miles. East Candia, as an unincorporated community within Candia, does not have a defined area of its own.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As an unincorporated community within the town of Candia, East Candia does not have a separate population count. As of the 2010 census, the town of Candia had a population of 3,909. The town’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    East Candia shares its history with the town of Candia, which was first settled in 1743 and incorporated in 1763. The town was originally part of Chester and was known as “Charmingfare” due to its many scenic vistas. It was later renamed Candia, possibly after the ancient city of Candia on the island of Crete. East Candia developed as one of the several villages within the town.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    East Candia is surrounded by a rural landscape, with a mix of forests, fields, and small bodies of water. The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The town of Candia is also home to Bear Brook State Park, the largest developed state park in New Hampshire, which is a short drive from East Candia.

    🏫 Education

    Educational needs in East Candia are served by the Candia School District, which operates the Henry W. Moore School, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students from East Candia attend the Pinkerton Academy in Derry, as part of a tuition agreement with the Derry School District.

    🚧 Transportation

    East Candia is primarily accessed by road, with New Hampshire Route 43 passing close to the community. The nearest major highway is Interstate 93, which is about a 15-minute drive west of East Candia. The closest airport offering commercial flights is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located approximately 20 miles west of East Candia.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    While East Candia itself does not host major events, the larger town of Candia holds several community events throughout the year, including the Old Home Day in August and the Candia Fall Festival in October. The town is also known for Charmingfare Farm, a popular tourist attraction featuring a zoo and various farm-themed activities.

  • Derry, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Derry is a town situated in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. It is nestled in the southeastern part of the state and is approximately 39 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. The town covers a total area of 36.5 square miles, of which 35.6 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water. Beaver Lake, Big Island Pond, and Hood Pond are some of the major bodies of water in Derry.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Derry, New Hampshire are approximately 42.8806° N latitude and 71.3273° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Derry is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the fourth most populous community in the state, despite being officially designated as a town, not a city. The town is divided into several villages including Derry Village, East Derry, and North Derry.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Derry has a population of approximately 34,000 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 38.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with significant representation from Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities.

    🏛️ History

    Derry was first settled by Scottish-Irish families in 1719 and was incorporated as a town in 1827. It was originally part of Londonderry, named after the city of Londonderry in Ireland. Derry is known for its rich history, including being the birthplace of astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American to travel to space. The town also holds historical significance as the home of poet Robert Frost, whose farm is now a National Historic Landmark.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Derry is home to a variety of parks and nature trails, including the Derry Rail Trail, a popular spot for walking, biking, and horseback riding. The town is also home to the Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, which includes beautiful walking paths. The town’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous conservation areas.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Derry is administered by the Derry Cooperative School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The town is also home to Pinkerton Academy, a private secondary school that serves as the public high school for Derry and several surrounding towns. Higher education opportunities can be found nearby, with the University of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University within commuting distance.

    🚧 Transportation

    Derry is served by several major roads, including Interstate 93 and New Hampshire Routes 28 and 102. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located just 12 miles away, provides air travel options. Public transportation is provided by the Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation (CART), which offers bus service throughout the town and to nearby communities.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Derry hosts a number of annual events, including Derryfest, a community celebration held every September. The town is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with the Derry Opera House serving as a venue for concerts, plays, and other performances. Trivia enthusiasts might be interested to know that Derry is often referred to as “Space Town” in honor of its connection to astronaut Alan Shepard.