The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    San Lorenzo, often referred to as “El Pueblo de los Samaritanos” or “La Ciudad de las Palmas,” is a municipality located in the eastern central region of Puerto Rico. It is nestled in the foothills of the Cordillera Central range, with the Río Grande de Loíza river flowing through its northern region. The city is surrounded by Caguas and Gurabo to the north, Juncos and Las Piedras to the east, Patillas and Yabucoa to the south, and Cayey to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of San Lorenzo are approximately 18.19 degrees latitude and -65.97 degrees longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    San Lorenzo is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. It spans a total area of about 53.47 square miles (138.5 km²), of which 53.44 square miles (138.4 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 U.S. Census, San Lorenzo has a population of approximately 35,732 residents. The city is predominantly Hispanic, with a majority of the population being of Puerto Rican descent. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females. The median age of residents is around 38 years.

    🏛️ History

    San Lorenzo was founded in 1811 by Valeriano Muñoz de Oneca. The town was initially named San Miguel de Hato Grande, but was later renamed San Lorenzo in honor of Saint Lawrence. The city has a rich history of agriculture, with tobacco and sugar cane being the primary crops in the past. Today, it is known for its production of plantains and bananas.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    San Lorenzo is known for its lush, green landscapes and natural beauty. The city is home to the Carite Forest Reserve, a 6,000-acre nature reserve that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views. The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Puerto Rican tody, a small bird endemic to the island. The Río Grande de Loíza river, the longest river in Puerto Rico, also flows through the city, providing opportunities for water-based activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in San Lorenzo is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. There are also vocational schools and a technology institute in the city. For higher education, residents often go to nearby cities like Caguas or San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    San Lorenzo is served by several major highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 183, Puerto Rico Highway 181, and Puerto Rico Highway 203. The city is approximately 45 minutes away from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, the main airport in Puerto Rico. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    San Lorenzo is known for its vibrant local culture and community events. The city hosts an annual festival in honor of Saint Lawrence, its patron saint, which includes parades, music, dancing, and traditional Puerto Rican food. San Lorenzo is also known for its local basketball team, the San Lorenzo Samaritans, who have a strong following in the city.

  • Salinas, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Salinas is a picturesque city located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is bordered by the municipalities of Santa Isabel in the west, and Guayama in the north and east. The city is renowned for its beautiful coastline that stretches along the Caribbean Sea. Salinas is characterized by a mix of flatlands and modest hills, with the Cerro Las Tetas and Sierra de Cayey mountains visible in the distance.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Salinas are approximately 18.0 degrees north latitude and 66.3 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Salinas is part of the Salinas Municipality in Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of 70.05 square miles (181.43 square kilometers), of which 43.31 square miles (112.17 square kilometers) is land and 26.74 square miles (69.26 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the last U.S. Census Bureau data, the population of Salinas is approximately 31,000 residents. The city is known for its diverse mix of cultures, with a predominantly Hispanic population. Spanish is the most widely spoken language, followed by English.

    🏛️ History

    Salinas was founded on July 22, 1841, by Don Agustín Colón Pacheco as Mayor, Don Jose Maria Cadavedo as Secretary and Don Juan Colon de Torres and Don Antonio Semidey as Vocals. The city was named after the Salinas Pueblo in New Mexico. Over the years, Salinas has developed into a vibrant city known for its agricultural and fishing industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Salinas is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. The city is home to several natural reserves including the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Aguirre State Forest. These reserves offer a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The city’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, and the nearby mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Salinas is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten to high school. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities which host universities and colleges.

    🚧 Transportation

    Salinas is well-connected by a network of roads and highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 1, Highway 52, and Highway 180. The city doesn’t have a commercial airport; the nearest one is the Mercedita Airport in Ponce. For local transportation, residents rely on private vehicles, taxis, and a limited public bus service.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Salinas is known as “La Cuna del Mojito Isleño”, which translates to “The Cradle of the Island Mojito”. This is due to the city’s reputation for producing excellent seafood dishes, particularly the Mojito Isleño, a local delicacy. Salinas hosts several annual events, including the Festival del Pescao and the Festival de la Raza Taína, which celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage and history.

  • Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rio Grande is a city located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. It is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the El Yunque National Forest to the south, providing a unique blend of coastal and mountainous landscapes. The city is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for the city of Rio Grande are approximately 18.38 degrees north latitude and 65.83 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rio Grande is part of the Rio Grande county in Puerto Rico. The city covers an area of approximately 60.71 square miles (157.24 square kilometers), making it one of the larger cities in terms of area on the island.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Rio Grande was approximately 54,304 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of people of different ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin, reflecting the overall demographics of Puerto Rico.

    🏛️ History

    Rio Grande was founded in July 1840, by Desiderio and Quilimaco Escobar, with the approval of governor Miguel López. The city is named after the grande (big) river that flows through its territory, which is one of the most voluminous of the San Juan water system.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rio Grande is known for its stunning natural beauty. The city is home to the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. This forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a number of endangered species. The city’s northern coast offers beautiful beaches and is a popular destination for water sports and other outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Rio Grande is served by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, residents often commute to nearby cities such as San Juan, which has a number of colleges and universities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rio Grande is accessible via several major highways, including Puerto Rico Highway 3, which connects the city to San Juan and other parts of the island. The city is also served by public transportation, including buses and taxis. The nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, which is approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Rio Grande is known for its vibrant cultural scene and hosts several annual events. One of the most popular is the Festival del Coco (Coconut Festival), which celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage. The city is also home to several world-class golf courses and resorts, including the Trump International Golf Club and the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.

  • Rio Blanco, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rio Blanco is a small town located in the municipality of Naguabo in the southeastern part of Puerto Rico. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains, with the Rio Blanco river running through the town. The town’s terrain is primarily hilly, with tropical vegetation and a climate that varies from warm and humid in the lower areas to cooler in the higher altitudes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Rio Blanco, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.21 degrees North latitude and 65.73 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rio Blanco is part of the Naguabo municipality which is located in the Eastern Coastal Plains region of Puerto Rico. The town itself is relatively small, with a total area of just a few square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a small town within the municipality of Naguabo, Rio Blanco does not have its own separate population count. However, the municipality of Naguabo as a whole has a population of approximately 26,720 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population is primarily Hispanic, reflecting the overall demographic makeup of Puerto Rico.

    🏛️ History

    Rio Blanco’s history is intertwined with that of the larger Naguabo municipality. Naguabo was founded in 1821, and Rio Blanco developed as a small town within this municipality. The town’s name, which translates to “White River,” is derived from the river that runs through it, a key feature of the town’s geography and history.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rio Blanco is known for its natural beauty, with the Rio Blanco river being a central feature. The river is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The surrounding hills and mountains are covered in lush tropical vegetation, providing opportunities for hiking and nature walks. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season that typically runs from April to November.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rio Blanco is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. There are several public schools in the Naguabo municipality that serve the residents of Rio Blanco, including elementary, middle, and high schools.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Rio Blanco is primarily by road. The town is served by several main roads that connect it to other parts of Naguabo and to the rest of Puerto Rico. Public transportation options are limited, so most residents rely on private vehicles for transportation.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, the town of Rio Blanco, along with the rest of Naguabo, celebrates the Festival del Tinglar, a festival dedicated to the conservation of the leatherback sea turtle. The festival includes educational activities, music, food, and crafts. The Rio Blanco river is also a popular spot for river rafting, particularly during the rainy season.

  • Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Roosevelt Roads is located in the municipality of Ceiba, on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is situated on the island’s Atlantic coast, bordered by the Caribbean Sea. The city is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is known for its beautiful beaches and clear, turquoise waters.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Roosevelt Roads are approximately 18.2319° N latitude and 65.6437° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Roosevelt Roads is part of the Ceiba municipality in the Eastern Coastal Valley region of Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of approximately 9.7 square miles, with 8.4 square miles of it being land and 1.3 square miles being water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the last census, Roosevelt Roads had a population of approximately 2,709 people. The city is diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. The majority of the population is Hispanic.

    🏛️ History

    Roosevelt Roads was originally established as a naval station by the United States Navy in 1940. It was named in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The naval station was one of the largest in the world until its closure in 2004. Since then, the area has been transitioning into a mixed-use development, with plans for residential, commercial, and recreational facilities.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Roosevelt Roads is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Caribbean Sea to its south and the El Yunque National Forest to its west. The city’s coastal location provides for stunning beach landscapes, while the nearby forest offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The area is also home to several protected marine and wildlife reserves.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Roosevelt Roads is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is served by several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. Post-secondary education opportunities are also available in nearby cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Roosevelt Roads is accessible by road via Puerto Rico Highway 3, which connects the city to other parts of the island. The city is also served by the José Aponte de la Torre Airport, which is located on the former naval station grounds. Public transportation in the area includes buses and taxis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Roosevelt Roads hosts several local events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the city’s culture and history. One notable event is the annual Ceiba Flower Festival, which is a major attraction for both locals and tourists. The city is also known for its fishing activities, with several fishing tournaments taking place throughout the year.