📍 Location & Geography
South Berwick is a charming town located in York County, Maine, United States. It is situated on the southern border of Maine, adjacent to the state of New Hampshire. The town is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, open farmlands, and dense forests. The Salmon Falls River, which forms the boundary between Maine and New Hampshire, flows through the town, providing a picturesque backdrop and a variety of recreational opportunities.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for South Berwick are approximately 43.2362° N latitude and 70.8092° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
South Berwick is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area in southern Maine. It spans a total area of about 32.64 square miles (84.5 square kilometers), of which 32.01 square miles (82.9 square kilometers) is land and 0.63 square miles (1.6 square kilometers) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2019, the town of South Berwick has a population of approximately 7,220 people. The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with minorities including African American, Asian, Hispanic, and others. The town has a balanced age distribution with a median age of around 40 years.
🏛️ History
The area that is now South Berwick was originally inhabited by the Abenaki tribe. European settlers arrived in the 1630s, and the town was incorporated as South Berwick in 1814. The town has a rich historical legacy, with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Sarah Orne Jewett House, a historic 18th-century house and museum.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
South Berwick offers a wealth of natural beauty, with several parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas. The Vaughan Woods State Park is a popular destination, offering hiking trails through old-growth forest and along the scenic Salmon Falls River. The town is also part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.
🏫 Education
Education in South Berwick is administered by School Administrative District 35, which also serves the nearby town of Eliot. The district operates several schools, including Marshwood High School, Marshwood Middle School, and Central School. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities, including the University of Southern Maine and the University of New Hampshire.
🚧 Transportation
South Berwick is served by several major roads, including Route 4 and Route 236. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 50 miles to the north. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but residents can access regional bus service through the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST).
📜 Trivia & Events
South Berwick is known for its annual Strawberry Festival, a beloved community event that celebrates the local strawberry harvest with food, crafts, entertainment, and a parade. The town is also the birthplace of Sarah Orne Jewett, a prominent 19th-century author known for her works about New England life.